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.
All applications for September 2024 are now closed.
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 2024/25 will be confirmed in Spring 2024
- 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 a few hours 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, Taster Course or Youth Brass 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.
Upon receipt of your application, 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 2023/24 can be found here. Fees for 2024/25 will be confirmed in Spring 2024
Payment schedule
We ask you to pay termly or by 10 monthly standing order instalments. We ask for a term’s notice if you decide to withdraw at any point.
Bursaries
We offer means tested bursaries for participation in our Full Programme. Following the offer of a place, these can be applied for if your household income falls under £48,000. Please get in touch with elaine.lewis@gsmd.ac.uk if you have a query about our bursaries – it’s entirely confidential and we keep the application process as simple and quick as possible.
Autumn Term Dates 2023
Saturday 16 September - Activities and Induction Day
Saturday 23 September - First Teaching Day
Saturday 30 September
Saturday 7 October
Saturday 14 October
Half-term (no session on 21 or 28 October)
Saturday 4 November
Saturday 11 November
Saturday 18 November
Saturday 25 November
Saturday 2 December
Saturday 9 December
Spring Term Dates 2024
Saturday 6 January
Saturday 13 January
Saturday 20 January
Saturday 27 January
Saturday 3 February
Half-term (no session on 10 February)
Saturday 17 February
Saturday 24 February
Saturday 2 March
Saturday 9 March
Saturday 16 March
Saturday 23 March - Annual Concert
Summer Term Dates 2024
Saturday 20 April
Saturday 27 April
Saturday 4 May
Saturday 11 May
Saturday 18 May
Half-term (no session on 25 May & 1 June)
Saturday 8 June
Saturday 15 June
Saturday 22 June
Saturday 29 June
Saturday 6 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.
A full term’s notice is required to stop attending CYM. This notice period is required to fulfil obligations to the professional tutors, pay for facilities and to encourage young participants to be fully committed to the courses they’ve chosen.
