MUSIVERSE: Studio Technology and Rock & Pop Band Project

Studio Technology and Rock & Pop Band Project for 14-18 year old singers, electric guitarists, bassists, keyboard players and drummers (Grade 3+ or equivalent)

Musiverse: Studio Technology and Rock & Pop Band Project

14-18 Years
Saturdays
11.00am – 1.00pm

Or

1.30pm to 3.30pm

New for 2023, Musiverse is our exciting new collaboration with Edinburgh College, which will provide weekly mentored band rehearsals and lessons in computer-based music creation and studio recording.

Musiverse is the world where modern musicians explore, create, and thrive. It’s a space where we discover and learn skills in modern music performance, technology, and production. And its the place where our skills and ideas come to life through exciting performance and production projects!

Musiverse is an innovative, project based and collaborative weekend program for budding modern musicians focussing on all areas of popular and contemporary music including group music performance, creative music technology and music production.

Scheduled for 2 hours per week over a 9-week term, our participants will attend separate one-hour workshops each week in both music performance, and music technology and production – in the music sector-leading facilities of the Edinburgh College Milton Road Campus. Students will work in fully-equipped, state-of-the-art music technology rooms featuring all of the latest industry software, industry-equipped recording studios, 11 fully-fitted rehearsal rooms and a 110 capacity auditorium with laser projection and MIDAS audio.

As a real-world experience of music, at Musiverse you will learn by doing, you will work on two projects per term, in both performance and production which will combine at times to see you preparing audio sessions for performances, running recording sessions, recording in a studio and composing audio and designing sound for mixed media and gaming. Each block will culminate in a performance and exhibition of your practical projects!

At such an exciting time for the creative industries, developing a portfolio of skills across will help you to progress onto further education and future employment in such an exciting and important area of the industry. To further support this, Musiverse will be accredited with SQA units at L5 in Music Performance, Sound Production and Creative Industries which will be added to SQA transcripts adding value to previous attainment.

What you will Learn

Group music planning and performance skills in an ensemble or band setting
Knowledge of wider popular and contemporary music styles and genres
Digital audio editing skills
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) operation
Composition in Logic Pro
Mixing audio
Recording Techniques
Basic live sound
Sound design for Moving Image
Team working and leadership skills
Planning and implementing a creative project

Timetable
2 hours per week comprised of 2 x 1 hour workshops each Saturday morning (11am -1.00pm) or afternoon (1.30pm to 3.30pm)

Enrolment

To register interest, please send an email with name, contact details and instrumental played and level to briancope@portobellomusicschool.com

Fees

The pilot project is FREE to all participants, however, an affordable fee (TBC) will be introduced in the summer term.

Musical Pathway

These sessions are ideal for young people interested in developing skills in all areas of contemporary popular music therefore providing ideal preparation for further study in further or higher education.

More about Musical Pathways

No matter what age your child joins us, Portobello Music School will be able to provide a Musical Pathway to the next level whether it be from Toddler Music Classes to Preschool 1; Primary 2 to Beginner Group Instrumental Classes or from Advanced Group Instrumental Classes to part-time music studies at the junior music department of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland or to prepare for entry to full-time studies at universities or music colleges at home or abroad. Please see below for some examples of current and past students’ Musical Pathways.

Find our more about the Musical Pathways followed by some of our current and past students

  • Meet
    Catherine
    Catherine
    PMS & Junior Napier
    Catherine
    PMS & Junior Napier

    Age: 18

    Joined: Primary 2

    Classes Attended: Primary 2 Creative Music, Solo Singing, Choir, Clarinet and Concert Band

    Instrument: Clarinet was the instrument I was most drawn to when choosing in primary 3. I had tried the violin and drums before settling on the clarinet. I learned in a small group and also played in the music school concert band.

    Memorable experiences: my most memorable experience is the 10-year anniversary concert. It was an amazing event where students old and new came back to perform in concert and it was great to see different generations of students.

    Musical Pathway: I did individual lessons at PMS for a couple of years then joined Junior Napier for a year. Then after that, I continued with lessons at my school and studied music to SQA Higher level.  I also sang in the school choir did performances in the Usher Hall and went on a short tour of Italy.  I play in the school Concert Band and Orchestra and recently played a solo in our final school concert.

    Musical Future: Now at university, I continue to enjoy singing and playing piano.

    Here is a video of Catherine playing drums at home when she was eight.

