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Guest Lecturers specialising in the
Kodály Method

Monday 3rd July – Friday 7th July 2023 – Tenterfield, New South Wales

Director of the Cuskelly College of Music, Dr James Cuskelly OAM invites you to be part of the 2023 Winter School Music Program. Since being involved with the Australian Kodály Training Programs since their inception and President of the International Kodály Society, James is well known as a global leader in terms of the Kodály philosophy of music education.

The 2023 Winter School Brochure can be downloaded here.

The Winter Music Program is a pivotal component of our commitment to Music Education. The key characteristic of this program is the development of requisite skills and knowledge for effective teaching and learning in Music.  Tenterfield High School (89 High Street, Tenterfield, NSW 2372) will be the home base for the program, with special concerts also to be held at the School of Arts during the program.

Featuring highly experienced International and Australian music educators, courses are offered for teachers in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary classroom music specialists, and instrumental and performance courses for Primary, (years 8-13), Secondary (years 12-18) and tertiary students..

Interested members of the public are also welcome to attend our Community Access Programs which include musicianship, choir, instrumental masterclasses, song writing, theory and performance.

Assisting Dr James Cuskelly OAM, course lecturers include professional musicians, performers, songwriters and conductors from across Australia and the World!

For further information on the Winter School Music Program, please download the 2023 Winter School Brochure. Please Contact us to discuss part-time attendance, levels of participation and individualised programs.

Application for Registration for Winter School Music Program 2023

Applications are now open for 2023! Register HERE.

Course Lecturers

Videos

Testimonials from the 2023 Winter School Music Program

The Value of Choirs

There is a growing body of evidence that singing in a choir is not only good for your musicianship but also good for your health! The combination of many voices into a wholistic ensemble requires that both the conductor and the choristers possess great skill, informed understanding and a sensitivity to the text.

Testimonials from the 2019 Winter School Music Program

Instrumental Performance

Participation in Music is often sabotaged by ideas of giftedness and talent, resulting in piecemeal and disorganised thinking about music education. This preoccupation with the talented has failed to provide most students with meaningful engagement in music; what is needed is a deep understanding of processes which provide logical and measured progress from one level of skill and understanding to the next. Such a conception of music teaching and learning would mean that not only the talented but the majority can be led to a real love of Music in all its forms.

Classroom Methodology

Musicians are performers and it is important that music teaching and learning happens in an authentic manner, one which reflects the actual world of performance. However, successful performing requires much more than mere technique; a true artist demonstrates technical prowess, sophisticated aural musicianship, informed music knowledge and an expressive and sensitive connection with the music itself and with the audience.

Jazz with Peter Churchill

Jazz is a specialised genre of music requiring a sophisticated understanding of harmony and melody matched with great performing skills. Essentially improvisatory in nature, good jazz is recognisable through a personalised interpretation of musical materials. While jazz is characterised by this highly individualised and somewhat spontaneous musical expression, the underlying structures and gestures of the style are best taught and learned in an engaged and participatory fashion, led by musician-educators with great expertise and experience in the style.

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“The course was brilliant to be part of and really helped me improve my own knowledge and musicianship. I look forward to the next one!”

“It was a truly wonderful experience. Thanks again.”

“A fantastic experience I will remember for the rest of my life! Will definitely coming back again and again.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed it, gave me a lot of confidence and motivation to become a more effective and influential teacher.”

“Thank you – as always, this is a truly life-changing and amazing program and I come as often as I can. Well done! I feel proud to be a part of this community.”

“My child was actually deeply disappointed that the experience had to come to an end! He expressed that he would love to go to school like this all year round and is already eagerly anticipating next year’s Summer School!”

“My first time and already I can’t wait till the next summer school! Am resolved and inspired to give a lot of time to improving my Musicianship levels throughout this year!”

“I really enjoyed the summer school. It was full on but I learnt so much and enjoyed every minute. Thank you, will defiantly be back again next year!”