Guildhall Young Artists Taunton Music Course
Our hands-on music course for ages 11–18 will see you take part in a variety of weekly classes, tailored to your experience and interests.
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About the Music Course
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Saturday term time
- Course times:
- 9am–1.20pm (dependent upon class timetable)
- Age:
- 11–18
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £340 per term (£34 per week)
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Richard Huish College, Taunton
- Contact details:
- gyataunton@gsmd.ac.uk
About the Music Course
Whether you simply want to spend a few hours making music with newfound friends, or are thinking about taking your passion for music a step further, you can be sure to ignite your creativity and have lots of fun, whilst learning from top practitioners and industry professionals.
You will be put into a group depending on the information stated on your application form, to ensure that sessions are tailored to your experience. Sessions will cover multiple genres and styles, including classical, jazz, rock & pop and singing.
Timings for the Music Course are subject to the classes chosen. Most students attend from 9am or 10am – 12.20pm or 1.20pm each Saturday. From September 2024 there will be the option to choose afternoon sessions.
Classes and ensembles are offered in the following:
- Band practice
- Brass
- Composition
- Exploring music / Theory
- Jazz Band
- Junior Woodwind
- Music Production
- Composition / Theory
- Orchestra
- Percussion
- Senior Woodwind
- Singing
- Strings
Our Ensembles Only Course is a good option for those who are unable to commit to a whole morning. Choose from two group classes (60 minutes each) in the instruments/sessions listed above.
We are able to combine both music and drama courses for the same price as the stand-alone music/drama courses. Please let us know if this is something the applicant would be interested in when making an application or signing up for a free taster session.
Individual and paired lessons (drama only) can be arranged alongside the Music Course for an additional cost. Please let us know if this is something the applicant would be interested in when making an application or signing up for a free taster session.
Fees
£340 per term (£34 per week)
With one-to-one lesson
Add an individual 30-minute instrumental or vocal lesson (subject to availability) for an additional £25 per Saturday + the cost of the Music Course.
With paired lesson (drama only)
Drama lessons are also available for those who wish to share the 30-minute lesson with one other student, in which case the lesson cost is an additional £12.50 per Saturday (payable by each student) + the cost of the Music Course.
Payment schedule
The course or courses signed up for will be charged for the term. The number of sessions that will need to be paid for will depend on the number of sessions left in the term. Please see our term dates for information.
After the first term has finished, sessions will be charged termly.
Five Week Trial
All new students will be given a five-week trial period (payable) if they have joined Guildhall Young Artists Taunton in the first five weeks of the term. Please see full terms and conditions on our finance and funding page.
Deposit
We ask for a £50 holding deposit to secure your place. On receipt of your application, a friendly member of our team will discuss your requirements noted on the application form and send a payment link for the reservation of a place. This payment will be taken off one terms fees, or any outstanding balance refunded to your account if you give notice within the five-week trial period.
Bursaries
We are able to offer three different bursaries thanks to the generosity of Guildhall Young Artists, Octagon Music Hub (the music education hub for Dorset & Somerset with funds from Arts Council England), and Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation, which all have different criteria. These are means-tested and will enable students to have some or all of their class fees paid for. Travel bursaries are available for students who live in West Somerset. Please refer to our finance and funding page for more information.
Spring Term 2025
Saturday 11 January
Saturday 18 January
Saturday 25 January
Saturday 1 February
Saturday 8 February
Half Term – no GYAT – Sat 15 & 22 Feb
Saturday 1 March – 11th anniversary
Saturday 8 March
Saturday 15 March
Saturday 22 March
Saturday 29 March – End of Term Performance at 2pm
Saturday 5 April – 'make up week' in lieu of 7 December
Summer Term 2025
Saturday 26 April
Saturday 3 May
Saturday 10 May
Saturday 17 May
Half Term – no GYAT – Sat 24 & 31 May
Saturday 7 June
Saturday 14 June
Saturday 21 June
Saturday 28 June – End of Year Performance Part I at 2pm
Saturday 5 July – End of Year Performance Part II at 2pm
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. GYA Taunton expects as close to 100% attendance as possible, to ensure you develop and get the most out of your attendance.
A full term’s notice is required to stop attending (except in exceptional circumstances). This notice period is required to fulfil obligations to the professional tutors, pay for facilities and to encourage you to be fully committed to the courses chosen.
Join the Music Course
Complete an online enquiry form
Benefit from Guildhall Young Artists membership
As a member of GYA Taunton, you can expect exclusive opportunities, performances and workshops, including competitions, invites to concerts and gigs and performances from students at Guildhall School.