  • Meet
    Orla
    Orla
    Portobello Music School
    Orla
    Portobello Music School

    Age: 13

    Joined: Primary 2

    Classes Attended: Group Piano Classes

    How did you choose your instrument: I had a keyboard at home that I enjoyed playing.

    Memorable experiences: I enjoyed performing at the PMS 10th Anniversary Concert in Portobello and Joppa Parish Church. Passing Grades 1, 2 and 3 has been a proud achievement and I have taken part in the Edinburgh Competition Festival which offers great feedback.

    Musical Pathway: Individual lessons at Portobello Music School.

    Musical Future: I hope to achieve Grade 8 and I'd like to be able to teach piano. I have picked music as one of my subject choices at high school.

    Below is a video of Orla playing Waltz in A by Arvīds Žilinskis.

  • Meet
    Carmen
    Carmen
    Portobello Music School
    Carmen
    Portobello Music School

    Age: 14

    Joined: I started playing the flute around the start of Primary 4

    Classes Attended: I first attended my flute class and windband ensemble and later on joined musicianship.

    How did you choose your instrument: I first decided to play the flute because I saw a concert which had a flute playing and I was inspired.

    Memorable experiences: One of my most memorable experiences at Portobello music school was the 10 year anniversary where I performed.

    Musical Pathway: After I finished my group classes I decided to stay at the music school and help out in the young musicianship classes as well as continuing with my individual lessons.

    Musical Future: I plan to carry on playing flute in the future as well as branching out to other instruments ay the High School.

    Here's a little clip of Carmen playing the flute at home.

  • Meet
    Finlay
    Finlay
    PMS & Junior Napier
    Finlay
    PMS & Junior Napier

    Age: 16

    Joined: I started attending the music school in 2006 in the little ones group, and went to that for a few years, and I first started learning an instrument in P3.

    Classes Attended: Preschool to Primary 2 Creative Music, Group Instrumental Classes, Individual Lessons & Concert Band

    How did you choose your instrument? I can’t really remember if I’m being honest, but I think that going to see a show at the fringe a Japanese drumming groups was definitely something that really inspired me.

    Memorable experiences: All the end of term concerts were really memorable for me, and they were a really good introduction to performing in front of people, which is a whole other beast to practising by yourself in your room.

    Musical Pathway: I started drumming in P3, and did a year of learning djembe and getting acquainted with basic rudiments, and then moved on to learning kit in P4. I worked my way through the grades with Brian for pretty much the rest of primary school, and I finished Grade 8 around the start of S1. I then took a year of no lessons and just focused on playing what I liked, which I would highly recommend for drummers with a fairly high technical skill level, as it really helps with feel and groove. Then around S2 I was told through the music school about Junior Napier, and I took a year and a half of learning orchestral percussion there, to broaden my musical knowledge. I then switched back to drumkit at Junior Napier and continue to have instrumental lessons, music theory, band, and music production. I play in a variety of groups and music ensembles at Portobello High School, including the Jazz Band.

    Musical Future: At the moment I’m busy studying for exams at school, including music. I played with The Tinderbox Orchestra for a few months which was very fun, but took a lot of time out of my week, so I’ve put it on hold for a bit. Right now I am posting relatively frequent uploads to my YouTube channel where you can see me drumming and combining animations with music, and I’m also doing some private lessons for drumkit.

  • Meet
    Freya
    Freya
    PMS & Junior Napier
    Freya
    PMS & Junior Napier

    Age: 15

    Joined: Primary 1

    Classes Attended: Primary 1 & 2 Creative Music, Group Drum-kit and Individual lessons

    Instrument: From attending the tour organised by Portobello Music School and seeing the other children playing the drum kit and thinking that looked pretty cool. Also, I'm always tapping rhythms out on everything so drum kit seemed a good fit. 

    Memorable experiences: My most memorable experiences were winning the competitions as that made feel really chuffed and more confident in my abilities. I was really happy when I was put in the Advanced Drum Kit class. Also when I got a place at Junior Napier at Edinburgh Napier University I was ecstatic - I love it there.

    Musical Pathway: Individual lessons lead to a place at Junior Napier

    Musical Future: I'd like to get my Grade 5 Music Theory Exam and complete Grade 8 Drums. Then I'd like to join a band and see what happens... 

  • Meet
    Finlay
    Finlay
    PMS & Yehudi Menuhin School
    Finlay
    PMS & Yehudi Menuhin School

    Age: 16

    Joined: Aged 9

    Classes Attended: Group Guitar Classes, Junior Choir & Individual Lessons

    Instrument:  I decided I wanted to play the guitar because I liked its accessibility and its inherent ‘coolness’. I had tried other instruments, like violin and oboe, and the piano which I still play, but I was never as interested as I am still by the classical guitar. It must just be because of its beautiful tones.

