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.
Applications for September 2024 have now closed. Late applications will be considered if spaces are available. Please get in touch with alice.dagg@gsmd.ac.uk if you have missed the deadline.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Saturday term time
- Course times:
- 10:00-11:30am
- Age:
- 7-11
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- Fees for 2024/25 will be confirmed in Spring 2024
- Deadline:
- 11pm, 1 March 2024
- 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, 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.
Upon receipt of your application, 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 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.
