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Music course

Entry is by competitive audition. The main audition period is from 18 February to 20 April for entry in September 2012 but applications for entry at other times of the year will always be considered. Applications are accepted from 5 January for entry the following September and the closing date for applications is 1 March. All audition dates are made at the discretion of the Head of Junior Guildhall to allow for the convening of specialist panels. Auditions are scheduled on any day from Monday to Saturday inclusive.

Panels will usually be chaired by either the Head of Junior Guildhall or the Head of Junior Music Courses along with the relevant specialist or head of department.

While auditions are highly competitive, it is difficult to offer advice about the required standard beforehand. The panel will be looking for potential as well as achievement and dedication. As a rough guide, candidates will normally have attained a standard of about Grade 5 at the age of 10 and Grade 8 by the age of 16. It is not necessary to have taken any grade examination before the audition.

Candidates are assessed in five basic areas of performance, covering musical awareness, quality of sound, accuracy, communication, and control of instrument.

Audition requirements
1. First-study – two contrasting pieces
2. Second-study (optional) – one piece
3. Some scales and arpeggios
4. Sight-reading
5. Questions may be asked and tests given to ascertain a student’s level of general musicianship.

Exceptions
Singers are not expected to sing scales and arpeggios but should bring to the audition a prepared short prose or poetry reading.
 
 Percussionists, where possible, should present three pieces one on each of the following instruments: tuned percussion, timpani and snare drum. Orchestral repertoire is not considered suitable. The total performing time should not exceed ten minutes. Less-advanced or young players may offer only one or two of these instruments, but this should be agreed with the School in advance of the audition.

Composers should send to the Junior Guildhall office copies of three of their recent compositions. They will then be invited to an interview. At this candidates should be ready to play a prepared piece on an instrument of their choice, do some sight-reading and simple improvisation tests. Questions will be asked and tests given to ascertain a student’s level of general musicianship.

Consultation Lessons
Consultation lessons with a member of the School’s teaching staff can be arranged for students who have been offered a place on the Music Course. There is a charge for this facility.

ALDEBURGH YOUNG MUSICIANS
Junior Guildhall has formed a partnership with Aldeburgh Young Musicians (AYM) whose courses offer advanced music mentoring and development opportunities in an inspirational landscape. Students enrolled with AYM may also apply for ensemble work at Junior Guildhall. In the first instance contact AYM for details (Tel. 01728 687100, www.aldeburgh.co.uk). 

String Training Programme

Kindergarten Course – Reception & Year 1*
 There is no audition procedure and no prior musical training is necessary to start the Kindergarten Course. However, there are a limited number of places available for each year group (Reception Year and Year 1) and there is currently a waiting list for the next few years. Children are selected on a first come first served basis for entry into Reception Year and dependant on places becoming available by children leaving the programme for entry into Year 1.
 
 Selection Process for Entry into Year 2* following studies on the Kindergarten Course
 Parents are given details of how to apply via progression route meetings as part of the Kindergarten Course. Children will be required to attend an extra Creative Learning class in addition to their existing Kodály and Eurhythmics classes during a five week period commencing the second half of the Spring Term. All children in Year 1 of the Kindergarten Course are eligible for the selection process.
 
 Selection Process for External Applications for Entry into Year 2*
 There are a few additional places available for external applicants. Children will be required to attend three 30 minute classes (Kodály, Eurhythmics and Creative Learning classes) over a five week period commencing 16 February 2012. Children are chosen to attend the selection process by random selection.
 
 The application closing date for the Selection Process for Year 2 entry is 5 January 2012. We will not be able to consider any applications received after this date.
 
 Applications for Entry into Year 3 to Year 5
 It is sometimes possible for children, particularly those interested in mini bass, to enter the programme in Year 3 upwards without going through the selection process listed above. However, these places are limited and dependent on other students leaving the programme. In the first instance parents should contact the Junior Guildhall office to check on availability of places. Following application a formal audition will be arranged. The nature of the audition will depend upon the level of musical experience of the child but generally a child who is already learning an instrument should be prepared to play two contrasting pieces, a few scales, sight-reading and to answer a few general questions to establish level of musicianship. Selection will be based on evidence of musical potential, ability to concentrate and the level of development of motor skills.
 
 * Reception Year children are those who have their fifth birthday on or between 1 September and 31 August , Year 1 are those who have their sixth birthday on or between these dates and Year 2 are those who have their seventh birthday on or between these dates.

Drama Course

The Drama Course has an informal audition procedure and it is not necessary to prepare material beforehand.
 

Candidates will be asked to attend the School on a term time Saturday. Successful candidates are then invited to attend either the 9am class or the 10.45am class for a probationary term.

Once audition dates have been allocated, letters inviting candidates to the audition will be issued enclosing further information.

Late applications

Late applications will generally be considered. However, there may be a delay in arranging an audition date. We do try to hear all applicants but cannot guarantee a place even if the student is of our entry level. In such cases students may be placed on a reserve list.

Paper applications

If you prefer to send in a paper application please contact the Junior Guildhall office.

Regulations

Parents are required to sign a set of regulations when accepting a Junior Guildhall place. Click here to download a summary of Junior Guildhall regulations (PDF, 50Kb)