Why group work is good & great

We have found that playing in small groups, with others of the same level, is a great help in developing musicianship, and an essential accompaniment to the individual teaching we provide. 

Group work gives the experience of playing in public, supporting and being supported by others. Working toward events sharpens up performance in a way that nothing else can do, and there is a great sense of camaraderie as they grow together.

Younger children love playing music with their friends and the beginners groups are often a highlight of their week. Older children and teens appreciate being able to grow and develop their talents, taking on more responsibility as they move to the higher chamber ensembles.

Musical awareness: 4 - 6 year olds

All children under 6 years will do at least one term of Music Awareness classes before starting their instrument although children often continue in these classes for a year or more if appropriate.  Learning “musicianship” really does pay dividends!

These classes prepare children for going on to learn a musical instrument of their choice, but there is no rush in choosing which instrument to play, especially for our youngest members.

Co-ordination and general aural training are taught though musical games and songs based on Kodaly, Dalcroze and Orff using the tonic solfa principle. Basic musically literacy is also introduced.

It is hard work having to be aware of pitch, rhythm, co-ordination, understand musical notation and control an unfamiliar instrument all in one go, but with our musical training your child will find the transition onto an instrument become a natural next step.

This all sounds very serious, but actually these sessions are great fun for everyone and not hard work at all!

Chamber groups: beginners to grade 8’s

As a strings organisation we don’t offer a full orchestra to play in.  However being in a smaller chamber group does offer benefits that playing in a larger orchestra cannot match.

For example, working in small chamber groups rather than large orchestras means that you will take a greater responsibility for a musical line. While the others do support you, you will make a much larger contribution to the total sound. 

It also means there is more direct communication between the players, both musically and socially.

The groups are arranged by grade, so that you will be with people of roughly your own experience and skill level.

  • Pizzicato Players: beginners (approx. 4 - 8 year-olds)
  • Mozart Music Makers: grade 1 - 3 (approx. 7 - 10 year-olds)
  • Lords of the Strings: grade 3 - 5 (approx. 9 - 14 year-olds)
  • The Accent Octet: grade 6+ (approx. 13+ year-olds)

Each term we have one or more concerts or other events at which some or all of the groups participate.

All our staff are very friendly and relaxed with the children while encouraging them to perform to a high standard.

Theory

Some musicians learn to play by ear, but to progress and take higher grades you need to be happy with musical theory.  It has to be said that this can take some getting used to.

Therefore we have a theory group that is aimed at children nearing their grade 5, who want to continue into the higher practical grades.  Being confident with musical notation and being able to sight read can make a great deal of difference to your enjoyment, so this is well worth considering.

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