Classes

The orchestra performs a wide variety of repertoire, and this year will be playing works by Reich, Marquez, Beethoven, Dvorak as well as some film music. Britten Sinfonia regularly work side by side with the orchestra, and in April will workshop Gershwin, Beethoven, Price and Howard (with electronics).

Ensemble playing is fundamental to SCYM. Students are grouped into chamber ensembles according to their current performance grade, from absolute beginner to advanced.

• Prelude Strings is for string players from absolute beginners from age 6. Children are taught ensemble, technique and note reading skills in a small group.
• String Ensemble is a group for players who have reached approximately grade 1 to 3. The focus is on ensemble skills, the development of reading notation, practical musicianship and consolidation of good technique.
• String Orchestra is for players who are grade 4 to 5.
• Chamber String Ensemble is for players who are approximately grade 6 and above.
• Chamber Groups for String & Keyboard Players is for auditioned chamber groups.
• Cello Ensemble is for players who have reached grade 7 and above.
• Brass Group is for brass players from grade 1 to 4
• Concert Band is for wind and brass players grade 5 and above
• Wind Bands is for wind players from grade 1 to 4 and is for core curriculum students
• Wind Ensemble is for wind players from grade 4 and above and is for core curriculum students.
• Saxophone Ensemble is for players grade 5 and above.
• Recorder Ensemble is currently for young and beginner recorder players, although more experienced players are welcome.
• Tuned Percussion is an ensemble for students who are at least grade 5 on orchestral percussion, or for pianists who play to grade 6 and above who would like to play in an ensemble at SCYM. We have marimba, vibes and an array of percussion to learn on.
• Percussion Ensemble is for younger students who are first study percussion or drums, or piano and voice. This group also plays tuned orchestral percussion, as well as enjoying a ‘Stomp’ style of percussion ensemble

Great performances, rehearsals, auditions and exam results depend on good sight-reading and musicianship, and singing in a choir makes for greater awareness of group responsibility, co-operation and leadership. It is also the perfect opportunity to mix with other students from outside their own instrumental groups. There are two choirs and are led Felicity Hamilton with James Cairns and Matthew Drinkwater accompanying respectively.

• Kodaly Class is a 30 minute class is for young children aged 4 to 5, and starts at 11.30. The Kodaly method teaches children to develop their inner ear using singing and rhythm games. Children learn to keep pulse, recognise meter, develop rhythm, and hear and sing pitch and harmony. This can be taken as a ‘stand alone’ class and not part of the core curriculum. To learn more about the Kodaly teaching method, you can visit the Kodaly Academy website: www.kodaly.org.uk
• Create and Explore is a 45 minute class for children in school years 1 and 2 which starts at 12noon. This class follows the Kodaly principles extending the children with rhythm games and lots of musical fun.
• Chamber Ensemble is a small vocal close harmony group for more experienced singers, covering popular music repertoire.

For older students our history and musical awareness class is very popular, as are the composition, music production and DJ classes. All of which can be taught as in individual lesson if required.

Some classes are specifically used to enable students to achieve Grade 5 Theory, and are available to students who play their instrument to grade 4 standard and above. Others offer support for those taking GCSE, AS and A2 exams. The Musicianship Department can also prepare students for the grade exam 6 to 8 aural tests.

We also offer 30 minute DJ sessions (1-to-2) and 20 minute 1-to-1 theory sessions.

Core curriculum

Core curriculum classes at SCYM are scheduled to match school term dates, where possible. Core curriculum covers instrumental and vocal ensemble coaching in at least one ensemble, a musicianship class and choir. It also includes masterclasses and workshops from visiting artists, including those from the adjoining Saffron Hall.

• If three ensembles or classes are taken the fee is £310 a term or £930 for the year.
  • If four or more ensembles or classes are taken the fee is £350 per term or £1,050 for the year.

Full curriculum

• Fee: As per core curriculum, but with additional individual tuition.
• Price: Lessons are charged at £20 for 30 minutes. 45 or 60 minutes are also available, with tutors agreement.

Ensemble only

An option for young musicians who may choose to play in one or more ensembles only, and no choir or musicianship class.

• 1 ensemble 45 minutes is £13 per week or £130 per term.
• 1 ensemble 60 minutes is £16 per week or £160 per term.
• 2 ensembles is £25 per week or £250 per term.
• Jazz only ensemble with Miguel Gorodi (1.5 hrs) is £17.50 per week or £175 per term.

Kodály classes

• Price: The cost per child for a 30 minute class is £10.00, or £100 per term.

Financial assistance

A means tested bursary scheme is in place. If you would like to apply for bursary funding please complete this form by clicking here or speak with the Head of Centre for more information.

Absences

We regret it is not possible to give refunds in the event of a student’s absence as the Centre has to continue paying professional tutors and overheads. SCYM expects as close to 100% attendance as possible, as the best progress is made by students if they commit to the long-term weekly training.

Once a student is established on the courses at SCYM, after a trial period of two weeks, a term’s notice is required to stop attending. This notice period is required so the Centre can fulfil its obligations to the professional tutors and pay for the facilities, and to ensure a proper commitment is made by the young musicians attending.

The students get the best of the Centre and out of themselves if they commit to attending every Saturday in term time, so there is no ‘drop-in’ option or fortnightly attendance option. Thank you for your understanding.