Converge
Music courses
Discover the music courses we offer.
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All our courses may be subject to change. You will be notified of these changes if necessary.
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.
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.
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.
Musical Improvisation
Course length: 8 weeks
Learning type: On campus learning
Did you know that anyone can improvise in a group? You don’t need any musical training or experience. Come and join us – we’ll be using simple instruments, as well as everyday objects that can make sound. People can also use their voices if they wish, but there will be absolutely no pressure to sing if you don’t want to! If you play an instrument and would like to bring it along, that would be great!
Over the weeks, we’ll learn to play together via listening and responding to each other. The focus will be on the experience of participation, not on the “product”. As well as playing together, we’ll think about our experiences of playing as we go along – but again, there’s no pressure to talk if you don’t want to.
We’ll think about what makes improvising in a group fun, but also about what makes it challenging. We’ll try using different aspects of music – rhythm, melody, harmony, space etc to see how they can be helpful (or not) to us as a group. In general, we’ll work out what we can do (musically and humanly) to make improvising as good an experience for everyone as possible. The sessions will be structured enough so that there’s no need to worry about what to play when, but also with enough freedom to allow for some unexpected experiences to happen.
Western Music Appreciation
Course length: 8 weeks
Learning type: On-campus learning
It's now on-campus! 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!
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
Meet the Communitas Choir
A short video about the Communitas Choir at Converge, made by Media Production Students at York St John University.
