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 “Musical Awareness” classes for 4 to 6 year olds. Children then go on to individual tuition for violin, viola, cello or bass and work towards the exams 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 Newtown Community Hut in Belmont Park which is just off Belmont Road, by the roundabout.

  • Musical Awareness: 4 – 4.40pm for 4 - 6 year olds
  • Pizzicato Players: 4 – 4.40pm for beginners
  • Mozart Music Makers: 4.50 – 5.30pm for grades 1 - 3
  • Lords of the Strings: 4.40 – 5.40pm for grades 3 - 5
  • The Accent Octet: 5.40 – 6.40pm for grades 6+

We also run a café from 4.40 – 5.30pm. This means that parents don’t have to wander the streets in the rain and damp, but can chat with friends and relax while rehearsals proceed.

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 lower figure being for a ‘new’ teacher].

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:

  • Musical Awareness:  £38 per term
  • Pizzicato Players:  £38 per term
  • Mozart Music Makers: £38 per term.
  • Lords of the Strings: £48 per term.
  • The Accent Octet: £48 per term

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

Musical Awareness: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 Music Awareness 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 practice 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.

The next open evening will be:

Social site bookmarking