Class 3 - 4 students learn songs and practice recorder during their main lesson, and also have music class on Thursday afternoons.

Music Class

In the music class children practise singing and learn new songs developing simple parts and harmonies. As in the teaching of main lesson, songs can be introduced which reflect the cycle of the year and festivals, or compliment the main lesson subject. (For example; "John Barleycorn," an old English folk song, depicts traditional farming practises and so is ideal alongside farming in main lesson.)

Listening is cultivated through the experience of different tones and harmonies and the timbres of diverse instruments like voice, guitar, banjo, low whistle and harmonica. Guest performances from local musicians add diversity to the student experience.

Rhythmic skills are taught through exercises, clapping games and the use of percussion instruments for song accompaniment, and group improvisation. Exciting musical games are also played like musical whispers; a fun variation of Chinese whispers using musical melodies.

The group will work towards building up a class orchestra/band, incorporating skills learned in class and including instruments learned in private lessons.

We aim not only to impart knowledge and develop the skills and experiences necessary for music-making, but wish to inspire in the child a life -long love for music. Our teaching methods and lesson planning is undertaken with this wish in mind.

Music Teacher

Tobias Chatburn is the recipient of a first class honours degree in music from the University of Plymouth . He is a singer/ songwriter and adept of the acoustic guitar. Tobias teaches folk guitar and advanced finger style guitar privately, in workshops, university, and at Broadstairs Folk Week. He has also performed live locally and nationally for over five years, both solo and with duo ' The School of Trobar.'

Tobias composed and performed inspirational music in support of the school's theatrical presentation, The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Individual Guitar Lessons

Tobias offers guitar lessons at the school with an emphasis on developing aspects that best suit the student. The lessons encompass the foundations of finger style, classical guitar, folk guitar, American guitar traditions, Celtic finger style , chords, song writing and guitar as accompaniment for voice, exercises and meditations, right & left hand technique, alternative tunings, notation and tablature, improving musicianship, raising musical awareness, historical context and the living traditions of the guitar.

[web maker's comment: My son takes guitar lessons from Tobias. Tobias is a genius!]

Check out Tobias' band or drop him an e-mail.

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