Centre for Young Musicians Primary Years Programme
This progressive four-year programme is the perfect introduction to music for children entering the centre in school year 1.
Applications for entry in September 2024, open on 1 November 2023 and close 1 March 2024.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Saturday term time
- Course times:
- 11:30am-4:00pm (dependant on year group)
- Age:
- 5–9 (must be 5 at the time of joining)
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- Fees for 2024/25 will be confirmed in Spring 2024
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (ages 4-18)
- Mode of study:
- Saturday Courses
- Venue:
- Notre Dame School
- When:
- Saturdays
- Contact details:
- alice.dagg@gsmd.ac.uk
About the Primary Years Programme
This progressive four-year programme is the perfect introduction to music for children entering the centre in school year 1.
Through group workshops each Saturday, children will explore different instruments and their own musicality, develop language and communication skills, grow in confidence and increase their ability to express themselves, in a supportive and safe environment.
At the end of the course, students will be able to enter onto the Full Programme without the need to audition.
Year one
Students can expect to acquire the simple skills and fine muscle control necessary to develop technical proficiency on an instrument. Singing, rhythm and movement activities will teach each student an instinctive connection between hands, voices, eyes and ears. This sense of connection is the crucial foundation for a rich life-long experience of music.
Year two and Year three
Students will continue to develop their musicianship skills, choosing from one of the following instruments - violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar and recorder. They will also take part in a group lesson and ensemble.
Year four
In the final year of the Primary Years Programme, students will get an additional 20-minute individual lesson and specialised ensemble, in addition to classes in musicianship.
No experience is required to join our Primary Years Programme. Students must be in school year 1 in the September of entry.
We cannot accept students in years 2–4 as it is a progressive course.
There are 24 spaces on the programme and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. After this we will open a waiting list.
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.
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.
