New Online Course! Basic Rudiments

Just wanted to let you know about a new course I'm offering beginning in January. The online format may allow students to participate from home that wouldn't otherwise be able to fit it into their schedule. This class is open to all of North America, in case you know of some student stranded in some outpost without a music theory teacher. Feel free to pass this post on to anyone you think may be interested.

Basic Rudiments Class

Covering the requirements prescribed by RCM Examinations and the National Music Certificate Program. Please note that this examination is a co-requisite for the RCM/NMCP Grade 5 practical examination.

This online class, featuring live audio/video interaction, will run from January 16 – May 7^th, 2008 with the expectation of the student registering and completing the RCM/NMCP Basic Rudiments examination on May 10. Students are welcome to participate without the intention to complete the examination, but no credit can be earned toward any certificate program without completing the examination. This class will be taught by Scott Ashby, A.R.C.T., B.Sc., M.Mus. Scott has successfully guided many students through the RCM rudiments requirements. Classes are 1 hour in duration and scheduled for Wednesdays at 8:30pm EST.

Technology Required
Computer
High-speed internet connection
Microphone/speakers(and/or optional webcam)
Access to fax machine or scanner for submitting assignments
Valid email address

Tuition per student

$295 (Canadian dollars) due January 15 payable by major credit card*

*rate is dependent on minimum enrollment of 4 students.

Textbooks Required (may be purchased through Ashby Musical Enterprises or through your local music store)

Keyboard Theory: Basic Rudiments

v by Grace Vandendool

v Published by Frederick Harris Music

v $18.95 + tax

v required beginning January 16

Basic Rudiments Official Examination Papers

v 2005 Edition

v $7.95 + tax

v required beginning April 16

Other Fees

Basic Rudiments Examination Fee

v $86 Canadian payable online to www.rcmexaminations.org prior to
March 4

or

v $74 U.S. payable online to www.nationalmusiccertificate.org prior to March 4

To register or inquire, please email lessons@ashbyme.com.

At a Solemn Music

Thanks to Dr. Kevin Bauder for pointing me to this work. Not reading Milton on a daily basis, it took me a few reads, but it's worth it!

At a Solemn Music

John Milton (1608-1674)

Blest pair of Sirens, pledges of Heaven’s joy,

Sphere-born harmonious sisters, Voice and Verse,

Wed your divine sounds, and mixed pow’r employ,

Dead things with inbreathed sense able to pierce;

And to our high-raisèd phantasy present

That undisturbed song of pure concent,

Aye sung before the sapphire-coloured throne

To Him that sits thereon,

With saintly shout, and solemn jubilee,

Where the bright Seraphim in burning row

Their loud uplifted angel-trumpets blow,

And the Cherubic host in thousand choirs

Touch their immortal harps of golden wires,

With those just Spirits that wear victorious palms,

Hymns devout and holy psalms

Singing everlastingly:

Thus we on earth with undiscording voice

May rightly answer that melodious noise;

As once we did, till disproportioned sin

Jarred against nature’s chime, and with harsh din

Broke the fair music that all creatures made

To their great Lord, whose love their motion swayed

In perfect diapason, whilst they stood

In first obedience, and their state of good.

O may we soon again renew that song,

And keep in tune with Heaven, till God ere long

To His celestial concert us unite,

To live with Him, and sing in endless morn of light.