COURSE GUIDE 2013

Yamaha Music Education

CONTENTS
Why Choose Yamaha? Course Progression Courses for Children Courses for Young & Teens Courses for Adults Exams Events & Concerts Frequently Asked Questions Yamaha Special Offers 4 6 8 15 16 20 22 24 25

YAMAhA MUSIC EDUCATION

WhY ChOOSE YAMAhA?

A WORlDWIDE NETWORk
Today, Yamaha Music Schools have developed into a large system with more than 690,000 students and instructors at 5,650 locations in the world.

BENEFITS OF lEARNING MUSIC FROM AN EARlY AGE

Research has shown that learning music from an early age strengthens childrens educational, physical and emotional development. The best way to enhance your childs learning with music is to encourage listening to and learning music throughout the childs developmental years. Yamaha believes it is best to give children appropriate guidance in accordance with the degree of their physical and mental development.

GROUP lESSONS
The Yamaha teaching method is based around learning in a group class. Group lessons have many advantages that enable children to enjoy rich musical experiences such as making friends through music, developing cooperativeness and deepening understanding of music through participation in ensembles. For this purpose, Yamaha has developed a method whereby students can listen and play in a group, learning music while enjoying it.

EXPERT TEAChERS
Our teachers are specially selected for their musical ability and communication skills and, of course, they love working with children. They take part in intensive training programs and their work is regularly monitored.

EMPhASIS ON CREATIvITY
In order to enable students to develop their creative capabilities, it is important to help them develop the ability to express themselves by thinking freely. We help them acquire and enhance sensitivity and imagination, which are both sources of creativity, through our comprehensive system of music education.

COURSE PROGRESSION

COURSE PROGRESSION

COURSE PROGRESSION
MUSIC WONDERlAND COURSE
For children aged 3

YOUNG MUSICIANS COURSE

For children aged 6 - 8

Capture the opportunity to explore music with your child through singing, movement and musical instruments.

Children are motivated by each other as they learn important musical skills including keyboard and piano performance, ensemble playing, improvisation, singing and reading of music.

JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE

For children aged 4 - 6

No matter what direction your child may take in the future, the musical skills developed in this course are a foundation they will cherish.

Junior Ensemble Course

Junior Advanced Course Advanced Musicianship Course

Junior Special Advanced Course

Junior Extension Course

JUNIOR ORIGINAl CONCERT (JOC)

Yamaha provides students who enjoy music composition with further lessons and performance opportunities to develop their skills and interest.

Junior Advanced Course

Junior Ensemble Course DRUMS / GUITAR / PIANO / vIOlIN

For children and adults
Learn to play the guitar, drums, piano or violin in a fun interactive environment using Yamahas comprehensive Popular Music Courses. Group and private lessons offered for children and adults.
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Advanced Musicianship Course

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ChIlDREN

ChIlDREN

MUSIC WONDERlAND COURSE

FOR AGES 3 - 4 YEARS
Music Wonderland is the entry point for the Yamaha program for children. The lessons are designed to educate and foster a musical ear at this key early developmental stage. Children begin to explore the keyboard through music designed especially for this age and develop foundational skills that they build on in the Junior Music Course.

JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE

FOR AGES 4 - 6 YEARS
The Junior Music Course introduces children to the fundamentals of music at an age when they can learn quickly and can absorb aural skills to the optimum. This course provides a strong musical foundation which is valuable for further piano or instrumental study. At the end of this course students will sit a Fundamental Skills Survey test which provides an assessment covering all areas of their musical development.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

To express music together with a parent in class Singing, movement and keyboard playing To listen for changes in musical elements Keyboard orientation

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

Keyboard performance skills Singing, solfege and aural skills Fundamentals of music including pitch, rhythm and orchestral awareness Musical expression and creativity Self-discipline and social skills 1 hour 2 years 8 - 10 students

45 minutes 6 months - 1 year 8 - 10 students

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

ChIlDREN

ChIlDREN

YOUNG MUSICIANS COURSE

FOR AGES 6 - 8 YEARS
The Young Musicians course is an ideal way for children to learn important musical skills in a dynamic, group environment. Children will learn how to perform on keyboard/piano as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble. By the end of the course, children are eligible to sit their Yamaha Grade 9 exam. They will have learnt musical skills that enable them to play in a variety of keys and styles. They will have the ability to learn music using both aural and reading skills.

