Advanced Aural Skills (Ages 11-17)

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged.
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Sunday 30 June 2024 or when the course reaches full capacity.
• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2024.
• For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Ages 11–17

Course Dates & Times

Monday 22 – Friday 26 July 2024
10am–4pm, BST (UTC+1)

About Advanced Aural Skills

This five-day online music course will help develop your existing aural skills to the level required for ABRSM and Trinity Grade 8 and above.

Who is the course for?

Singers, musicians and/or composers aged 11 to 17 wanting to refine aural skills at a post-grade 5 level.

What can I expect?

You will be taught listening and memorising skills up to the level required for ABRSM and Trinity Grade 8 and above for the following topics:

• Melody:
  • copying longer melodic phrases vocally and instrumentally
  • singing and playing upper/lower melodies of a two-part phrase
  • interval recognition, including compound intervals
  • advanced sight-singing
• Harmony:
  • revision of cadences
  • detailed chord-naming
  • tonality, including chromaticism, whole-tone, serialism
  • modulation (including practical work)
• Rhythm:
  • recognising time-signatures, musical pulse
  • advanced rhythm and sight clapping

In addition to the topics listed above, the course will also cover:

• Practical working knowledge of advanced theory
• Mistake spotting: pitch, rhythm, dynamics, articulation, speed
• Style and historical period recognition
• Recognising character and form of music (dance, chorale, elegy, fugue etc.)
• Understanding of structure within form

Do I need anything for the course?

• Your instrument/voice
• Manuscript paper
• Pencil

Course Fee

£450

Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for participation bursaries is 29 April 2024.

Book Now

• Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged.
• Bookings will close at 5pm on Sunday 30 June 2024 or when the course reaches full capacity.
• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2024.
• For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Eligibility

• For everyone aged 11–17
• ABRSM Grade 5 instrument and theory (or equivalent level) recommended.
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands.

Online Short Courses Requirements

All sessions will take place online using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you in advance of the course start date with further instructions.

To participate in online classes you will need the following:

• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A laptop/tablet/desktop computer with a microphone and camera (most have these included)
• Speakers/headphones (the speakers in your laptop/tablet/computer should be sufficient)
• A fully updated web browser able to use the most up to date version of Zoom, or a fully updated Zoom client

If you have any questions regarding joining one of our online courses, please contact us.

About the Course Tutor

This course is taught by Shelagh Sutherland.

Shelagh is a freelance pianist who has been teaching piano, violin, singing and Alexander Technique since 1972. She has been teaching the aural course at Guildhall School since 1990, which she was instrumental in designing.