We utilise a structured tutorial system that has a specific goal set for each course that will ensure students have an easy to follow path on their journey to learning a Celtic instrument in the pipe band idiom. Our courses are structured in a manner that can allow students to progress to playing an instrument within 9 months.
The Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band TEACHING PROGRAMME follows the “Millennium Method” tutoring system developed and compiled by Barry Gray. This allows students to progress rapidly without compromising in any way the techniques needed to become a competent player.
More information at www.sydneyschoolofpipinganddrumming.com.au
Our tutors are well experienced in teaching students of various ages having taught many people to play over many years. Some of these players have progressed to a Grade 1 level within Australia and overseas.
The Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band offers tuition for beginners through to experienced players for both adults and children over the age of 7 years who have a desire to learn an instrument in the pipe band idiom. All of our tutors have the appropriate “working with children” documentation.
The following courses are available for commencement at anytime during the year. If students are prepared to do a minimum of 20 minutes practice each day they should progress to the next level of their advancement within the duration of each course.
THESE GROUP STYLE LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR PRACTICE VENUE IN WINDSOR.
COURSE 1: 12 WEEKS: $10 per week paid in advance.
This course is designed for students who are just commencing on their playing journey or who have had a few lessons and need to consolidate the knowledge they have already gained
Course 1: Drummers Lessons are 6pm – 7:00pm Mondays
Course 2: Pipers Lessons are available between 4pm-7pm on Mondays
LEARNER PIPERS:
Will be taken through basic scale exercises, the placement of the 9 notes we use in bagpipe playing on our short staff as well as note duration. The embellishments needed to allow you to commence on your first two simple time melodies.
LEARNER SNARE DRUMMERS:p>
Will be taken through several initial rudiments as well as basic reading theory and note duration and students will commence on a “massed bands” style march.
LEARNER TENOR DRUMMERS:
Will be taken through basic swing patterns for piano parts of 2/4 and 4/4 simple time tunes as well as the “massed band” swings for these two time signatures. Basic theory of music and note duration will also be covered.
Students will need to purchase a practice chanter, drum sticks and pad or Tenor Drum Sticks. All students will be provided with written lessons or scores for material that is covered during this course free of charge. It is however advisable to bring an A4 folder with clear plastic sleeves for the storage of the written lessons you will be provided with.
COURSE 2: 12 WEEKS: $10 per week paid in advance.
This course is for pipers or drummers who have completed our Course 1 programme or can already play a couple of tunes on the practice chanter, drum pad or with Tenor Drum Sticks and need to consolidate knowledge they have already gained.
Course 2: Lessons are 6 – 7PM on ThursdayÕs for Pipers and Drummers.
LEARNER PIPERS:
Will be taken through various timing exercises, more advanced embellishments as well as more in-depth musical theory and will commence on a 4 new melodies including a compound time signature. At the conclusion of this course most people would consider advancing from a practice chanter to a set of bagpipes.
LEARNER SNARE DRUMMERS:
Will commence on two new “massed band” style scores, a slow march and a strathspey and reel as well as more in depth musical theory. At the conclusion of this course most people will have the opportunity to play on a snare drum for the first time.
LEARNER TENOR DRUMMERS:
Will be taken through a “massed bands” compound time score as well as more advanced music theory. More advanced swing patterns will also be covered during this course. A competition style March. Strathspey & Reel will be covered including the relevant musical theory and contest style swings. In addition students will be taken through basic marching and deportment required for the playing a tenor drum in a pipe band, and the maintenance, care and tuning of the instrument. During this course you will commence playing on a Tenor drum and you maybe invited to join the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band.
Students must have their own practice chanter, drum pad or with Tenor Drum Sticks and an A4 folder with clear sleeves. All students will be provided with written lessons or scores for material that is covered during this course free of charge.
COURSE 3: 10 WEEKS: $10 per week paid in advance.
This course for pipers or drummers is for players who have completed our Course 1 and Course 2 programmes or can already play several tunes on the Practice Chanter, Drum pad or with Tenor Drum Sticks and need to consolidate knowledge already gained so they can move toward being a functional band member.
LEARNER PIPERS:
Will be taken through a further 6 melodies including a Strathspey & Reel. The remainder of embellishments needed when playing with a Grade 4 pipe band. In addition students will be taken through basic marching and deportment required for the playing a bagpipe in a pipe band, and the maintenance, care and tuning of the instrument. At the conclusion of this course, you maybe invited to join the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band.
LEARNER SNARE DRUMMERS:
Will be taken through more advanced rudiments as well as a slow air, a Strathspey & Reel and a bracket of competition style marches. In addition students will be taken through basic marching and deportment needed for playing a snare drum in a pipe band and the maintenance, care and tuning of the instrument. At the conclusion of this course, you maybe invited to join the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band.
Students must have their own practice chanter, drum pad or with Tenor Drum Sticks and an A4 folder with clear sleeves. All students will be provided with written lessons or scores for material that is covered during this course free of charge.
If students would like additional lessons / one-on-one lessons instead of the group lessons offered by the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band at our practice venue in Windsor then we would ask that you contact the Sydney School of Piping & Drumming directly: pipers01@optusnet.com.au or on 0412 602 983 The Sydney School of Piping & Drumming have various tutors available to assist students with extra lessons or those interested in gaining knowledge and information on specific topics, tunes or styles. They have an hourly rate of $30 and have tutors with the facility to do lessons at Strathfield, Windsor, Colyton and St.Ives or via the internet with SKYPE.
