Music

Next term we will be starting classes in piano, taught in the Simply Music style. Students will learn in small groups of about 4 or 5. In 2012 we are also introducing singing and guitar lessons. Register your interest if you want to take either of these classes, or if you have ideas about another music class you would like to do. You never know, we might be able to make it happen!

Beatboxing

We are also currently offering a class in Beatboxing and Elementary Electronic Beat Production. We are also hoping to offer classes in Electronic Music Production, and Synthesis in the future.

Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one’s mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, and the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments. Beatboxing today is connected with hip-hop culture, being one of “the elements”, although it is not limited to hip-hop music.

In the Beatbox class, Pete Phillips will teach students listen to, and replicate various drum beats and rhythms. Students will also learn how to play the same beats on sample pads that trigger electronic drums sounds. The class will be very practical. It will focus on the human ability to listen and reproduce sounds that forms the foundation of human speech. As humans we learn to speak first and the read and write later. This class follows this same natural pattern and will focus on speaking sounds, with out having to learn music theory or anything complex, so the class will be open to anyone including complete beginners. All that is required is a willingness to not take yourself too seriously, as you will sound very silly at first.

Pete Philips has been beatboxing for 8 years, and has performed across Perth, at street Cyphers, and in clubs as a member of acapella funk group Funkapella. He also beatboxed at various events during his time as a working musician in China. Pete is also an electronic music producer, and audio technician. He worked in Perth for 3 years as a live audio technician, and as a recording studio assistant. He has recorded two studio albums in China, recorded sound for two Indi Feature films, and has been continuing his studies of audio production and synthesis for the past 4 years.