Recording & Production Skills
Using the APGS sound recording studios, student will learn the theory and practice of recording and production. They will work in collaboration with the song writing class at times. There will be a strongly practical approach, so students will become confident with the technical aspects of a recording studio and the software in musical production
AMPA Senior Music Company:
This is an advanced PA class for the most experienced instrumentalists and vocalists, who have demonstrated an outstanding level of technical skill and motivation. The format will be based on learning within an ensemble experience which may be flexible and will vary according to the needs and strengths of current students.
Song Writing Performance & Recording Projects
Through this performance project focused class, students can hear their compositions come to life and collaborate with other students to create and perform different parts of their songs such as backing vocals and harmonies. Students may perform with backings that they have created in the digital composition class. They may also collaborate with the Recording and Sound production class in the APGS recording studio.
Instrumental Skills
This is a class for any MUSIC STUDENT to learn and practice instrumental skills – guitar, bass, drums or keyboard, or any other instrument they are learning through private tuition. The class does not incorporate vocals. No prior knowledge is required but you must be interested to learn to read chords and to develop skills on either guitar or keyboard (using a school instrument) or be taking private tuition on another instrument that you own and can practice at home.
Theory & Music Composition
Students will learn skills in contemporary composition utilizing digital technology, loops and samples to create a finalized project. Digital technology may include GarageBand, Soundtrap and various current music apps – as well as incorporating live instrumentation and vocals. The work will be done on student laptops, and they may use their own programs such as Ableton Live or Logic. Students will gain a theoretical and practical understanding of composition for today’s media and music industry. They may work on projects that include original songs, arrangements, orchestrations, soundtracks and multimedia installations.
Solo/Duo /Trio Vocal Technique and Performance Skills
Students will focus on developing vocal approaches to suit the demands of contemporary singers –as well as performance practice, stagecraft and microphone technique and preparation for performance in organising accompaniment options. Students will be required to perform as a soloist within this class. Students may also work in duos or trios, to develop vocal harmony skills.
Students will explore and perform vocal techniques associated with the unique demands of different vocal styles such as jazz vocals, and pop and rock genres such as R’n’B, soul and Country. They will explore from a vocalist’s perspective, the vocal styling and nuances of these styles and how these styles are technically approached.
Students will be required to perform individually in class, and to often come to class with a song ready for performance. They will be expected to also work towards performing in Showcases.
Music Performance Ensembles: Instrumental/Vocal
This is a performance class – for contemporary commercial music styles such as pop/rock/RnB/dance/hip hop/indie, with a focus on developing the ensemble skills used in contemporary bands comprising drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, lead vocal and backing vocals. Students will be placed into ensembles with this structure, or similar – to workshop, rehearse and prepare performances for inclusion in the 2025 Showcases.
Guitar Ensemble
Have you always wanted to learn guitar? Or do you already a guitarist and want to take your skills to a higher level in a performance ensemble? Then this class is for you This is an ensemble class for guitarists who will rehearse and perform a range of popular repertoire from two to three parts. Emphasis is placed on the development of guitar performance technique (chords and melodic work assigned to students within the ensemble depending on their previous level of skill) tab/chord/notation-reading, and ensemble performance skills. The group will perform each semester in Music Showcases.