events & activities
Musical events and activities
Part of the thrill of playing a musical instrument is playing 'live' with other musicians or playing within a studio session. We now offer those experiences to our students in a relaxed and safe enviroment at both our AOS and Fritwell studios - giving them access to other musicians and taking part in different events and activities (see below). Our TMB Award Scheme is a great way to introduce students to practical aspects of their instrument within a carefully thought out, graded system.
Group courses
New in 2015 to celebrate our 10th birthday, TMB introduced 7 new elements to the TMB list of courses. These are all group courses booked in 8 week blocks just like our other lessons and all except one are run on the weekend such as -
- Rock Band sessions
- Music Theory
- Songwriting
- Stage Craft
- Home recording classes
- Rock/ Pop Choir
- Bronze Award session
For more info click here
Exams and Courses
Both studios offer Trinity Guildhall Graded exams, Rockschool Graded exams and our own TMB Award Scheme. The TMB Bronze, Silver and Gold awards not only consist of practical playing tests (with and without reading music) but also dismantling and re-assembling gear, recording, playing with others and even writing songs as part of the course.
The TMB Awards are really good fun and also give students a valuable understanding of music generally, as well as offering them the opportunity to learn far more about not only their instruments but other disciplines too. When a TMB Award is passed, the student receives a TMB 'shield' badge to sew on to their The Musical Box hoodie for instant recognition!
TMB Award Training Days
Students can come for a 4 hour session to work through all the parts of their TMB Award with others taking the same course. These training days are held during holiday times, so students can come in and have a dry run...giving them an extra boost in confidence for the actual grading.
Music Technology Club
During school holidays we run our 'Music Tech Club' where we offer various different activities to members. A real favourite are our 'Band Days', where students can come together to play in a band rehearsal situation with the expert guidance of one of our teachers. The day ends with a live performance of the song or songs learnt to the groups parents/family.
*TMB WORKSHOPS* - RE-STRING MY GUITAR/ UKE/ BASS
THURSDAY 10TH MAY - 7.30-8.30pm
Would you like to learn how to MOT and maintain your #guitar/ #ukuleleor #Bass. Changing strings is something everyone should know how to do. But what about making small adjustments and cleaning while the strings are off. All important stuff you should know and we can teach you how to do it yourselves. Stings provided at £5 per set or bring your own.
EVERYONE welcome - Call 07799 544923 now for a place on the next workshop at our studios.
Annual Summer Party and BBQ - 'BoxFest' 2018
Band Days
The musical box run band days during each school holiday. It is a chance to play with other like minded students under the guidance and supervision of our experienced teachers.
The idea is that you come and learn a song in a band rehearsal situation and then perform it at the end of the session to your parents who cheer wildly and think that you are amazing and destined to be a rock hero! (Which of course you are if we have anything to do with it!!)
The session is £35 +VAT (£42 inc VAT) per student, payable on the day, and you will need to bring snacks.
Our next band days are planned for:
BICESTER - TBC
29th & 30th October- Halloween Band day - more info
STRATFORD DATES - TBC
27th & 28th October - Halloween Band day - more info
Gigs and Showcases
After the success of the last Musical Box party and the band days that we are running during each school holiday, we are now looking to plan more regular opportunities for our students to perform at real gigs. In the summer we have been invited back to play at a number of local beer festivals where the students get the opportunity to play in front of a big outdoor crowd but also we are going to be joining forces with Shane Lamont in order to host a local monthly Open Mic night. This will provide the older students with a regular focus on live performance and the chance to play with some great musicians.
Our next planned student gigs are :
Sunday 29th April 2018 - Vocal Recital - Bicester Studio
Bronze Training Days
We will be having more 'TMB Bronze Training Days' in the near future to help you prepare for your Bronze Award in Drums, Guitar or Bass and Musicianship. The session is 3 hrs long, so bring snacks if you'd like them......biscuits available as always!
The idea is to learn and be assessed on the larger parts of the award that can't be done within normal lessons, such as taking a drum kit apart and re-assembling it correctly!!! The session is open to drummers, guitarist and bass players who are taking part in the award scheme. Please bring your card with you.
The session is £35 +VAT per student, payable on the day. Please book in quickly as places are limited and please
Bring Snacks!
Our next Bronze Training Days are : TBC
Dates to be confirmed
