Music information

Our courses fall into five basic areas: Vocal Studies, Instrumental Studies, Music Technology, Academic Studies and Access to HE Diplomas.

Most courses are continuation courses to be taken over three terms, Autumn, Spring and Summer, starting in September and ending in June. Spring and Summer terms are not suitable for absolute beginners but you are welcome to join subject to an audition.

Auditions

Auditions are relaxed and informal and intended to make sure that the course is at the right level for you. For entry in September auditions are usually held 1 - 2 weeks before term begins. Auditions for Spring or Summer entry take place during the first session in the term and can be arranged through the Music Administrator on 020 7450 1838. Students continuing from one term to the next do not need to re-audition and can enrol without the tutor’s signature. Please contact us if you wish to audition for the Morley Opera School.

Accredited courses

We offer a range of music courses accredited by the Open College Network London Region (OCNLR) for those wishing to receive a nationally recognised qualification. There is an additional fee for OCNLR registration which varies depending on the credit value of the course (anywhere between £12 - £100).

Vocal studies

Our vocal studies courses include:

Opera - Morley Opera School auditions usually take place at the end of June and you can book a place from the beginning of May. Please contact us to book your audition on 020 7450 1838.
Solo Singing - These courses are divided by level ranging from Level 1 for absolute beginners to Level 6 for experienced singers who can read music fluently and may be embarking on a professional career. Courses on offer include Voice Training (Level 1), Solo Singing (Levels 1, 2, and 3), Singers' Studio (Levels 4, 5 and 6) and Singers' Masterclass (Level 6).
Choirs and ensembles - We have many choirs of varying sizes to suit all levels and interests, including Singing at Lunchtime, Can't Sing' Choirs (1 and 2), Morley Choral Society, Meridian Choir, Morley College Choir and Morley Chamber Choir
Pop, jazz and gospel - Courses on offer include Jazz Choir, Morley Gospel Choir, ‘Can’t Sing’ Choir (Pop), Jazz Singing Pop Singing, Let's Sing A Musical and Singing Solo Gospel

Instrumental studies

We offer classes in the following instruments, from beginner level to intermediate or advanced.

Piano: Classical, Jazz, Latin, Blues. Includes advanced masterclasses in classical piano.
Early Music: Harpsichord, Recorder
Guitar: Acoustic, Electric, Bass, Classical
Winds: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello
Other: Accordion, Harmonica, Drum Kit, Ukelele
Short courses including African Drumming, Wind Instrument Maintenance, Harpsichord Tuning and Maintenance, Guitar for Primary School Teachers

We also have a wide range of ensembles for those wishing to gain ensemble experience. With the exception of pianos and drum kits, students will need to provide their own instruments. Please contact us if you would like any advice or guidance on purchasing an instrument

Academic studies

Our academic studies courses are aimed at expanding your knowledge, understanding and appreciation of music, and supporting you in your vocal, instrumental or music technology studies. Subjects covered include:

Composition and song-writing
Orchestration and orchestral conducting
Music reading & sight singing, aural training & music dictation
Musicianship (beginner to advanced levels), Theory for ABRSM Grade 5
Jazz harmony and ear-training
Theory for pop music
Music in Time: detailed historical studies of music from Medieval to Contemporary
East & West: study of music from around the world
History of Jazz
Form & analysis

In addition, we offer a number of short courses including introductions to music reading, song writing and the Alexander Technique; Essential Opera Guides (related to ENO repertoire) and Essential Orchestra Guides (related to Southbank Centre repertoire). During 2011-12 we will also be studying the following composers: Cornelius Cardew, Tomas Luis de Victoria, Percy Grainger, Samuel Coleridge Taylor and William Vincent Wallace.

Music technology

We provide a comprehensive range of music technology courses at a number of different levels to suit your ambitions. Courses range from short workshops to 12 month programmes and include music production, sound recording and audio engineering, mixing and mastering, DJ and dance music production and composition. We also offer a Marketing Yourself and Your Music course.

Our recently refurbished recording studio offers the latest in sound recording technology and optimum acoustic environment for recording and mixing. We provide training in a number of cutting-edge software programs including Cubase, Logic Pro 9, Reason, Pure Data and Supercollider, Pro Tools and Sibelius.

Access to HE diplomas

The Music Department offers two Access to HE Diplomas (Music and Music Technology) as well as a NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Progression, or ‘Pre-Access’ course. The Access to HE Diploma is a one year practical and academic course aimed at those students who want to gain a place at a music college or university. We have been successful in helping students secure places at the Royal College of Music, Goldsmiths, Trinity, Middlesex, City University and others.

For further information about Pre-Access and Access to HE Diplomas please visit out Access to Higher Education section.

Learning support

If you have a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a disability that might affect your learning or a mental health difficulty and would like to discuss how we may be able to help, please contact our Learning Support team.

Advice and Guidance

The Music department holds drop-in sessions for advice and guidance every Friday from 2.30 - 4.30pm during term time.

There will also be College-wide Enrolment & Advice Open Days on 3 July and 3 September. Visit our Course Advice & Guidance page for details.

Alternatively, you can contact us on 020 7450 1838 or email us at music@morleycollege.ac.uk to arrange an appointment with a member of staff.