Advanced Aural Skills for Ages 16-18
This course gives you the tools to listen like a pro and think like a composer; it’s a great way to build confidence, connect with other passionate young musicians and prepare for your next musical step.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Mon 20 – Fri 24 July 2026
- Course times:
- 10am–4pm, BST (UTC+1)
- Age:
- 16–18
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £490
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- Online
- Venue:
- Online
- When:
- Online Short Courses | Summer Schools (July–August)
Course info
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 1 December. Join our mailing list before Friday 28 November to receive priority booking.
Ages 16–18
Course Dates & Times
Monday 20 – Friday 24 July 2026
10am–4pm, BST (UTC+1)
About Advanced Aural Skills for Ages 16-18
Whether you're preparing for exams, auditions, or just want to push your music skills further, this course gives you the tools to listen like a pro and think like a composer. It’s a great way to build confidence, connect with other passionate young musicians and prepare for your next musical step.
Who is the course for?
- Musicians aged 16–18
- We welcome singers, instrumentalists or composers working at Grade 5 level and above and want to sharpen their listening, theory and memorisation skills. Perfect for those preparing for Grade 8 ABRSM or Trinity exams, music A-levels or specialist music programmes.
What can I expect?
Over five days, you’ll train your ear and musical brain to tackle advanced aural challenges with confidence. Expect interactive sessions, practical exercises and expert guidance on your melody, harmony and rhythm.
Melody
- Copying longer melodic phrases vocally and instrumentally
- Singing/playing upper and lower parts of two-part phrases
- Interval recognition (including compound intervals)
- Advanced sight-singing
Harmony
- Cadence revision
- Detailed chord naming
- Tonality and chromaticism (whole-tone, serialism)
- Modulation (with practical work)
Rhythm
- Time signature and pulse recognition
- Advanced rhythm work and sight clapping
The course will also cover:
- Mistake spotting (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, articulation)
- Style and historical period recognition
- Form and character (e.g. fugue, chorale, elegy)
- Understanding musical structure
- Practical theory for advanced musicianship
Do I need anything for the course?
- Your instrument/voice
- Manuscript paper
- Pencil
Public booking opens at 11am, Monday 1 December. Join our mailing list before Friday 28 November to receive priority booking.
Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for Participation Bursaries is 28 April 2025.
Course Fee
£490
Eligibility
- For everyone aged 16-18
- ABRSM Grade 5 instrument and theory (or equivalent level) recommended
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
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.
Find the Short Course that's perfect for you
Explore our Short Courses & Summer Schools