    Memories of Portobello Music School: I remember Portobello Music School for the interesting lessons I would get, and the fun repertoire we’d get to try out, like with our classical guitar ensemble conducted by Jenny Clifford. My favourite was her funky rendition of Pirates of the Caribbean, and I remember all of us really enjoying playing together.

    Musical Pathway:  After PMS, when I was 12, I was invited along to a masterclass at Duddingston Kirk, with Richard Wright, the Professor of Guitar at the Yehudi Menuhin School. I have studied at YMS with him since then.

  • Meet
    Jodie
    Jodie
    PMS & Junior Napier
    Jodie
    PMS & Junior Napier

    Age: 16

    Joined: Primary 2

    Classes Attended: Primary 2 Creative Music, Junior Choir, Group Drumming Classes, String Quartet & Concert Band.

    Instrument: I was originally inspired by my older brother who also played drums at the time, I also thought that drums seemed like a very fun instrument to learn.

    Memorable experiences: I always love the end of year performances as you get to see how yourself and others have progressed. I also really enjoyed the 10 year anniversary event for the music school and hearing some of the most talented students.

    Musical Pathway: I took individual drum lessons at PMS, achieving my Grade 8 in 2017.  For the past year I have continued to study advanced drumming techniques with Lindsay and have decided to start Junior Napier after the summer in preparation for starting Edinburgh Napier University in 2019.

    Musical Future: I am eager to apply for the Popular Music course at Edinburgh Napier University once I leave high school and would love to find a career in music later in life.

    Any other comments: I’ve had a great time at the music school and have met lots of amazing people because of it, including the inspiring teachers who have helped me progress massively over the years.

     

  • Meet
    Stephanie
    Stephanie
    Edinburgh Music School
    Stephanie
    Edinburgh Music School

    Age: 10

    Joined: Preschool 1

    Classes Attended: Preschool to Primary 2 Creative Music, Group Guitar Classes, Choir and Musicianship.

    How did you decide what instrument to learn: Watching other guitarists playing in the end of term concerts.

    Memorable experiences: Taking part in annual guitar competitions and exams.  Passing my musicianship paper exam.

    Musical Pathway: We decided I would audition for Edinburgh Music school.  I was successful and start there for Primary 7 in August 2018.

    Musical Future: To be a professional musician, or be like Bill Bailey the stand up comedian/musician.

  • Meet
    Finlay
    Finlay
    PMS & City of Edinburgh Music School
    Finlay
    PMS & City of Edinburgh Music School
    Name: Finlay Mackenzie
    Age: 16
    Instruments: Drums, Percussion and Piano

    What age did you start attending Portobello Music school? Age 3.

    Which classes did you attend?: creative music classes from Preschool to P2 then Group Drumming Classes and Concert Band to P6
     
    Tell us a little about your most memorable experiences of Portobello Music School: 
    I think that the single most valuable experience which Portobello Music School has given me is that I have had to perform in front of my classmates and their families every term. This has meant that I am not frightened of performing in front of anyone in the world! Also, in my last year at Portobello Music School (P6), I was part of an orchestral group for which I played percussion - xylophone, glockenspeil and snare drum - alongside my friend and fellow percussionist. This was the most challenging thing I had ever done and the most rewarding as it was with a big group of other children. 
     
    Which pathway did you choose after finishing group instrumental classes?
    I auditioned for and was accepted to study at the City of Edinburgh Music School in 2017. My first study is drumming and percussion and my second piano. The primary Music School unit is at Flora Stevenson's and I will move to Broughton High School from S1 to continue my studies. I have thirteen music lessons at school every week. I still meet up with the friends I met through Portobello Music School and make music with them too. 
     
    Music plans for the future? 
    I have only ever wanted to be a musician, since I was about two years old! Like lots of children at my school I am planning to apply to the Glasgow Conservatoire or the Julliard School. I would like to compose film music as well as perform orchestral music, but my main interest right now is jazz drumming. 
     
    Any other comments: 
    Portobello Music School has been an important part of our family's life over the past eight years. When we first moved to the area with a child who was excited by music, it provided a way for him to access early childhood music education, but also for us, his parents, to become involved with our local community. We all loved the Saturday morning experience of being around so much music. The tuition, advice and support which he received at Portobello Music School enabled him to apply for the City of Edinburgh Music School where he is continuing his musical education.