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Kids RockS C(h)ool Workshops |
Newburgh Ear Academy, 3 Clinton Street, Newburgh, KY14 6DP |
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Learn your instrument with others in a band setting.
Group music tuition. 2 – 6 children
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Learning an instrument when in the company of your friends & peers is learning on a different plane.
- Enjoyment & enthusiasm soar. This leads to powerful learning time.
- Listening skills develop, both harmonic & rhythmic.
- Opportunities for showing off to parents & friends increase.
However: Group learning poses certain challenges. Children must be of a similar ability level. If they aren't, but still want to play together, consider having a very able child learn a new instrument.
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If you want to come & join a group, please ring or email to book a place. There is a maximum of 6 places per session. |
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Harmony & Rhythm
Whatever instrument you or your child plays, harmony & rhythm are important aspects of any music making.
Keyboard & Drums make ideal tutors & tuition often involves these instruments. Both are refered to periodically though our music making. |
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A keyboards, drum kit & a couple of guitars do hang around the Newburgh Ear Academy but other instruments are not currently provided so please buy, beg or borrow one. If you're really struggling though, do contact us.
Remember that having an instrument to practice on a home, will more than double the workshops worth.
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The Music - the kids choose the tunes...
Workshops will be very fluid . They'll start with the goal of playing a convincing cover version of a favourite song or guiding them to create their own music but could involve periods of rhythm or ear exercises or guidance for all on one instrument. Keyboards (harmony) & drums (rhythm) are foundation instruments & they are referred to them a lot. Knowing a little about other instruments is very valuable.
The style of music is really up to the kids. I generally ask what they're into we'll all have a listen, either on Spotify, or from a CD or their MP3 players, which I would encourage them to bring. We generally take 1 song suggestion from each child, we play maybe half of each song before voting on which one to work on.
We'll deconstruct the music & work out the chords, the rhythm, the rifs & bass lines. The goal is to equip them to work things out themselves, guiding & giving them the necessary listening skills. |
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Philosophy on instrumentation...
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There are many unhelpful & largely imaginary barriers in music making. One of those is which instruments are supposed to go together. Though a whistle & a tuba might seem unlikely bedfellows, the philosophy of the Academy is to ‘try it anyway'. If friends play seemingly opposing instruments, they'll work very hard & be particularly patient in getting them to work together.
....a laughing matter?? The Ukulele orchestra of Great Britain.... |
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If it seems that the they can't work together in this particular ensemble, that's fine, we tried, but often everyone is surprised with what can work & there's always a chance something truly new can emerge.
Hayseed Dixie - 'Banjo eveything' to some is a bit much, but to others, you just canny get enough banjo... |
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Multi-instrumentalism... |
Sometimes it may be necessary to teach one to one for a while. Where this happens it's helpful if the others take an interest & this will be encouraged. Knowing about other instruments always helps. The same Music theory is applicable to them all yet all instruments have their unique take on this theory. Hearing the same message from many different perspectives gives a solid base for understanding.
I would also encourage every youngster to tackle at least 2 instruments. Having an interest in & understanding of other instruments is immensely valuable when playing in a band in understanding music from another angle & in understanding your band mates needs. And if the drummer's sick or the bass player's on holiday it makes a wee swap round possible. Playing the same number on a different instrument is a great eye opener. You'll suddenly realise other aspects to a song you thought you knew. And it'll impress your pals. |
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Adult presence |
I request that at least one parent is present at at least the first classes. We can assess this requirement for subsequent classes. This is for child protection & discipline issues. If it's your child's first time, it's usually best if you stay & see what happens. Understanding the angle taken at the Ear Academy can help you help your child's musical development at home. Perhaps by providing time / tools or environments....and occasionally, it inspires parents to jump into music too! In the unlikely event that your child finds things too much it's also very handy if you are there to take them away. Wi-fi is available for you multi-taskers... |
Refreshments... |
For 2 hour sessions tea & coffee facilities are always available & a 10 min break is scheduled at half way time. There is no limit to how many parents can stay to watch or how much tea or coffee you can enjoy! If there's a special refreshment your child likes, please bring it along, though orange juice is usually provided – when I remember! |
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| Undoubtedly bands will form from these groups. It's hoped that an Annual Newburgh Talent Show will soon be required attendance at the Tayside Institute |
| HOME |
3 Clinton Street
Newburgh
Fife KY14 6DP |
email: dave
mobile: 07970 744986
landline: 01337 841004 |
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