Inside I-Play Music, Musical Artist Centre...
- Myke Lewis
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Teaching and learning the I-Play Music way includes studying, Style and Expression.
A compelling performance involves more than just playing notes; it requires emotional engagement. The ability to convey expression while performing is what is 'picked-up' by professionals within the music industry.
At exam level, candidates who perform without emotion or movement risk a minimum deduction of two marks for each performance. Additionally, marks are deducted if a performance lacks realism—this realism is best achieved through collaboration with others.
We work with real musician's recordings. The grade books we use feature pieces accompanied by recordings from professional musicians, complete with sheet music and instructional overviews. Students have the opportunity to "learn to perform" alongside these real musicians through full mix audio and backing tracks, simulating a live performance experience.
While this isn’t the same as performing with the musicians in person, it’s the next best thing. We encourage students to practice and refine their skills by playing alongside peers and tutors. That’s why we hold band rehearsals during the summer term, preparing each student to showcase their talents at the I-Play Music Concert and Presentation Awards [CAPA]. I-Play Music is best suited to those who want to build a solid foundation to become a top rated musical artist, within the music industry.
Learning Bass
The foundation of every proper band in existence! The role of the the bassist is ever changing from providing good grounding in supporting all instruments and vocals, to taking the lead role in more complex musical arrangements. No other instrument can do it better than the Bass, no bass, no band.
Learning Drums
The most rhythmical and percussive, the drum-set provides time-lock foundation for all musical instruments and works closely along with the bass to keep every other musician in time with the tempo of the arrangement.
Learning Guitar
If the Bass and Drums are the parents of the band, the Guitarist is the teenager. The guitar is the tune and rhythm maker of the band and is often associated with melodies.
Learning Piano and Keys
Piano is the instrument that encompasses all the qualities of producing and well rounded performance. It can stand out in its own right if played correctly by a competent musician. The piano is also known as the 'writing tool' for composers.
Learning to Sing
The Voice is known as the 'first instrument' as this is where all the above has come from. Vocalists are the melodic tune deliverers from the composer via the band, to the listener. However, a good knowledge of the piano is needed to become a good vocalist.
