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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 2023 are now closed. Late applications will be considered if spaces are available. Please get in touch if you have missed the deadline.

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 2023/24 will be confirmed in Spring 2023
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (ages 4-18)
- Mode of study:
- In-person | Music Centres
- 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.
Fees
Fees for 2023/24 will be confirmed in Spring 2023
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.
Spring Term Dates 2023
Saturday 7 January
Saturday 14 January
Saturday 21 January
Saturday 28 January
Saturday 4 February
Half-term (no session on 11 February)
Saturday 18 February
Saturday 25 February
Saturday 4 March
Saturday 11 March
Saturday 18 March
Saturday 25 March - Annual Concert
Summer Term Dates 2023
Saturday 22 April
Saturday 29 April
Kings Coronation (no session on 6 May)
Saturday 13 May
Saturday 20 May
Half-term (no session on 27 May & 3 June)
Saturday 10 June
Saturday 17 June
Saturday 24 June
Saturday 1 July
Saturday 8 July
Saturday 15 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.