Workshop
Embark on a musical adventure with our 3-day Music Programme, designed especially for pupils aged 11 to 16!
The Music Development Program at My HELM CIC is a dynamic and comprehensive course designed to help musicians of all levels expand their skills in key areas such as musicianship, production, performance, vocals, theory, and instrumental proficiency. Each week, participants will focus on a specific aspect of music, with a curated “Song to Learn” that aligns with and enhances their development across various pathways. These songs are carefully selected to strengthen both technical skills and creative expression, while also linking directly to our progression pathways and holistic personal development.
The program covers a range of essential topics, including in-depth music theory, where participants will begin to develop an understanding of how to read, analyse, and apply musical concepts. Instrumental lessons will be personally tailored to each participant, with a focus on technique and musicality, whether you’re singing, playing guitar, piano, or another instrument. In addition, students will dive into performance skills, learning how to engage with an audience and deliver a confident live show.
A key highlight of the program is its focus on music production. Participants will gain practical experience in creating, arranging, mixing, and mastering their own tracks, using industry-standard tools and techniques. Each “Song to Learn” acts as a milestone that ties into both the technical and creative pathways, helping students track their progress over the course of the program in a fun and engaging environment.
By the end of the 12 weeks, participants will have developed a well-rounded musical foundation, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on production and performance experience. This program is perfect for aspiring musicians who want to refine their craft, develop new skills, and move forward confidently in their musical journey, or for those just starting out and wanting to improve quickly with hands-on guidance from the team.
The Pathways
Performance:
The Performance Pathway within our music development course is designed to help students build confidence, stage presence, and technical ability as live performers. This pathway focuses on developing essential skills for delivering powerful, engaging performances across a variety of musical styles and settings.
Throughout the course, students will learn how to prepare for live shows, from selecting repertoire to rehearsing effectively. They will also explore techniques for mastering mic control, and adapting to different performance environments.In addition to honing performance skills, students will work on refining their sound, practicing ensemble playing, and understanding the dynamics of collaborating with other musicians in live settings. Performance workshops and guided jam sessions will help develop these skills and allow the workshop leaders to offer practical guidance and feedback, helping students to polish their live performance techniques.
By the end of the pathway, students will feel prepared to take the stage with confidence, equipped with the skills to captivate their audience, whether in a solo act or as part of a group performance. This pathway provides an essential foundation for any musician looking to pursue performance as a central aspect of their musical career.
Musicianship:
The Musicianship Pathway is designed to cultivate a deep, well-rounded understanding of music, blending theory, ear training, and practical application. This pathway focuses on building essential skills that every musician needs, from understanding the basics of musical notation to developing the ability to hear and recognise musical elements in real-time.
Throughout the course, students will explore key areas of musicianship, including music theory, rhythm, harmony, melody, and form. They will gain a solid grasp of how music is structured, enabling them to better compose, arrange, and interpret pieces. Aural training exercises will help students improve their ability to identify intervals, chords, and progressions by ear, an essential skill for both performance and improvisation.
The pathway also emphasises the development of practical musicianship skills, such as playing by ear, engaging in ensemble work, and learning to interact and communicate musically with other musicians, which is essential for both studio and live performance contexts.
By the end of this pathway, students will have developed a strong musical foundation, improving both their technical abilities and overall musicality. Whether pursuing a career as a performer, composer, or producer, or just waiting to improve upon your hobby the Musicianship Pathway provides the essential tools to become a versatile and accomplished musician.
Production:
The Production Pathway was developed to equip students with the technical skills and creative knowledge needed to produce high-quality music in today’s dynamic industry. This pathway focuses on both the artistic and technical aspects of music production, from the initial idea to the final mastered track.
Throughout the course, students will learn how to use industry-standard software and equipment to record, arrange, and mix music. The pathway covers key production techniques, including multi-track recording, digital audio editing, sound design, beat making, and mixing and mastering. Students will explore the full creative process, from developing a concept and writing arrangements to fine-tuning the final product, ensuring their music sounds polished and professional.
