Online Music Theory Classes

Ashby Musical Enterprises is pleased to announce the beginning of 3 new online courses for those wishing to prepare for music theory examinations with RCM Examinations (Canada) and the National Music Certificate Program (USA). These classes are held once weekly and have a target exam date of May 8th/9th, 2009. These courses are especially beneficial for those without access to a qualified, local theory teacher.

The following courses are set to begin. Please download the Course Information Package (PDF) by clicking on the course title.

	Basic/Intermediate Rudiments (formerly Preliminary/Grade One Rudiments) - begins October 1st, 2008
	Basic Harmony (formerly Grade Three Harmony) - began September 23rd, 2008 (Registration is still open. It’s not too late to join.)
	History 1 (formerly Grade Three History) - begins September 29th, 2008

Online courses from Ashby Musical Enterprises are taught using Webex™ technology. This online collaboration software enables voice communication and desktop-sharing with opportunity for live interaction and professional presentations. In order to maximize the benefits of this technology, you will need:

• Computer (with enough RAM to run smoothly)

• Microphone/speakers (or headset or webcam)

• High-speed internet connection (DSL or higher)

• Scanner or fax machine for submitting assignments

For more information on these classes, please visit the Online Classes page. Please send this link to anyone who may be interested.

Scholarship Funds Available for Future Organists

Each spring the Hamilton Centre RCCO makes available two scholarships of $400 to musicians of limited organ background, who are interested in studying the organ in formal lessons. The Robert Evenden Memorial Fund Scholarship and the College Development Fund (CDF) Scholarship are intended to assist pianists, of any age, who have an interest in the organ and would like to start organ lessons. The funds are paid to an RCCO organ teacher who will take on the student for a total of 10 lessons. These scholarships are an important part of the RCCO objectives of fostering a new generation of organists. We have been delighted with a high calibre of successful applicants in the past, and anticipate an ongoing field of talented pianists interested in exploring organ studies. Auditions will be held in early June; many of the applicants use it as an opportunity to try out their RCM exam repertoire. Two contrasting pieces are to be performed on the piano. A prepared hymn will be played, as well as sight-reading of a hymn selected by the jurors. An informal interview follows. There are no age requirements, but many applicants have been high school age. POW! participants are also encouraged to apply. You can help with this worthwhile programme by getting the word out and promoting it to prospective candidates. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2008 Contact John Beaver if you have any questions or if you wish to apply. 905-383-6762 or jbeaverj@sympatico.ca
John Beaver, President, RCCO Hamilton Centre

History I Course

Just a note to let you know that I’m putting together a History I Course (formerly Gr. 3 History) for the summer exam session. This is an online course, open to anyone anywhere with a computer and internet access. An information sheet can be downloaded here. Feel free to pass this information on to anyone you think might be interested.

Dynamic Content

My main site now has dynamic content! I know, I'm a little slow getting on the bandwagon, but I'm finally hooked up with del.icio.us and will be providing interesting snippets on various topics relating to church music and music education. In the future, I hope to separate these two topics, perhaps even by categories and tags. For now, stay tuned to the home page of www.ashbyme.com for updates. I've started with some reviews of the new Soundforth recording which was released this past Wednesday. I'm looking forward to it.