Centre for Young Musicians Full Programme
Our Full Programme for ages 8–18 is packed full of classes and musical activities, covering multiple genres and styles.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Saturday term time
- Course times:
- From 9am–5pm (subject to your timetable)
- Age:
- 8–18
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- Fees for 2026/27 will be confirmed in Spring 2026
- Deadline:
- 2 March 2026
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- Saturday Courses
- Venue:
- Morley College, London Waterloo
- When:
- Saturdays
- Contact details:
- alice.dagg@gsmd.ac.uk
About the Full Programme
Our Full Programme for young people aged 8-18, is packed full of classes and musical activities covering multiple genres and styles. These include classical, jazz, folk, songwriting and music technology
Each Saturday, students on our Full Programme can expect to participate in at least one ensemble or group activity (appropriate to their ability and musical interests), sing in a choir and attend a supporting studies class. They will also receive a 30-minute one-to-one lesson in composition or on their chosen instrument. These lessons can be extended to 45 or 60 minutes when appropriate, at extra cost.
Ideal for those who want to spend their time making music with newfound friends or are thinking about taking their passion for music a step further. Students can be sure to ignite their creativity and have lots of fun, whilst learning from top practitioners and industry professionals.
All students are encouraged to take the Full Programme but may wish to continue having their individual lessons outside of CYM, while participating in all other class activities. Students who are interested in doing so should speak with the Head of Department for their first study instrument.
Please note, this option is not available for first study pianists.
Timings for both programmes are subject to the classes taken and will be confirmed after a place has been offered.
We welcome all levels of experience but recommend that applicants applying for any of our courses/programmes (excluding Primary Years or Taster Course) have a minimum of one year learning an instrument, singing or composing.
Applicants will be assessed via the answers on their application form and audition.
After the application deadline, a friendly member of our team will be in touch to invite you for audition.
Auditions are relaxed and informal, with applicants being put at ease as much as possible. You will be asked to present five minutes of music with a variety of content. This can be two short contrasting pieces or one longer piece. Please choose music you know well so that you can feel comfortable and play at your best.
You will be asked to tell us about your favourite types of music and about any performances you may have seen or taken part in.
You may also be asked to sight-read, play some scales, and do some ear tests appropriate to your level of experience.
Fees
Fees for 2026/27 can be found here. Fees for 2027/28 will be confirmed in Spring 2027
Payment schedule
For our Saturday Centre courses we ask you to pay termly or by 10 monthly standing order instalments. Pleaser refer to the Parent/Carer agreement for details of the notice period.
Bursaries
GYA Bursaries, provided by the two associated registered charities, are primarily for students enrolled on the Full Programme. They are means tested and can be applied for if your household income falls under £50,000. Some bursaries are also available for other programmes.
Autumn Term Dates 2026
Saturday 12 September - Activities and Induction Day
Saturday 19 September - First Teaching Day
Saturday 26 September
Saturday 3 October
Saturday 10 October
Saturday 17 October
Half-term (no session on 24 & 31 October )
Saturday 7 November
Saturday 14 November
Saturday 21 November
Saturday 28 November
Saturday 5 December
Spring Term Dates 2027
Saturday 9 January
Saturday 16 January
Saturday 23 January
Saturday 30 January
Saturday 6 February
Saturday 13 February
Half-term (no session on 20 February)
Saturday 27 February
Saturday 6 March
Saturday 13 March
Saturday 20 March
Sunday 21 March - Annual Concert
Summer Term Dates 2027
Saturday 17 April
Saturday 24 April
Saturday 1 May
Saturday 8 May
Saturday 15 May
Saturday 22 May
Half-term (no session on 29 May & 5 June)
Saturday 12 June
Saturday 19 June
Saturday 26 June
Saturday 3 July
We regret it is not possible to give refunds in the event of absence as the Centre has to continue paying professional tutors and overheads. CYM expects as close to 100% attendance as possible, to ensure you get the most out of your studies.
Pleaser refer to the Parent/Carer agreement for details of the notice period.
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