JUNIOR EXTENSION COURSE

FOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE
The Junior Extension Course fosters students musical abilities through the development of their aural and reading skills. By the end of the course, children are eligible to sit their Yamaha Grade 9 exam.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

Piano accompaniment and arrangement techniques Singing, solfege and aural skills Music theory, reading and writing music Musical expression and creativity Group Interaction through performance and peer feedback 1 hour 3 years 8 - 10 students

How to perform on keyboard/piano as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble Piano accompaniment and arrangement techniques Singing, solfege and aural skills Music theory, reading and writing music Musical expression Scales and technical work Fundamentals of composition through imaginative creativity activities 1 hour 2 years 5 - 10 students

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

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ChIlDREN

ChIlDREN

JUNIOR SPECIAl ADvANCED COURSE

FOR SElECTED JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE GRADUATES (ChOSEN BY AUDITION)
The Junior Special Advanced Course (JSAC) is a four-year program designed for graduates of the Junior Music Course who have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in advanced music learning. The aim of the course is to develop creativity and musical expression through performance and composition.

JUNIOR ADvANCED COURSE

FOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR EXTENSION & YOUNG MUSICIANS COURSES
The Junior Advanced Course further develops musical skills students have acquired in the Junior Extension Course and the Young Musicians Course with special emphasis on keyboard performance, advanced keyboard harmony, arrangement and creativity.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

Advanced keyboard harmony Improvisation and composition skills Arrangement techniques and ensemble Performance skills, both in ensemble playing and through solo performance opportunities Yamaha Grade 6 Exam at the end of the course 1 hour weekly group and 30 minute weekly private tuition / lesson 4 years 4 - 8 students

Deeper knowledge of musical expression and musical analysis through solfege singing, ensemble and group discussion How to arrange a given melody with suitable harmony, accompaniment style and the understanding of how to arrange music for different instruments Performance skills, both in ensemble and through solo performance opportunities Yamaha Grade 7 Piano Exam at the end of second year 1 hour weekly group and 30 minute weekly private tuition / lesson 2 years 5 - 10 students

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

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lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

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ChIlDREN

ChIlDREN

JUNIOR ENSEMBlE COURSE

FOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR EXTENSION & YOUNG MUSICIANS COURSES
Junior Ensemble Course further develops the musical skills and allows students to continue group classes at an advanced level enabling them to be motivated by performing, creating and discussing music together.

ADvANCED MUSICIANShIP COURSE

FOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR ADvANCED COURSE
The Advanced Musicianship Course builds on the musical skills and interests developed during the Junior Advanced Course. In addition to the set curriculum, classes may choose to pursue a deeper focus on specific areas of music including theory/musicianship, composition, music history and more.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

Deeper knowledge of musical expression and musical analysis through solfege singing, ensemble and group discussion How to arrange a given melody with suitable harmony, accompaniment style and the understanding of how to arrange music for different instruments Performance skills, both in ensemble and through solo performance opportunities Yamaha Grade 8 Piano exam at the end of second year 1 hour weekly group lesson 2 years 5 - 10 students

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN

Deeper knowledge and analysis of music through solfege singing, ensemble and group discussion Extended techniques in harmonisation and arrangement Improvisation and composition Performance skills, both in ensemble and through solo performance opportunities Further study in a chosen focus area (this may include theory/ musicianship, contemporary music, music history, etc.) 1 hour weekly group lesson 30 minute weekly 2 years (flexible) 6 - 10 students

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

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YOUNG & TEEN

ADUlT

POPUlAR MUSIC COURSES

YOUNG: 8 12 YEARS & TEENS: 13 - 18 YEARS GUITAR COURSE
In our guitar course students learn classic rock songs with fantastic backing tracks. The emphasis is on learning chords, melody lines, picking, strum styles and riffs.

kEYBOARD COURSE
ADUlT: 18+YEARS
The adult keyboard course is perfect for older beginners or people who want to pick up where they may have left off many years ago. This course explores basic keyboard playing in a fun group environment. Experience a variety of repertoire styles each lesson selected from pop, jazz and the classics.

