Curriculum and Structure
Most of the tuition for Sheffield Music Academy will take place on Saturdays, during term time, allowing pupils to continue with their present schooling and to enable them to continue to contribute to music in their own communities.
The structure of the Academy's tuition includes:
- individual lessons on the student's main instrument - usually this will be with the student’s existing teacher but we may be able to help with the length of lessons or find a specialist to take you forward. Many lessons take place during the week, but some do happen on a Saturday. The Academy also provides regular opportunities to work with an accompanist when required and regular lunch time concerts are an ideal platform on which to build performing skills.
- aural and musicianship group lessons in listening skills, musicianship, composition and improvisation - small group tuition (not more than 6 students) to suit your own level of ability, from beginner to diploma standard, Grade 1 to beyond A level. Musicianship classes include theory, practical skills (including score-reading and improvisation) and listening sessions, with or without scores to read choir - an aural and mental wake-up call for the day- lots of different pieces, styles and a chance to conduct too. This is the only time in the day when the whole Academy meets together.
- ensemble work, depending on the instruments or voices present - students are formed into groups (string quartets, piano trios, wind quintet etc) which stay together for about half of the year before a change is made. Some weeks, the ensemble works on its own, and for other sessions a coach will come and listen and advise. The chamber music programme aims to encourage team work, to develop high-level listening skills and to raise standards of playing by aiming to produce as good a result as is possible.
In addition to these core activities, various options are available and include:
- an introduction to world music
- composition - students have the chance to play in sessions with our New Music Group which aims to serve the needs of composers by getting their work played, as well as setting off other ideas by playing contemporary scores by other composers.
- chamber choir – at the moment this is for female voices but this could change!
- jazz – two ensembles currently exists giving students the chance to improvise, learn different styles and to perform.
- master classes and workshops
- performances including informal as well as public concerts
A personal tutor will ensure constant monitoring, support and care for students who will work to an individual learning plan drawn up between them and their tutors at the beginning of their course.
It may be possible for students to continue to study with their current teacher, if the Academy thinks that this is in their best interests.