Appledown Music Centre - Tuition
Tuition is currently offered by mezzo soprano Gillian Gray in singing and musicianship through private individual or shared lessons, plus workshops and the RSCM 'Voice for Life' scheme. We cater primarily, but not exclusively, for adults and older teenagers. For those expressing an interest, preparation for Associated Board (ABRSM) examinations is available in singing, theory and musicianship. Private lessons are conducted in a dedicated music room. Musicianship is taught as a part of the singing discipline with aural training for exams being availalbe to both singers and insturmentalists.
Singing is a life skill that can be enjoyed by everyone at one level or another and helping individuals to find theiir own voice is a passion.
Gillian has been teaching for many years both privately, in workshops and for various education bodies. The ongoing development of the Appledown Centre is derived from this experience.
Gillian is also a Fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), being a member of the Private Teachers Section; tuition fees are based on the ISM survey of fees.
CURRENT FEES and TERM DATES
- Individual Tuition - £37 per person per hour
- Shared Tuition - £49 per 2 people per hour
- Group Tuition - £56 per 3-4 people per hour
- Group Tuition - £74 per 5-6 people per hour
- Assessment Lesson - £37 per person per hour
Individual Tuition is also available under 1 hour pro-rata (minimum 30 mins)
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and any increase takes effect in September of each year. Fees are payable in advance by the term or in blocks of five lessons for weekly lessons. We operate our own three term year.
Spring Term 2018 : 10th January - 16th March
'Voice For Life'
The Appledwon Centre is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) and as such is 'committed to making the best use of music in the service and worship of God'.
All Appledown participants, whether interested in sacred or secular music, may join the RSCM 'Voice for Life' Scheme to work towards the Light Blue, Dark Blue, Red and Yellow Ribbons. These awards are gained through continuous assessment, completion of the relevant workbook and group activities where appropirate, (no external exams) and will be presented at suitable musical events. (The workbook for each level is charged at cost to pupils).
'Voice for Life' is a nationally recognised scheme and a real alternative to taking music exams.
Village Voices
Village Voices is a thriving group of enthusiastic voices of all abilities.
We meet in St. Michael's Church, Cheriton on Mondays from 1.30 - 2.30 p.m. during term times to have FUN singing whilst trying to sing each piece to the best standard possible!! No previous experience is necessary. The group does not perfom and has a flexible 'drop in' ethos. It is recommended that you bring a drink with you (hot on a cold day!).
Some of those who have joined Village Voices have gone on to join the Church Choir or a local choral society. Once you have taken the first step, who knows where it will lead?
Spring Term 2018: £2.00 per session. Sessions begin on Monday 8th January, and every week thereafter until Monday 12th March.
Courses and Workshops
Various singing workshops and masterclasses are arranged from time to time, places being offered first to Appledown participants. Courses are tailored to suit individual requirements and are usually of one term's (say 6 sessions) duration, fees being due in advance. If you would be interested in taking part in a course, such as the ones below please contact us. A minimum of 4 participants is all that is required.
MUSICIANSHIP FOR SINGERS - classes include Music Reading, Sight Singing, Choral Technique, Ensemble Singing Skills, Music History & interpretation at both beginner and intermediate levels.
SINGING WORKSHOPS - include Individual & Ensemble Tuition, Practical Warm-ups, Vocal Technique, Song Interpretation and Working with an Accompanist.
MASTERCLASSES with ALISON PEARCE International Soprano Soloist and vocal Professor of the Royal Academy of Music. A Mastserclass is held from time to time, usually in November. For details of the next Masterclass go to Performers.
St Michael's Church Choir, Cheriton
St. Michael's Church Choir is a robed choir whose members sing regularly at Sunday services in Cheriton. They are joined by additional singers for services such as Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday, the Carol Service and special Benefice services. Gillian Gray is currently the Church Choir Mistress, responsible for all aspects of choir training, and all private pupils are invited to join the singers for special services.
Members of the Church Choir also sing informally (i.e. unrobed) at the monthly All Age Benefice services.
St Michael's Church Training Choir meet weekly on Tuesdays 7.00 - 8.00 p.m. in the church.
St Michael's Senior Church Choir meet, in principle, on 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month 7.00 - 8.00 p.m. (or up to 9.00 p.m. if required; frequency of full rehearsals depending on timing of special services)
We use the RSCM 'Voice for Life' scheme for juniors and interested seniors.
Spring Term 2018 : Training Choir commences Tuesday 9th January, excluding 13th February, concluding Tuesday 27th March*. Senior Choir will rehearse on 9th & 23rd January, 6th & 20thFebruary, 6th, 20th & 27th March, with the Musical Devotion for Good Friday on 30th March at 7.00 p.m..
For further information about any of these groups please contact Gillian.
Booking Lessons
For private tuition we recommend an initial, no obligation Assessment Lesson (see fee above) to assess your potential and to allow you to assess the tutor. Following a successful lesson, the day, time and frequency of a series of lessons will be arranged, payment for the series being due at the first session.
The lesson timetable for each ensuing term is planned towards the end of the current term and your lesson slot in the timetable is guaranteed. Should you wish to discontinue lessons we require one terms notice of this intention (or a minimum of 5 lessons notice for weekly lessons).
Cancellations
We operate a credit system for private lessons missed through illness or where 48 hours notice is given. Similarly for any lessons cancelled by the tutor. Private lessons missed with less than 48 hours notice or no notice are forfeit.
Lesson credits are carried forward to another date that term or, where necessary, to the next term. These credits are valid for a specified period of time and must be taken by the period end date.
Music course sessions missed are non-refundable, although notice of absence is appreciated.
Registration
The tutor will explain all the above to you when you make your booking and will then ask you to sign the Music Register to confirm both your understanding and acceptance of these procedures. Please do not hestitate to contact us if you require further information.
