Parents of younger learners are welcome to sit in on lessons.

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1 Bridgwater Music Centre Providing Excellent Music Tuition

2 Welcome to Bridgwater Music Centre Welcome to Bridgwater Music Centre, part of the outstanding Bridgwater College Music and Performing Arts section. The Music Centre was formed in 2001 to provide opportunities for people in Bridgwater and the surrounding areas to learn a musical instrument or improve existing musical skills. Instrumental lessons are available to all ages and the success of the Music Centre has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of teachers and students alike. At Bridgwater Music Centre we recognise that instrumental music education prepares people for life and allows them to make a meaningful contribution towards the artistic life of their community. The ability to perform on a musical instrument fosters creativity and teaches critical assessment of the world around us, as well as instilling self-discipline and confidence. Our staff includes conservatoire graduates which means they are exceptionally well qualified and experienced in delivering instrumental teaching. In recent years students at the Bridgwater Music Centre have made excellent progress, achieving outstanding results in graded music exams with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Trinity-Guildhall and LCM Rock School. We look forward to welcoming you to Bridgwater Music Centre and pride ourselves on offering excellent tuition tailored to suit your individual needs. Kathryn Stevens Bmus (Hons) Programme Manager for Bridgwater Music Centre Who is the Music Centre for? Bridgwater Music Centre provides music tuition to all members of the community wishing to learn to play a musical instrument. Tuition is on a one-to-one basis and we are happy to advise on a programme or devise something tailored to your needs. There is no upper age limit for tuition all we ask is for an interest in developing your technical and musical skills and a commitment to practise each day. Parents of younger learners are welcome to sit in on lessons. Which instruments and styles can I learn? We cater for a broad range of musical styles, from classical to jazz and rock. We provide tuition in a wide variety instruments including: Voice (singing) Piano, organ, harpsichord and keyboards Violin, viola, cello and bass Flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon Trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba Guitar (classical, acoustic and electric) and bass guitar Drums and percussion Do I need my own instrument? Yes. You will need to have access to a reliable instrument on which you can practise regularly at home. For beginners, many musical instrument dealers offer very reasonable trial/hire arrangements for the first year of tuition. We are always happy to advise on the best option or instrument for you.

3 When are the lessons? We will negotiate a time which suits both you and your teacher. Lessons usually take place during the College day, which is 9am to 4.30pm, or late afternoon starting from 4.30pm. Standard lessons are 30 minutes long, structured to include technique, music reading and repertoire. Students at advanced level can choose to take double lessons for extended tuition. How much do lessons cost? Please contact the Music Centre for up-to-date information and costs on or musiccentre@bridgwater.ac.uk. When do lessons start? You may apply for a place at the Bridgwater Music Centre at any time. Once we have received your application you can enrol with the Music Centre and your fee will cover ten sessions. Can I study for music exams? Yes Bridgwater Music Centre enters many students for graded music exams every year. We work with all the major examination boards, and our students have had outstanding success in music grades. What are the benefits of joining Bridgwater Music Centre? Your instrumental lesson is on a one-to-one basis and tailored to your needs We cater for all levels of ability, from Introductory to Advanced, including Music Performance and Teaching Diplomas All lessons are taught by specialist teachers, who are also experienced performers You will receive regular weekly feedback on your progress and targeted advice on developing your skills You will be able to take part in group and solo performance opportunities as part of the concerts and events calendar. What do I do next? To apply, please return the application form overleaf to Bridgwater Music Centre. Please note places for tuition are subject to availability and negotiating a convenient lesson time.

4 STUDENT PROFILES Matilda Gould is 12 years old and is currently at Chilton Trinity Technology College. She plays the clarinet to grade IV standard. She says, I started learning the clarinet at primary school, but that was in a group and I thought I might learn more if I had one-to-one tuition. I ve been coming to the Music Centre at Bridgwater College for a year now, and I attend every Thursday for a 30 minute lesson, but I practise most days. Fiona is my teacher and she is very patient with me; I really enjoy my lessons and I think my playing has improved a lot since I started at the Music Centre. Ian Millington and his son Laurence, aged 11 years and attending Haygrove School, are both learning the guitar. Ian explains, My guitar was a Christmas present a few years ago and initially I decided to teach myself, but I could never be sure I was doing it right! So taking lessons at the Music Centre means I can be assured I am learning properly. Chris teaches me a piece and I spend a lot of time practising it I find it a very relaxing past time. It s not about preparing for exams, but more about learning to play the music I enjoy listening to. I think that s why Laurence is doing so well in his lessons Chris is teaching him to play the sort of music that s in the charts, rather than in exam books and he is enjoying it more for that reason. Harriet Vasalli-Collard is aged 12 and is currently at Haygrove School. She plays the flute to grade III standard. She says, I was bit anxious about coming to a big College to learn music, but it s not as scary as I thought it might be and I actually feel very safe. The teacher is really friendly and I always feel welcome and looked after by everyone I meet. Sometimes it s difficult to fit everything in, as I play a lot of sport and I like all sorts of performing arts, but I love learning the flute - even when it s hard work! I d really recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their playing. Nils Williams is 15 years old and is at Chilton Trinity Technology College. He has recently started learning to play the trumpet. He says, I did have some lessons at school but started coming to the Music Centre about six months ago. I like a range of different music styles jazz, ska, reggae and my tutor Dan encourages me to explore all of these. He is amazing! He explains everything really well and I feel like I have made good progress with him teaching me. I love the freedom I now have to play with other musicians. I m joining the College full-time in September and I plan to carry on with my lessons. Patricia MacDonald is taking music and piano lessons. She explains, I have always been interested in learning to play the piano and also to read music. I took introductory lessons about 20 years ago but really wanted to learn again and the lessons fit perfectly around my job and home life. I have gained a lot of confidence and would definitely recommend the lessons to anyone who wanted to improve their playing. It really has motivated me to go further and possibly take music exams when I am ready.

5 APPLICATION FORM Surname.... Title:.... Forename Date of birth Address Preferred contact method(s): Tel (home) Tel (mobile) Signature...Date:.... Which instrument are you interested in learning? Please give details of any graded exams you have taken, any other instruments you play and your availability for lessons.... Do you have a disability or learning difficulty? For under 19s Current school/college Are you attending a programme at Bridgwater College?.... Yes / No If yes, which course? Tutor Name of parent/carer Signature of parent/carer Please return this form to: Bridgwater Music Centre, Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset. TA6 4PZ

6 Bridgwater Music Centre Bridgwater College Bath Road, Bridgwater Somerset, TA6 4PZ Music Centre: Course Enquiries: General Enquiries: