FAQ
Can I buy sheet music or CDs from your website?What are analytical notes?
Can I receive the analytical notes as an immediate download?
Who uses these analytical notes?
Why do teachers use the analytical notes?
Why do students use the analytical notes?
Why are some items available as both "Analysis" and "Analytical Notes"?
How long will it take for me to receive my order?
What is an exam study pack?
Do exam study packs contain everything I need to know for my exam?
I want to use the information from your analytical notes in an assignment. Do I need to acknowledge the source?
Can I buy sheet music or CDs from your website?
This site mostly contains musical analysis and other resources for music study, rather than sheet music or recordings.If you are searching for sheet music or CDs, please click here.
What are analytical notes?
Ross Hamilton's analytical notes contain useful information for teachers and students about specific musical works. They cover the composer, style, form, key, modulations, and signs and terms of each piece. The notes range in length from one to six pages, with the level of detail varying according to the complexity of the piece.Click here to view a sample of the notes.
Can I receive the analytical notes as an immediate download?
No, unfortunately not at this stage. All orders are processed manually. Most orders are dispatched the same day, or within two business days at the latest.Who uses these analytical notes?
Over a thousand students throughout Australia, as well as many teachers and examiners, have used Ross Hamilton's analytical notes. They are suitable for students at a primary, secondary or early tertiary level. They use basic analytical techniques, avoiding complicated jargon. The analyses are suitable for students preparing for grade or diploma performance exams, or secondary school music courses. They are not intended for students of advanced musical analysis.Why do teachers use the analytical notes?
Many teachers find there is just not enough time in the music lesson to cover general knowledge and analysis thoroughly. Some teachers look for a range of opinions to supplement their own analysis.Why do students use the analytical notes?
The notes are clearly presented, easy to study from, and contain very specific information about the piece that is often very difficult to locate elsewhere. Some students have passed their diploma exams with Distinction after using Ross Hamilton's analytical notes, with comments in their reports such as "thoroughly researched" and "obvious depth of knowledge".Why are some items available as both "Analysis" and "Analytical Notes"?
Items marked "Analysis" contain information about a single piece or movement. For most students, this will be sufficient for their needs.Items marked "Analytical Notes" provide an economical way to obtain information about several different works or movements. If you purchase the "Analytical Notes" version, there is no need to buy the "Analysis" as well, because you will just be duplicating the information about that piece. Teachers often prefer the "Analytical Notes" because they provide better value for money.
How long will it take for me to receive my order?
Most orders are dispatched from Sydney the day they are received, or within two business days at the latest. This applies both to postal and email delivery.Custom orders (for works not listed in the catalogue) may take up to eight weeks to complete.
What is an exam study pack?
A study pack is an economical way to obtain information on three or four specific works that you are preparing for an examination. As well as detailed information on each piece, it includes a study guide with general pointers and practice questions.Click here to request a quote for an exam study pack.
Do exam study packs contain everything I need to know for my exam?
The study packs contain information on all aspects of the syllabus. Of course, no-one can predict exactly what questions you will be asked in an exam. Students at higher levels should read as widely as possible about the composers and styles (the study guide contains suggestions for this). You need to demonstrate that you have thought about what you have read, rather than just reciting information that you learnt by rote.I want to use the information from your analytical notes in an assignment. Do I need to acknowledge the source?
Yes, you always need to acknowledge your sources in a bibliography. Here is a suggested format:Hamilton, Ross A., Unpublished analysis of Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1, Sydney, 2008.