Music Master Course

BIOGRAPHY

The Principal, Stephen Uttley, is a classically trained musician. Primarily a keyboard specialist, he has taught both children and adults in both private and state educational establishments and is also on the examining board of the Victoria College of Music, London, England.

Stephen’s wide range and appreciation of music has evolved from working with bands and cabaret, playing popular music and jazz; directing and conducting brass bands and arranging and conducting classical and choral concerts. He has conducted Youth Orchestras and been engaged as musical director of Amateur Operatic productions and musicals.

With a total of some 30 years experience in tuition and performance, Stephen is able to offer not only the traditional grounding in this modern form of music making, but also tips and expert guidance which can only come from his extensive practical application and success in the music world.

COURSE OVERVIEW

To enable people of different abilities to become accomplished on the electronic keyboard. The courses follow a progressive pattern and students are strongly recommended to use this to good effect by commencing with the Introductory Course.
Each course builds upon the skills and knowledge previously attained, with reinforcement and reward for skills and musicality gained.

The essence of the course is on correct classical training but with a modern and enjoyable approach. Music contained within each Unit will be broad in nature; covering many styles. Learning is self-paced in the student’s own environment but there will be the opportunity to take part in optional workshops in Cornwall, with face to face tuition and group participation.

Feedback is an essential element in learning, and this will be provided through tutor marked assessments with theory and practical implementation, as well as self-assessment opportunities to monitor progress. Help and support will also be available via phone or e-mail.

For those wishing to acquire formal qualifications, there is the opportunity to register with private personal tutors in your area for further courses of study which follow the examination syllabus of The Victoria Music College, leading to nationally recognised awards.

AFFILIATIONS & AWARDS

Certificate awarded upon successful completion of the Introductory Course.

Opportunity for external examinations with the Victoria College of Music, London.

AIMS

The most important goals are those of playing well, having confidence and most of all, a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment.

There are more tangible goals for those seeking academic success through the examination system offered by Victoria College, London.

Whilst by no means compulsory, graded examinations do give that sense of achievement upon gaining nationally recognised certificates and qualifications.

Printable Transcript

On completion of this course you may print a transcript off as evidence of your progression throughout the course.

This course is an online course. With online study you have access to your entire course from the start of your studies. You can access your course materials, and submit all of your question papers to your personal tutor, online from anywhere in the World using your unique student account.

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 140 hrs.

APPROACH TO LEARNING & TEACHING METHODS

The Distance Learning Units are written to enable complete beginners to achieve success. The Units comprise clearly written and illustrated texts and are backed up by sound files which give immediate feedback and enable the student to assess his/her own progress.

Each student is appointed a personal tutor who will mark assignments, give support, advice and assessment of written and performed music, and who can be contacted by e-mail, telephone (6 till 8pm) or letter if any problems are experienced.

Administrative queries will be dealt with by the office during weekdays between 1.00pm and 5.00 pm. Answerphone available outside above hours.

Everything is provided for an enabling, self-paced mode of learning which will give the student the opportunity to acquire skills that will bring long lasting fulfilment and enjoyment.

As students progress, optional examinations are available and again, full support and advice will be given to students undertaking the advanced courses.

Some students may enjoy the opportunity for face to face tuition and playing together with other keyboard enthusiasts. This will be available through optional workshops arranged at various intervals throughout the year.

The School also plans to offer Musical Vacations that will incorporate music workshops in a delightful holiday setting on the Cornish coast.

OPTIONAL EXAMINATIONS

Graded examinations may be taken through the Victoria College, London, arranged at local venues. Details will be sent out separately upon request together with scale of fees.

CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT

In the interests of updating courses, the School reserves the right to update or change the prospectus, syllabus or course materials as and when deemed necessary, without prior consultation. Copyright exists on all materials issued by the School and may not be reproduced without written consent, nor used by anyone other than the current student.

Please note that if no work is submitted within any period of twelve months, your membership will lapse and reinstatement will be necessary. This may incur a re-registration fee.

CANCELLATION TERMS

Students’ contracts with the School involve a two-way commitment. We, at the School will endeavour to provide a high level of tuition and support and expect our students to work with us while maintaining the agreed schedule of deferred payments (in those cases where fees are not paid in full at the commencement of study). This means that while we are sympathetic to any student having to postpone or abandon their studies, such a student cannot expect financial obligations to the School to be cancelled. However, students are only committed at any point in time to the Course for which they have enrolled and have no obligations to take on further courses.

Please note that neither deposits nor fees are refundable once a student’s application has been accepted and registered with the School.

Below you will find a list of courses that previous students have taken to complement their course. We hope that this list will give you some idea of the types of progression courses we offer, or alternative course options that may be of interest to you.

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To help you broaden your skills, update your expertise in a particular field or get a competitive edge on that job you're after, we have also included all the resources below absolutely FREE for you to use when you register for your course! Click title below for more details.