New Group Lessons: ToMA Select

You’ve been asking for it, and we’re bringing it! Our brand new group classes are starting this season at ToMA. In this update, we’re excited to share our first offering: ToMA Select, a new program for students looking to reach the next level of musicianship. Read on to learn more about this fantastic new program.

Developed by Gregory Millar, and currently open exclusively to ToMA Select students, this course provides the opportunity to develop a foundational skill set that defines a well-rounded musician. Lessons will broadly follow the Royal Conservatory curriculum (perhaps with a few bonuses and creative detours along the way.)

Theory & Musicianship

Theory and Musicianship are interconnected areas of musical study and essential complements to learning an instrument.

Music Theory develops “thinking” skills for decoding written notation, while Musicianship strengthens “listening” skills to build fluency with the sounds of musical language.

Each class will explore an element of Rhythm, Pitch, Melody, or Harmony, and include related ear training activities such as:

  • Pitch and interval recognition

  • Sight singing

  • Play-back and clap-back exercises

  • Dictation

Students will complete weekly written assignments and prepare short rhythmic or melodic excerpts for in-class performance.

By the end of the course, students can expect to have the knowledge and experience to confidently pass the RCM Theory Exam for Level 5 or 6, along with the ear training portion of the RCM Practical Exam at the same levels. More importantly, they’ll gain tools to help them finally master that tricky passage that never quite “clicks,” or make sense of that challenging piece where the notes always feel like a puzzle.

Space is limited, so contact us today to get started!

David Stone