Aural training (solfa) 1B
Time: 14:00 - 15:30
Location: Keeley Street
This course has now started
- Course Code: MG421B
- Dates: 16/01/25 - 03/04/25
- Time: 14:00 - 15:30
- Taught: Thu, Daytime
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Selena Kay
Course Code: MG421B
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is a continuation from Aural training (solfa) 1A, and focuses on improving understanding of the fundamental building blocks of music. You will improve your aural awareness, sight-reading skills, and ability to memorise and transcribe musical material such as notes in chords, melodies and rhythms.
The course is suitable for those wanting develop their own musicianship or to learn a Kodály-based approach for their teaching practice. Leads to Aural training (solfa) 1C next term.
What will we cover?
• Recognising and understanding pitch patterns in melody through the relative solfa system
• Develop knowledge and aural awareness of modes
• Transform melodic material to different tonalities
• Improve sight-reading of melodic material in different tonalities
• Develop skills in melodic and rhythmic transcription (dictation).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Feel greater confidence with aural recognition of pitch relationships in music
• Feel greater confidence with aural recognition of rhythmic relationships in music
• Sight-sing music with greater confidence
• Transcribe music with greater confidence
• Gain deeper understanding of pitch relationships in different tonalities (e.g. pentatonic, major, minor).
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is a continuation from Aural training (solfa) 1B, so you need to previous knowledge of solfa and the Kodály method. You should be able to pitch notes with your voice, have knowledge of music theory to at least ABRSM grade 3 (or equivalent), and have some experience with the relative sol-fa system.
You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English, participate in class discussions and practical activities, and take your own notes.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Classes will consist of lots of practical exercises involving group singing, movement, clapping and listening. There will be no mandatory homework, but practice of the material between classes will be very beneficial.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to bring manuscript paper, pencil and eraser. Other materials will be provided in class and via Google Classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to Aural training (solfa) 1C in the same time slot next term.
You may be interested in other Practical musicianship or Music theory courses, or one of our many singing, instrumental, ensemble or music history courses.
For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog:
Musicianship and music theory at City lit which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.
Selena began her musical career as a composer, gaining a Dutch Government scholarship to study at the Royal Conservatory, The Hague with Louis Andriessen. As a student she won numerous prizes including BBC Young Composers, resulting in a commission for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. She has wide musical interests ranging from Renaissance counterpoint and the origins of tonality to twentieth-century composition techniques and electronic music. Selena performs in an experimental electronic music duo KOGG with Cerys Hogg. They create music by sampling vocals, sound objects, and home-made instruments, combining composed and improvised material. They have performed live and are producing an album. Selena has a keen interest in music pedagogy, particularly the social and cognitive benefits of music education, and is a specialist Kodály practitioner. She is also advisor in further education for the British Kodály Academy. Selena holds BMus (Hons), MMus and PGCE degrees, has held positions at Goldsmiths and Middlesex University and currently teaches at City Lit and Morley College.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
