In conversation with Jordan Sian, tutor at Junior Guildhall Brentwood

We caught up with Jordan, who teaches violin and viola at Junior Guildhall's Brentwood centre.

As a chamber musician, Jordan has performed across Europe in concert halls including the Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre and Kammermusiksall of the Berlin Philharmonie. Jordan is a graduate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and in 2021 was awarded an MA in violin and viola pedagogy.

Jordan teaches on the String Training Programme (STP) at Junior Guildhall Brentwood in Essex. Limited spaces have become available on the STP and the Kindergarten Course starting in September 2025. These courses aim to inspire a love of music in children, providing them with a solid foundation to start learning an instrument, in a safe and nurturing environment — we hear more from Jordan.

Tell us your biography in one sentence

I am a viola player based in London and I have been teaching on the String Training Programme at Junior Guildhall, Brentwood since November 2024.

What can students expect from your classes?

My classes are focussed around building a secure, foundational technique through beautiful music, games and silly stories. Enjoying music and making progress with the instrument are my two main priorities for the students. 

You also conduct a large string ensemble – what kind of music does the group play?

The Year 4 String Ensemble is a well-functioning democracy and is an opportunity for the students to play music together in a large group. This year we have played everything from baroque fanfares to American hoedowns. By popular demand, we are currently learning Shake It Off by Taylor Swift. 

How would you introduce Junior Guildhall's Brentwood centre to somebody new?

It’s a fantastic centre of learning, right in the heart of Brentwood, Essex, which is now easily accessible from London via the Elizabeth Line! The centre brings together young musicians and their families from reception to Year 6 to thrive musically in a supportive environment.

What is your favourite thing about teaching at Junior Guildhall?

It is a real joy to work with young students and start them on their life-long journey of music making. Without a doubt, my favourite thing is to watch them perform and succeed in our Saturday concerts.

What benefits do you think students get from Junior Guildhall?

There are so many jigsaw pieces that make a whole musician and the String Training Programme really targets all these aspects with Kodály musicianship, ensemble training, rhythmics, instrumental lessons, performance opportunities and choral singing. 

What would you say to someone thinking about signing their child up for the Brentwood centre, who may be feeling unsure about it?

I would absolutely encourage them to do so! This type of training is rarely replicated in a school environment and the advantages to starting a string instrument at an early age are numerous. Come and join us!

One last fun question – what’s your ideal way to spend a day?

Any day with great food and excellent music is ideal for me.

Please email juniors@gsmd.ac.uk before Friday 4 July 2025 to apply to join the Kindergarten Course or String Training Programme at Junior Guildhall, Brentwood.