DRUM COURSE
Right from the start, students feel they are playing with a band in this course. Techniques taught include stick control, footwork, rhythm and drum notation.

ADUlTS WIll lEARN

vIOlIN COURSE
In the Yamaha Violin course, the emphasis is on musical sound and the development of musical sensitivity. Students are introduced to the beauty of sound, intonation and music notation.

Etudes (exercises and finger warm ups) Keyboard Repertoire enables the student to experience the joy of musical expression through playing solo pieces on the keyboard Music Theory (Music Dictionary) Use of Keyboard Functions such as voice selection, finger chords, pitch bend and modulation and keyboard percussion Music Appreciation - share your favourite music with the class and under the experienced guidance of your teacher 1 hour 8 week modules - up to 2 years 4 - 8 students

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

1 hour weekly group lesson 30 minute or 1 hour individual Up to 2 years 4 - 6 students

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

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ADUlT

PRIvATE lESSONS

POPUlAR MUSIC COURSES

ADUlT: 18+YEARS GUITAR COURSE
In our guitar course students learn classic rock songs with fantastic backing tracks. The emphasis is on learning chords, melody lines, picking, strum styles and riffs.

PRIvATE lESSONS
All AGES
Yamaha offers individual tuition for children and adults of all ages in piano, guitar, drums and violin. Private lessons are sometimes required as an extra component to our more advanced courses to assist in the learning and progression of students. In other instances a group class may not suit you or your childs needs. We are always happy to assess whether group or private lessons are the best option and aim to find the most suitable teacher for you. 30 minutes 45 minutes 1 hour As required

DRUM COURSE
Right from the start, students feel they are playing with a band in this course. Techniques taught include stick control, footwork, rhythm and drum notation.

PIANO COURSE
We offer individual piano lessons for adults.

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh

lESSON lENGTh COURSE lENGTh GROUP SIzE

1 hour weekly group lesson 30 minute or 1 hour individual 8 week modules - up to 2 years 4 - 6 students

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EXAMS

EXAMS

YAMAhA GRADE EXAMS

Yamaha Music Education curriculum offers an integrated examination system that provides periodic assessments for each course and reflects the broad range of musical skills studied by students in class. At entry level (Junior Music Course) students undertake a Fundamental Skills Survey, where the parent and student receive written and oral feedback from the class teacher and a qualified Yamaha examiner about the skills acquired during the two years of lessons. Subjects include Lyric Singing, Melody and Chord Hearing, Repertoire, Creativity and Reading. Fundamental Skills Survey is the first assessment of the Yamaha Grade Examination System, internationally recognised as providing a rigorous and encouraging test format, where a students ability to accompany and improvise, based on advanced hearing skills, is given equal weight to technique, repertoire and sight reading. Each Grade level can be accomplished independently, but the skills acquired within group lessons mean that at the end of each course a Yamaha Grade exam is achievable. So Junior Extension classes graduate after undertaking a Yamaha Grade 9 examination, Junior Advanced year 1 = Grade 8, Junior Advanced Course year 2 = Grade 7 and so on.

Course
Junior Music Junior Extension Junior Extension Junior Ensemble Junior Advanced Junior Advanced

Years
2 1 2 2 1 2

Yamaha Assessment #
Fundamental Skills Survey Grade 10 Grade 9 Grade 8 Grade 8 Grade 7

AMEB Equivalent*
N/A Preliminary Preliminary Grade 1 Grade 2/3 Grade 2/3 Grade 3/4

# Yamaha exams start at level 13 and progress through to grade 5,4 & 3 as the highest. * An approximation only, as the focus is different to that of the Australian AMEB exams; Yamaha exams specifically support the skills developed in the group lessons.

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EvENTS & CONCERTS

EvENTS & CONCERTS

EvENTS & CONCERTS

FREE TRIAl lESSONS
The best way to understand Yamahas approach towards Music Education is to come to a Free Trial Lesson. This lesson is run in a similar way to our classes with lots of fun musical activities including singing songs, learning the musical language of solfege, listening and moving to music, plus playing the instrument. You will have the opportunity to talk with our teachers about your childs needs and see the benefits for your child to learn music in a group class. Free Trial Lessons are conducted throughout the year at a range of different locations. Bookings are essential as places fill quickly.

