Music courses

Applied Music Theory for Musicians

Course length: 8 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning 

This is an inclusive course designed for anyone interested in reading music and applying it practically. You will learn how to play rhythms and use a keyboard as a pitch reference, guided by sheet music. Paper materials will be provided.

No prior musical knowledge is required – everyone is welcome!

Communitas Choir

Course length: 12 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning

Everyone can sing. In our large community choir you sing as a part of a group in a welcoming and supportive environment. Songs are taught orally so there is no need to read music.

Choir members can develop further by:

• Song leading:  train as a song leader, learning how to lead warm ups and simple songs. 
• Soloing: learn and sing solos with the choir. 

Creative Music Making Through Spirituality

Course length: 8 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning

This course offers a hands-on experience in creating music through improvisation and soundscape creation, inspired by contemporary art music and your own interpretation of spirituality as a form of creative expression.

Spirituality is approached as an individual's musical search for meaningful values and self-expression, without being tied to any specific religion. No prior musical knowledge is required – everyone is welcome!

International Drumming

Course length: 8 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning

International Drumming will introduce beginners to the world of drumming using instruments and rhythmical music from West African and South American countries such as Ghana, Gambia, Brazil and Cuba.

No previous experience is needed as the tutor will start with the basics and help you achieve the best you can in a creative, group environment, with the aim of a short performance at the end of each term. Bang stuff and feel good about it.

Individual tuition on specific drums will also be available on request.

Protest Songs

Course length: 8 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning

Each week, you will listen to well-known protest songs and then consider how they work musically, how they respond to social and political situations, and how those situations may have changed (or not changed) since the song appeared.

As part of this course, you will be encouraged to think about how music is used to influence social change, and you'll be invited to bring in any protest songs you may have heard of. The course is open to all, and no music or songwriting experience necessary.

Songwriting

Course length: 8 weeks

Learning type: Online through Converge Connected

This course aims to inspire you to write your own songs, building confidence through weekly songwriting challenges. The course focuses on finding sources of inspiration and looking closely at songwriting techniques. We listen to music and discuss meaning, story, structure and songwriting hooks. It is a relaxed, fun course with group exercises and discussions, as well as individual 1 to 1 time to work on your songs with the tutor.

Ukulele for Beginners 

Course length: 8 weeks 

Learning type: On campus learning

Ukulele for Beginners is suitable for Converge students with little or no previous musical experience.

You will learn something of the history and culture of the ukulele, as well as how to handle and tune the instrument, and become confident in playing some simple chords and songs.

Ukulele: Intermediate Group

Course length: 8 weeks 

Learning type: On campus learning

These sessions will build on previous learning to develop new skills. We will explore more complex chord sequences (songs) and more variety of rhythms. Also, we will look at building melody lines, use of selected scales and perhaps even say 'aloha' to harmony. We will also look a little at modern Hawai'ian music and musicians.

This course is only open to Converge students who have taken part in Ukulele for Beginners.

Western Music Appreciation: Tradition and Innovation 

Course length: 8 weeks 

Learning type: Online through Converge Connected

This course invites you to embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of Western classical music to the vibrant landscape of popular music. From the timeless melodies of the medieval period to the rhythmic beats of contemporary genres like jazz and rock, this 8-week introductory course offers a broad understanding and appreciation of music's rich legacy.

You will explore the historical development, forms, and social influences that have shaped musical traditions over the centuries. The course also covers a wide range of repertoires, musical instruments, and styles. No prior musical knowledge is required – just bring an open mind to different kinds of music!

World Music Appreciation: Cultural Heritage and Global Diversity

Course length: 6 weeks

Learning type: Online through Converge Connected

In World Music Appreciation: Cultural Heritage and Global Diversity, you will embark on an enriching exploration of global musical traditions. This introductory course aims to deepen your understanding and appreciation of music's diverse functionalities and social influences across cultures.

Throughout the course, you will delve into a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, including Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and more. Through engaging with a variety of repertoires and musical instruments, you will examine how these elements reflect cultural heritage and global diversity in music.

I still struggle a lot. But I think I've definitely felt more confident in my ability to be more than a patient. I would now describe myself as a student and a member of a choir rather than a patient and a service user.
—  Converge student