Useful information about EYS

This page tells you all the nitty-gritty details about Exeter Young Strings - the whats, wheres, whens, how much, requirements etc.

What we offer

Exeter Young Strings aims to provide a complete programme of string teaching from complete beginners right up to grade 8. 

We start with “Mini Music Makers” classes for 4 to 6 year olds. This programme lasts a year and provides a simple introduction to the cello, violin or viola and general musicianship. We are using “violinbabies” as our core teaching material. Children then to on to play in “The Pizzicato Players” - a small chamber group for pre-grade players. In addition they then have individual tuition for violin, viola, cello in which to develop at their own pace. 

We really believe in the value of playing with a few others, in what are called chamber groups.  Chamber groups are a key part of EYS and everyone is encouraged to join one.  You will be with people of your own experience and with friendly teachers - having great fun and doing stuff that you would never achieve on your own - see how 1 + 2 = 6!

Where/when

Individual lessons: will usually take place in the home of your teacher, but sometimes other arrangements are possible (please note - your teacher may charge travel expenses).

Chamber groups: all groups take place on Wednesday at the Maria Montessori School, 3 St Leonard’s Place, Exeter, EX2 4LZ.

  • Mini Music Makers: 4.10pm - 4.50pm, for 4 - 6 year olds with parents
  • Pizzicato Players: 4.10pm – 4.50pm, for beginners (approx. ages 5 – 7)
  • Super Strings: 5pm – 5.40pm, for beginners to grade 1 (approx. ages 6 - 9)
  • Spiccato Strings: 5pm – 5.40pm, for players of grades 2 - 3 (approx. ages 7 - 10)
  • Mozart Music Makers: 5.45pm – 6.45pm, for players of grades 3 - 4 (approx. ages 8 – 14)
  • Col-Legno Quartet: 5.45pm – 6.45pm, for players of grades 5 - 6 (approx. ages 10 - 16)
  • Accent: Time and day TBC (please contact us), for players of grade 7+ (approx. ages 14 - 19)

A second Mini Music Makers group for 4 - 6 year olds with parents takes place on Tuesdays in Newtown Community Hut, Belmont Park from 4.10pm to 4.50pm.

How much

First of all, we are really committed to the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to play, no matter what their financial position.  Therefore we have a fund & loan instruments to help children from low-income backgrounds.  Please don’t be put off if things are tight - come and talk to us first.

Individual tuition: these fees are paid direct to your teacher.  You can expect to pay somewhere between £20 and £26 a session - the exact amount depends upon your teacher’s experience level. The recommended hourly rates for EYS teachers are:

  • Student teachers with less than a year of one-to-one teaching experience: £16-20
  • Student teachers with between one and five years of one-to-one teaching experience: £20-24
  • Teachers with over five years of teaching experience: £24-30

Our student teachers are all CRB checked and have a minimum of grade 8 on the relevant instrument before they start teaching. In addition we have a very active staff development programme in which all teachers take part.

Chamber groups: the fees are for an entire terms worth of group playing - a real bargain - and are due one week before the first session of each term:

  • Mini Music Makers:  £45 per term (£125 for the year paid in advance)
  • Pizzicato Players:  £45 per term (£125 for the year paid in advance)
  • Super Strings: £45 per term (£125 for the year paid in advance)
  • Spiccato Strings: £45 per term (£125 for the year paid in advance)
  • Mozart Music Makers: £55 per term (£155 for the year paid in advance)
  • Col-Legno Quartet: £55 per term (£155 for the year paid in advance)
  • The Accent Octet: details to be confirmed

NB if you do decide to stop playing in a chamber group, we do need at least three weeks notice before the first rehearsal of each term.  Sadly, if not enough notice is given we have to charge a £20 fee.

Entry requirements

Mini Music Makers:this is for children who are 4-6 years old.

Individual tuition: If you are under 6 years of age you will be required to attend our Mini Music Makers classes for a minimum of one term before you start your instrumental lessons.

Auditioning for chamber groups: We don’t formally audition for the groups, but if you are new to us then we will listen to you play so that we can select the best group for you.

It is best to join a group at the beginning of a term, although you can join at any point. However if it is just before an event you may be asked to wait until after the event. This is because other members of the group will have been rehearsing for some weeks and joining just before a concert could be stressful for new members because we don’t always practise all concert pieces every week and so you are likely to have missed some pieces altogether.

An Instrument: Obviously you will need an appropriate instrument - there are small versions of the different instruments available.  For example 1/10th size cellos are suitable for really small children.  Anyway, if in doubt come and talk to us first.  Small instruments can be rented, which might be a lot more efficient than out right purchase, alternatively we do have some instruments of our own which we loan.

Free trial sessions & open evenings

Each term we have an open evening so you can ‘taste’ the chamber group experience.  You are very welcome to come along and have a free session with us.

 

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