On this course, you will join a band to learn a repertoire of jazz songs, with a view to honing your skills and working towards performing for audiences at WMC and beyond. As well as learning the tunes, you will explore how to improvise over the chord changes by learning appropriate scales and arpeggios. You will learn to play together tightly as a band and gain confidence as a performer. All instruments welcome, particularly horns.

This course will help you to develop foundational knowledge of Brazilian and Cuban percussion instruments and their cultural significance. You will obtain basic proficiency in playing key rhythms and patterns on the instruments. By performing as a group, you will achieve an understanding of ensemble playing and how to communicate effectively within a percussion ensemble & cultivate an appreciation for the diverse rhythms and musical styles of Brazil and Cuba.

This course provides an opportunity to express yourself in words that can be put to music. Explore the power of words, through genre, form, meaning, sound, rhythm, and develop your own style. Learn how to communicate images, opinions, and feelings through words, and connect with others using this powerful medium. You will create original lyrics, consider musical accompaniment, boost your confidence, be ready to perform and have lots of fun. All are welcome - there is a song in all of us.

This course will focus on basic music theory and music notation enhanced with ear-training activities. You will be learning about musical figures and rhythms, intervals, major and minor scales as well as basic harmony and chords. You will be engaged in the recognition of musical rhythms, intervals, scales and chords. You will be encouraged to engage in practical activities such as singing and clapping rhythms to also help develop your music theory skills in a practical, performative way.

This course is suitable for absolute beginners and is taught using acoustic pianos and electronic keyboards. You will learn basic piano techniques, including 5 finger patterns and chords. You will learn simple pieces and develop music reading. In order to gain the most out of the course we recommend 15 minutes of practice at least four times a week. You will also be learning how to maintain good posture and how this helps to develop your playing and performance.

This course is suitable for intermediate learners and those returning to play piano with some ability to read music. The course is taught using acoustic pianos and electric keyboards. During the course, you will be learning and demonstrating independence of your hands and fingers, showing sensitivity of touch whilst maintaining an improved posture and hand position.

If you are a musician or singer who wants to learn how to perform pop music in a group, this course is for you. You will be introduced to the knowledge and skills you need to perform in a pop group and will build your creative confidence through group rehearsal, improvisation and song writing techniques. You will develop rehearsal and performance skills and learn about the language and etiquette of performance. You will be guided in developing a practical understanding of musicianship and performance.

Reggae brings together many musical influences combining Jamaican and American genres to create a hybrid style that has a strong rhythmic foundation. WMC’s reggae band will focus on performing music from a wide variety of established artists helping you to develop a greater understanding of how rhythm, melody and harmony work together to form this unique style of music. All musicians and singers are welcome in particular, drums, percussion, bass, brass, guitar, keys and vocals.

Singing for Beginners is a fun and informal course to start exploring your singing voice. A chance to develop your musical skills whilst learning the fundamentals of a healthy vocal routine. You will be mainly singing in groups but opportunities for solo singing will be given towards the end of the course for those who wish to try.