Songwriting Course with Joanna Mountry

This course is an introduction to songwriting through listening, writing and creating popular music. Students will learn how to use the elements of music and musicianship skills to develop their songwriting practices. Hands-on keyboard, ear training, scales, intervals and pitch/chord identification will also be taught as songwriting tools. Students are encouraged to explore their own unique voice and express themselves through their music writing. Students at any stage of learning a musical instrument can participate. Proficiency in note-reading is not required.

By the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to perform their original songs.

• Dates: 10 classes, dates TBD
• Times: TBD
• Cost: $450
• Ages: 11-13 or 14-17

Contact beckettschool@wlu.ca to register.

Advanced Rudiments, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Levels 1–8

This full year program is a complete overview in Elementary Music Rudiments and is recommended for students working on intermediate to advanced level practical exams. Students do not need to complete a prior theory program as the class will review beginner level material including basic notation and will progress to advanced levels of understanding. The class will cover scales, intervals, triads and chords, simple/compound/hybrid time signatures, cadences, transposition, melody and phrase composition, four-part scores and will include a history and guided listening component. This course will prepare students for the Level 8 RCM Theory curriculum.

This course includes 30 one-hour weekly classes from September to May. Students will be expected to complete homework assignments which should take approximately 1-2 hours per week.

• Dates: Sept. 30 to Dec. 16, 2021 and Jan. 6 to May 12, 2022
• Time: Thursdays at 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tuition: $850 (cost includes course workbook)

To register, email beckettschool@wlu.ca. 

Advanced Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Theory Classes, Level 5+

Each class level will cover the corresponding RCM Celebrate Theory workbook in preparation for each exam level.

To register, students must complete the Beginner Level Prep Class (for the Level 5 Class), the previous RCM Level course or an equivalency test (which can be provided prior to enrolment).

• Class schedule: Sept. 30 to Dec. 16, 2021.  Each grade level will include one-hour weekly classes for a total of 12 classes.   
• Time: Thursdays at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: $295, min. three students (cost includes workbook) or semi-private rate $365 for two students per class.

To register, email beckettschool@wlu.ca.

A Community Consort with Daniel Cabena

This adult early music group maintains a shared and supportive space where the joy of the novice guides us into the Renaissance crafts of singing, recorder, and viola da gamba playing. (There’s room for other instruments, too, like sackbut, organ, and plucked strings!). The class will conclude with a performance on November 27th at 2:00pm. 

• Class schedule: Sept. 28 to Nov. 23, 2021
• Time: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: $180

To register, email beckettschool@wlu.ca. For more information, email dcabena@wlu.ca. 

Chamber Ensemble Group 

Back by popular demand! Led by Danielle Beck, this small ensemble is open to teens and adults. Collaborate with peers and other musicians and experience the joy of collaborative music! Musical selections learned could be anything from Bach to Bowie. All instruments welcome. The class will conclude with a performance on November 27th at 2:00pm. 

Teen ensemble (ages 12-17): 

• Class schedule: Sept. 28 to Nov. 23, 2021
• Time: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
• Cost: $180

Adult ensemble:

• Class schedule: Sept. 28 to Nov. 23, 2021
• Time: Thursdays at 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
• Cost: $180

To register, email beckettschool@wlu.ca.