¿How can I enrol in the Escuela de Música Creativa?
Anyone can enrol in the Escuela. Prior music studies are not necessary and there is no “entrance exam”. You just have to make the decision to come down and you will receive personalised assessment. During the enrolment period (July and September) it is better to make an appointment in order to avoid unnecessary delays. On arrival, you will be asked whether you have had any previous training, as well as your interests and expectations. A short placement test with a specialist must be taken before enrolling in collective subjects (Combo, Music Language, Improvisation, etc.) in order to determine which level is best suited to you. Finally, we will help you to decide on the most suitable program and complete your enrolment
¿How much does it cost to study at the Escuela de Música Creativa?
Your monthly payments will depend on how many and which subjects you take, as there are discounts based on the number and type of subjects. For information about costs or a program consisting of various subjects, please contact the secretary’s office or email us at gerencia@musicacreativa.com. An administration fee is due at the beginning of the course (which is for the whole year), as is the first monthly payment. New students must also pay a joining fee. Thereafter you simply pay the corresponding monthly fee for your classes. Remember that there are extra discounts available if other members of your family are already enrolled or for up-front payment of the whole course
¿Can I organise my timetable to suit my needs?
Our class timetables are intended to please the majority. The increased or decreased number of hours available for certain subjects normally depends on the subject’s level –there are a smaller number of groups (and options) for advanced as opposed to basic levels. Students who enrol in two or more subjects always have preference and, consequently, first choice of times. We always make an effort to combine two or three subjects on the same day in response to students’ requests, although often this is not possible. The later you come, the more time limitations you will encounter, and it will be harder to combine some subjects with others.
¿Can I enrol from abroad?
Yes. Please contact gerencia@musicacreativa.com to complete the administrative procedures and tom@musicacreativa.com for a preliminary assessment. An approximate level of prior training must be established in order to proceed with enrolment (without putting together a timetable) in the subjects of interest. On arrival, we will arrange the relevant placement tests and assign times (see the previous question).
¿Do I have to follow a specific program or can I just study an instrument?
Music training at the Música Creativa is divided into three core areas: Instrumental Lessons, Ensemble Practice and Complementary Training (Music Language, Harmony, Computer Science for Music, etc.). Although we always recommend students follow a complete training program, or a tailored-plan based on our orientation team’s assessment, there may be special circumstances in which students may opt to only learn an instrument. These range from cases in which students want to work on specific skills when the rest of their training is already advanced, to a lack of time, putting other subjects “on hold” for later. Whenever this option is exercised, it must be understood that in an individual class, the instrumental teacher cannot adapt to this situation indefinitely. If other essential elements of the student’s training are not worked on, sooner or later his/her progress on the instrument will come to a standstill. Remember, the minimum class time for students enrolling solely in an instrument is 45’
¿What is the Música Creativa Professional Certificate for?
This qualification, and the diploma awarded to students who complete the course, certifies extensive and high-quality preparation in the areas of modern music and jazz. Although this is not an official qualification, it is widely recognised and highly regarded by musicians in Spain and many other countries as a guarantee of a high level of training. Modern music is perhaps the area in which there is the greatest number of opportunities for a professional career. Thus, it is the training that always counts, more the qualification
¿What is the LOE Professional Certificate for?
This qualification, which does not explicitly qualify students to work as professionals, officially certifies extensive and high-quality training in the chosen musically speciality nationwide. Numerous city councils and private music schools use this accreditation to permit the non-regulated teaching of music (for example, in municipal music schools). The final mark included in the certificate is also worth 30% of the official Advanced Certificate qualifying exam
¿Do I need to bring/possess my own instrument?
It is essential to possess and bring your own instrument to class. When purchasing an instrument, we always recommend the best quality possible. Quality instruments, including the models designed for students, maintain their value quite well and are always a better investment than more economical models (they can subsequently be sold on the second-hand market when they are no longer of use). Stores including Mundimúsica, Hazen, etc. offer good advice when choosing an instrument. Normally a trial period is available, in which the teacher can check the quality and state of the instrument. When it comes to the piano, today most teachers approve of the quality of counterweight electric keyboards
¿How long will I take to learn to play well?
The million-dollar question! There are so many factors involved that this question is impossible to answer. Perhaps a more appropriate question would be “How long will I take to enjoy playing music?” The following will probably serve as a reference: we consider that after a year learning an instrument, backed up by the corresponding complementary subjects, students will normally reach a high enough level for them to make music in a group. From then on, all the knowledge they have acquired will be put into practice in Combos, where they will experiment making real music and learning from fellow students. It is thus the main reason to drive students to keep progressing so as to be able to play music of an increasingly more difficult nature
¿How can I obtain a scholarship?
The Scholarships are awarded by the Música Creativa Foundation and financed with the funds it is allotted from the Escuela de Música Creativa. The conditions of the Scholarships Plan, which will be created for the upcoming course, will be published in April, so that the results can be announced at the beginning of June
