Our in-school group instrumental lessons consist of weekly 1hr lessons during school terms. The classes are split into four groups that mix ages and skill levels. Each group takes part in a single activity rotating through all the activities every lesson. Each of the four activities are:
1. Games: This portion of the lesson involves using games adapted for musical learning to teach music theory concepts and instrument-specific execution. This includes concepts like rhythmic values, musical symbols and note placement. Custom board games have been based on common popular games to ensure there is no additional learning curve for the children.
2. Online Practice: Students use devices to access the Little Musos website. Online they have access to play-along videos, Kahoot games and additional worksheets. Students use this time to become familiar with the site and to develop a home practise routines.
3. One-on-one: Students get one-on-one time with the class teacher. During this time their technique is checked and homework songs are tested. Advanced students are also tested for playing in Duos and small ensembles preparing them for individual performances.
4. Jam time: Performance has a large focus on our syllabus. The jam time is where all the kids work on a song together. As an ‘orchestra’ the class learns to collectively keep time, develop listening skills and begin to understand the theory and application of ‘harmonising’.
GRADING & TESTING
Students partake in a grading system similar to those in martial arts classes. Students earn physical guitar pics. Advancing through the colour grades with each competency test. Gradings happen once a student has completed the Chapter in their workbook. Each book contains two chapters. Once a student attains their ‘Black Pic’, they move onto Advanced playing techniques & improvisation. The colour grades are White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, Brown & Black.
PERFORMANCE
We want the kids to play! Church, assemblies, open & orientation days, constant performance is vital in developing confidence in themselves and their abilities. We get the kids ready to play and have them up on stage at every available opportunity.
