Holistic Learning Environments
The Muse is a charitable trust, based in Otautahi/Christchurch in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Current Trustees are
Christine Elliott - Treasurer, Judi Smitheram - Secretary, Juliet Anstice, Nikki Berry, Tony Devenish
The day to day running of The Muse is governed by a committee of Trustees and members. Key players not listed above are Jacinta O'Reilly, Maxine Bryant, Claire Kelly, Margaret Titheridge & Stuart Lowe.
Volunteers keep the rooms tidy, look after room bookings, generate policy, and hundreds of other tasks. Some of the administration is now done on contract to paid staff.
What We Do
The Muse hosts classes, choirs and ongoing music groups covering a wide range of musical styles.
We also provide a library of instruments and teaching resources, mentoring for emerging music teachers and networking to help people find each other. (Ie, learners & teachers, singers & guitarists etc.)
The Muse also has several studios for hire at a nominal fee. We have good quality acoustic pianos, and also Macintosh computers, with USB keyboards (pianos), running Sibelius scoring software, Band in a Box (for creating backing tracks for practise) and Practica Musica (Ear training and musicianship training software.)
A Question of Talent
We believe music belongs to everyone, and it is lack of opportunity that divides 'musicians' from 'non-musicians'. In some cultures there is no word or concept for 'song'. Singing is embedded in all daily activities and is seen as an integral part of each task.
Tone Deaf?
A person who is tone deaf is unable to hear differences in pitch. This person would speak in a monotone voice like a robot. People learn to vocally reproduce pitch at various ages. Adults who miss this opportunity as children can learn to 'pitch match' at any stage of life. Many people were told when they were younger that they are 'tone deaf'. This is nonsense! We run courses for people who think they can't sing. See Reclaim Your Voice for more info
Holistic Learning Environments
"I can read music, but I can't improvise." "I can learn by ear, but I can't read music." These feelings of limitation are far too common. The Muse aims to help musicians fill the gaps in their musical development.
Excellence Without Competion
We believe music is an art-form, and promote alternatives to competition as ways for people to showcase their talent. We aim to help each individual to strive for their personal best, to be inspired rather than judges by the achievements of others.
The Muse provides musical initiatives to people of all ages and ability
Encouraging:
• Excellence without competition
• Cross cultural understanding and interaction
• Innovative, holistic and nurturing learning experiences
• Professional development in community music
• Inspiring creativity in individuals
We aim to:
• Provide music resources to individuals, cultural and community groups.
• Organise workshops, classes, festivals and concerts.
• Support and train community music educators
• Liase with other musical organisations.