Music courses

Applied Music Theory

Course length: 6 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning 

Applied Music Theory is an inclusive course designed for anyone interested in reading music, welcoming both beginners and intermediate students.

If you are new to music theory, you will start with foundational skills, using a keyboard as a reference. If you are an intermediate student, or have completed an introductory music theory course, you will deepen your understanding of rhythm, pitch, harmony, and notation, further enhancing your sight-reading abilities with the keyboard.

No prior knowledge of music theory is needed! Paper materials will be provided to support both beginner and intermediate levels.

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. 

Continuing Songwriting

Course length: 6 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning

This course is a supportive, songwriting circle for people who have completed Introduction to Songwriting, or anyone with some experience of songwriting.

During the course we practise creative warm-ups, listen to songs and work on material for your own songs through various forms of inspiration.

There are plenty of chances to perform your own songs in front of the group, or to email your songs to the group to gain constructive feedback. It is a small group, and these fortnightly sessions are relaxed and open. It is a safe space to share ideas, discuss songs and look closely at the craft of songwriting.

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.

Introduction to Songwriting

Course length: 10 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning

On this course we aim to inspire you to write your own songs, building confidence through weekly songwriting challenges. 

The course focuses on finding different 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.

At the end of the course you will have the opportunity to record your own song to a professional standard.

Music Production

Course length: 8 weeks

Learning type: On campus learning 

Express your creativity through learning the music production skills needed to produce your own track. Your track will be based on a feeling or emotion of your choice. Your finished track will be showcased through SoundCloud for you to share with others. 

During the course you will use Logic Pro X. You will learn basic editing techniques as well as getting the chance to record your own sounds. There will be chances for group and 1 to 1 support, allowing you to connect with others as well as concentrate on your own work.

Ukulele for Beginners 2

Course length: 6 weeks 

Learning type: On campus learning

Following on from the Ukulele for Beginners course in autumn term 2024, we will be running Ukulele for Beginners 2 (snappy title, huh?). Students from the first course will be able to continue their ukulele journey, and we would be very happy to welcome new students who have enthusiasm for this small but perfectly formed instrument! A little knowledge or experience in making music (such as guitar, keyboard, or the ukulele itself) might be useful, but enthusiasm is the keyword!

We will be learning more chords, more songs, more technique and perhaps a little more about Hawai'i and uke-related things.

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