In addition to technical skills, the Production Pathway emphasises creativity and innovation. Students will learn how to create unique sounds and effects, experiment with different genres, and develop their own production style. They’ll gain insights into the art of layering, structuring songs, and creating dynamic mixes that engage listeners.
By the end of the course, each participant will have a portfolio of their own productions and the skills to confidently navigate the world of music production, learning essential tools, tricks and knowledge to succeed in the ever-evolving field of music production.
Theory:
The Music Theory Pathway within our music course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the fundamental principles that govern music. This pathway offers a comprehensive exploration of musical concepts such as harmony, rhythm, melody, form, and structure, providing students with the tools to understand and analyse music at a deeper level.
Throughout the course, students will study core aspects of music theory, including the construction and function of scales, intervals, chords, and key signatures. They will gain a solid understanding of how different harmonic progressions work and how they influence the overall mood and direction of a piece of music. In addition, students will explore time signatures, rhythm patterns, and meter, as well as techniques for analysing musical form and structure, helping them understand how compositions are organised and how to interpret them effectively.
The pathway also emphasises ear training, helping students improve their ability to identify chords, progressions, and melodies by ear, which enhances their overall musicianship and composition skills. Theoretical concepts will be applied to both heritage and contemporary music, ensuring a broad understanding of how theory relates to real-world music creation.
By the end of the Music Theory Pathway, students will have a deeper appreciation for how music works behind the scenes, allowing them to approach composition, arrangement, and analysis with greater confidence. This pathway is ideal for students who want to build a strong theoretical foundation without focusing on sight-reading, providing the knowledge needed to advance in their musical journey, whether as composers, arrangers, or music producers in a modern music industry..
Instrumental:
The Instrumental Pathway is designed to provide students with a highly personalised learning experience, focusing on the development of their technical, musical, and expressive abilities on their chosen instrument. Tailored lessons ensure that each student receives individualised instruction that matches their skill level, musical goals, and learning preferences, allowing them to progress at their own pace and reach their full potential.
Whether the student is a beginner or an advanced player, the lessons will be adapted to focus on areas of personal growth, such as improving technique, expanding repertoire, and enhancing musical expression. Students may work on mastering essential skills like finger placement, tone production, and articulation, as well as more advanced concepts such as improvisation, phrasing, and musical interpretation.
In addition to the technical aspects of instrumental mastery, the pathway also emphasises personal development as a musician. Students will receive guidance on how to cultivate their own musical voice, develop confidence in their playing, and set both short-term and long-term musical goals. Through regular feedback, reflection, and self-assessment, students will learn how to track their progress and build a deeper connection with their instrument.
For students interested in exploring different genres or performance styles, the pathway offers flexibility, allowing lessons to be tailored to specific interests, such as classical, jazz, rock, or contemporary music. Whether preparing for solo performances, collaborative projects, or improvisational work, students will be supported in their unique musical journey.
By the end of the Instrumental Pathway, students will have developed a solid technical foundation, a deeper musical understanding, and increased confidence in their playing. This pathway empowers students to take ownership of their development, providing them with the tools to continue growing as musicians both within and beyond the course.
The Songs:
Lose Yourself – Eminem
Come Together – The Beatles
The Pretender – Foo Fighters
No Diggity – Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre
Clint Eastwood – Gorilaz
Stressed Out – 21 Pilots
Jungle – Tash Sultana
Black Horse and a Cherry Tree – KT Tunstell
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley
Walk this Way – Aerosmith and Run DMC
We ask your teen to bring the following to all workshops:
* Pens & pencils as well as sharpeners and rubbers
* Notebook
* Water bottle
* Snacks for breaks (no sweets please)
* They are welcome to bring an instrument. We also ask your child/teen to bring the following club-specific items: Sportswear for sports activities.