SChOOl CONCERTS
All classes participate in our annual school concert, where audiences see a wide variety of course levels performed and children learn valuable performance skills and self-confidence. Concerts provide an exciting milestone for the children as well as an opportunity to hear older soloists perform.

SOlO FESTIvAlS
Regular solo festivals are held regularly throughout the year giving performing opportunities for students from class or private lessons.

JUNIOR ORIGINAl CONCERT (JOC)

Encouraging original composition is one of the unique elements of the Yamaha Music Education System. Regular JOC activities are held at class, local and national levels. Each year there is also the opportunity for students to represent Australia in regional Asian Pacific Junior Original Concert (APJOC) or International Junior Original Concert (IJOC) events.

WORkShOPS
We hold regular Holiday Workshops for our Popular Music Courses. These include guitar and drum sessions where children can come and try both instruments in one session. The Workshops are free and are a fun way to spend some time over the holidays. Parents are not required to attend but are welcome to join in at the end of the class to see their child perform and meet the teachers. Visit our website to find out more about upcoming Workshops and Events.

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YAMAhA MUSIC EDUCATION

FAQs
What age can my child start at Yamaha? Yamaha Music Education has age guidelines to ensure children begin our courses at the most appropriate time educationally and developmentally. Our experience has shown that when children enter too early they can experience difficulty further into the course, as the skills they require are not as strong. Children can start our courses from age 3. Do I have to purchase a keyboard when my child begins a Junior Music or Young Musicians Course at Yamaha? What kind of instrument should I buy? Yes, you need to have an instrument at home. It can be any type of Yamaha keyboard instrument as long as it has sufficient key range (61 keys or more); it must have standard-size keys and be in good-working condition. It is ideal to provide the child with a good instrument as early as possible. Yamaha has a great range of keyboards available for students. Please avail of our discounts on the opposite page to purchase your Yamaha instrument. What instrument will my child learn to play in Junior Music? In the Junior Music Course (JMC), the emphasis is on music fundamentals instead of on the acquisition of technical mastery of any instrument. JMC uses electronic keyboards. However, students develop basic keyboard skills which can be transferred to the piano. Through a variety of musical subjects taught in class, the elements learned can be applied to the study of any musical instrument or voice. What about learning other instruments? At Yamaha we feel that the keyboard is the most appropriate instrument to begin on as it requires coordination from both hands, and students learn to read both treble and bass clefs. We have found that after learning on a keyboard picking up another instrument is much easier. We offer other courses in guitar, drums, piano and violin for older children and adults. What if my child is faster or slower than the others in class? As children are involved in a variety of activities in the lesson, it is possible that each child may develop some skills faster than others. While one child may sing well, another may have good rhythmic sense. Instructors have been trained to deal with the individual differences of children in a group lesson, and can facilitate childrens development in learning from one anothers strengths. This is one of the many benefits from learning in a group class. How long is a semester and what are the term dates? Yamaha follows the school year in each state. Semester One is January to June/ July (Terms 1 and 2) and Semester Two is July to December (Terms 3 and 4).
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PRESENT THIS VOUCHER INSTORE TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT

PRESENT THIS VOUCHER INSTORE TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT

Dicksons Music Complex Shop 6, 3-9 Spring St Chatswood NSW 2067 Telephone: 1800 622 376 www.dicksonsmusic.com.au

PDX-11

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Pats Music 940 - 944 Centre Road, Oakleigh South VIC 3167 Telephone: (03) 9563 8711 www.patsmusic.com.au

Prestige Pianos & Organs 102 Bell St, Preston VIC 3072 Telephone: (03) 9480 6777 www.prestigepianos.com.au

Sound Centre 85 Broun Avenue Morley WA 6062 Telephone: (08) 9370 1185 www.soundcentre.com.au
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CONTACT
Yamaha Music Education level 1, 99 Queensbridge Street Southbank vIC. 3006 Australia P.O. Box 268 South Melbourne vIC. 3205 Australia T. 1300 139 506 F. 03 9693 5256 ymec_aust@gmx.yamaha.com yamahamusicschool.com.au