Centre for Young Musicians Prelude Strings Programme
This programme for ages 7–11 is suited to young string players (grades 1-3) who are starting on their musical journey.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Saturday term time
- Course times:
- 10:00-11:30am
- Age:
- 7-11
- 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 Prelude Strings Programme
This programme for ages 7–11 is suited to young string players who are starting on their musical journey. Through a 90-minute class each Saturday, children will improve their skills in reading notation, practical musicianship, ensemble work and technique.
Students will be playing at Grade 1-3 level and will usually progress into the Full Programme after one or two years.
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.
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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