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Centre for Young Musicians Taster Course
CYM offers new and current students aged 8–18, the opportunity to learn less familiar instruments for a taster period of up to three terms.
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:
- 9.00am-5.00pm
- Age:
- 8–18
- Art form:
- Music
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (ages 4-18)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Morley College, London Waterloo
- When:
- Saturdays
- Contact details:
- alice.dagg@gsmd.ac.uk
About the Taster Course
CYM offers new and current students aged 8–18, the opportunity to learn less familiar instruments for a taster period of up to three terms.
Students can choose to study one of the following instruments: Oboe, Bassoon, Recorder, Viola, Double Bass, Harp, French Horn, Percussion, Trombone and Tuba.
Ideal for beginners who might be undecided about which instrument to study or music students who may have been thinking about trying their hand at something else.
Students will be expected to show some musical understanding but will not be expected to have experience with the instrument chosen.
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.
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.