Bodhrán for Beginners

This simple wood and goatskin drum, hit with a wooden stick, is the heartbeat of Irish music, and there’s nothing that quickens the pulse quite like the beat of the bodhrán! In this course the main rhythms of traditional music – reels and jigs – are covered, and classes move on to polkas, hornpipes, slip jigs, etc. When they’ve mastered playing ‘straight’ in these metres, they can take on contemporary playing styles which may integrate influences from rock, funk, Latin rhythms, etc. and are encouraged to find a style of their own.
Maximum class size: 10

Guitar for Beginners

One of our teachers will be assigned to your company for a brief residency (generally ten weeks long, but shorter or longer residencies are possible). He/she will teach weekly one-hour classes which usually take place during business hours (at lunchtime, for example) but can also take place after work. The residency can, if desired, culminate in a performance for other company employees. Residencies can be one-off, they can continue for another period, or you can opt for a different instrument or subject for your next residency.
Maximum class size: 10

Singing for Beginners

This popular course is designed to take some of the mystery out of singing, improve your confidence in singing before an audience and introduce you to the fundamentals of voice training. You’ll observe and participate in basic singing tuition, learn how to choose songs that suit you and your voice, and begin to explore the technical side of singing, discovering the application and use of Focus and Support. But most of all you will learn – in a relaxed and supportive environment – to get up in front of others and sing!
Maximum class size: 10

Violin for Beginners

Let’s start by getting rid of the myth: if you want to play the violin you don’t have to start at an early age. True, if you want to be the next Maxim Vengerov, Anne-Sophie Mutter or Nigel Kennedy it helps if you begin quite young, but at the New School we believe that students at any age can learn to play this magnificent instrument – and play it well. This course is designed especially for the adult beginner and classes, though relaxed and enjoyable, are designed to build skills methodically and thoroughly.
Maximum class size: 10

Samba

Want to have fun, pound the drums, and move to the beat? Samba is a highly energetic and rhythmic musical style, renowned from the Carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro. This dynamic course introduces samba’s Afro-Brazilian rhythms through drumming in a group setting. You will develop your musical skills and learn specific rhythmic patterns, techniques, songs, and calls and responses. You will learn to perform on a variety of percussion instruments. But most of all you will learn to work as a team to weave an irresistible tapestry of sound.
Maximum class size: 20

Company Choir

A perfect opportunity to bring employees together to literally ‘sing from the same hymn sheet’. A company choir will boost morale, foster teamwork and group spirit and help create a network for employees within an otherwise large workplace. The choir can work on songs and styles ranging from classical to jazz and gospel to pop. Central to all of this is learning how to sing these songs in harmony – from simple two-part harmonies to more complex material. The choir can be made up of any combination of male and female voices.
Maximum class size: 20

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