Education

It's never too late for musIcal learnIng By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press I f you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed, Brandon University has a solution. "Learning to play an instrument can be a great stress reliever if you have a demanding job. It's a way to unwind and forget about the pressure and stresses of work," said Michael Kim, Dean of the School of Music. "It's helpful for improving focus, concentration, and discipline. It translates very well to other things you may be doing in their life." The University's Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory offers lessons and classes to adults. Lessons can be one-on-one or in a group setting, and are available in piano, voice, strings, percussion, guitar and all band instruments. "You name the instrument, we have it. We also have theory classes and music history classes," Kim said. "Many people want to study an instrument as a hobby or a way of relaxation." Many people wish they'd learned to play an instrument as a child, but are hesitant to take lessons as an adult, fearing it will be too difficult. Kim says that isn't the case. He's seen many adult students succeed. "You are only as old as your mind says you are. If you set your mind to it, it's amazing what you can accomplish," he added. "You never know unless you give it a shot." Brandon University's School of Music has been around since 1906. Over 600 students are currently enrolled at school, and adult learners are always welcome. "Our instructors really enjoy teaching the adult students. Their thought processes are often really in tune, and they can often be the best students," said Kim. "Our instructors are quite patient with their adult students. We really serve a broad community." Rather than seeing a generation gap, Kim has noticed that the school's adult learners enjoy interacting with the younger students. "Most of our older students like being amongst the younger people. It reconnects them to that feeling of being young and in university for the first time," he said. Some of the university's most popular music theory courses are History of Jazz, Opera History, and Women in Music. "The opportunity exists to audit or take our classes without studying for a full degree," said Kim. "We have a History of Popular Music class which people seem to really enjoy." Conservatory students of all ages enjoy a wide variety of opportunities to perform in front of an audience. The Conservatory Chorale is an internationally recognized choral program with over 100 singers from age five and up. The choirs perform extensively both nationally and internationally and have consistently won acclaim at all levels. Chorale members develop vocal and choral skills in choirs with the highest possible artistic standards. Singing in chorale develops musical sensitivity and responsiveness, musical literacy, appreciation for a wide variety of the highest quality choral repertoire, personal motivation, self-discipline, and teamwork. The Chamber Choir, the Conservatory's most experienced and disciplined singers, has performed as a major touring group throughout Canada, the United States, Great Britain, France and Italy. Other conservatory ensembles include guitar, recorder and chamber music. Chamber groups in the Conservatory are available to students of all levels. These groups are generally small ensembles where students can enhance and further develop their musicianship and communication skills. "One of the wonderful things about being a student here is taking in many of the performances that take place on campus. A lot of them are free or have a very minimal cost," Kim said. For more information on Brandon University's courses and programs, please visit their website at www.brandonu.ca. ● 6 Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, December 6, 2014

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