Music Theory
The ability to sight read music, understand chords and key changes is a key skill for singers and actors. This course will enable you to become a better sight reader with greater understanding of pitch and rhythm, understand intervals and chords and improve musicianship through aural training. This course is open to all ages 12 and up.
Meet Your Instructor, Katherine Dixon
Katherine is an experienced specialist instrumental and classroom music teacher. She has worked with primary
and secondary students leading the delivery of engaging classroom music programs from rock in roll, jazz to
classical. Having completed her studies at the University of Queensland in piano and flute Katherine has gone
on to conduct numerous vocal and music ensemble groups. Katherine has a A.Mus.A in flute and a B.Ed from
Griffith University. Katherine is currently teaching into the thriving Arts faculty at James Nash State High School
and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and experience in after school small group music theory classes
and private lessons in piano or flute at the Gympie Performing Arts Academy based at Perseverance Street.
Feel welcome to come into our office during working hours to buy a spot in person or email us at info@perseverancestreet.com.au.
FAQs About Our SongHOUSE
1. How will my child benefit from engaging in SONGHOUSE workshops at GPAA?
The emotional, mental and social benefits of performing arts experience are countless and well documented: from increased understanding of each other, stronger critical thinking skills, mental wellbeing and decreased stress levels; to significant public benefits such as social connection, self-expression and healthy childhood development. Studying singing and voice builds communication, confidence and collaboration skills – these are the most transferrable skills to any future career. We start with where you are at. We find out your goals and then work with you to achieve them. Your voice is like your signature through life – everyone has a unique tone when they are speaking or singing.
2. Why should we enrol in more classes…Don’t children and young people learn about the arts at school?
In the crowded school curriculum, the arts are often the first subject to have its time cut. Add to that, the fact that not every school has a singing program, and it is easy to see why sometimes extra classes outside of school are vital for young people. These skills take time to develop and hone. They also need regular practise to sustain. Dedicated Arts teachers do their best but there is simply not enough time in the school day. Developing brains withhold new information like a sponge which is why this is the perfect time to be learning skills such as singing and music theory.
3. How will you cater to my interests and ability level?
During the enrolment process, we work this out with you before we even start in the workshop space. You tell us what you want to achieve through the classes. We tell you how we’re going to achieve it. And then we get started. Along the way it will be a two way communication where we all work together to achieve the outcome.
4. How are the fees structured?
We are not-for-profit organisation. Fees cover costs such as insurance, rent, production expenses and teacher fees. It’s important to note that our fees are all costs inclusive. There are no hidden stage levies here! We endeavour to keep our fees as low as possible.
5. I’m not sure if I will like it. Can I try it out?
You sure can. Not only that, but we are so confident you will have a great time that we will offer you a FREE TRIAL to get started. Again, absolutely no risk to you! If you attend the first lesson and decide it is not for you, it will cost you nothing. Trials are available in week one of each term only.
6. Do you have professional qualifications?
All of our instructors have a drama or education degree. All our staff have Blue Cards of course and we have a registered Child Protection Policy in place. Our GPAA program director, Dr Sharon Hogan has had over a decade of experience as a leading drama educator and a professional theatre director. Sharon oversees all of our curriculum and the training of our teaching teams.
7. How long have GPAA Been Around?
GPAA is new, this is our second year… however, the people running it have been doing this for a long time. We’ve been doing it for over 10 years and we’ve been teaching children and young people for well over 40 years. Good news is, we don’t see the finish line either – we plan to be here for a long time doing what we love!
8. Are there expectations around behaviour?
Trust, empathy, respect, and connection are our core values at GPAA. We require all participants and facilitators to adhere to these values. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.
9. What if we’re late?
Time is our most precious resource. Please remember to be punctual so that sessions can start and finish according to the timetable. However, if something unexpected happens occasionally, don’t panic, we would rather see you at class if you are running a little late than not see you at all.