Anyone's child auditioned for Junior Guildhall (music)

[disorganisedmummy]

Hi all, our ds who's 10 will be auditioning for Junior Guildhall in the spring which I appreciate is a while away but I was wondering if anyone has gone through this process with their child and how they found it. Ds has aspergers ands finds new places/transitions very difficult and stressful. We're going to look round in a couple of weeks and they have been very accommodating on the phone of his condition. I would just be interested to hear others' experiences.

Thanks

[Moominmammacat]

My ds auditioned and got in but ended up at Acad because of an easier journey. It's very full on but very worthwhile. Everyone there was lovely but I would make sure your express clearly what help you might like for your son as sometimes, elsewhere, I have known issues such as these to be overlooked in the busyness of a new term. Good luck.

[sugaraddict]

My DD has Asperger's and has been attending for a year. They were very accommodating on visits and at audition but she has been struggling a bit. Some teachers have been very helpful and they are generally very approachable. However we are thinking about trying to change her instrumental teacher as they don't seem to understand or be willing to learn about her disability. This has caused a lot of stress and severely damaged her confidence, so I would say if your son gets a place then have trial lessons with more than one teacher, talk to them and pick someone you feel will be a good fit.

Good luck with the audition!

[disorganisedmummy]

Thanks for your messages. Sugaraddict that's really good to know about the teachers so we will watch out for that. What instrument does you dd play? DS plays violin. I hope she finds a teacher who she can gel with soon.

[Musicmom1]

Hi not Guildhall but another JD. The start of the year is a bit unsettling as at ours they audition for various orchestras and seats over the first two Saturday's and timetables move around for a few weeks whilst everything is slotted together. Also new people take theory and aural tests so they end up in the right lesson. Also there is often no time between lessons etc so a lot of rapid packing up and moving rooms/floors.

Hope that helps you a bit in preparing if you decide to go got it. It's a wonderful experience but expect to be around to support (DD is 10yo and whilst we don't go to lessons we are on hand to organise!)

[sugaraddict]

DD plays violin too. Like Musicmom I have to hang around every Saturday just in case she needs support. So a big commitment, not to mention the joys of encouraging the practice!

[onlymusic]

Do I understand correctly that parents are allowed on JD premises and to help if this is needed?

[Musicmom1]

Only - yes all parents can stay on premises at all ages, and it's actual a very social thing. Lots of people have travelled a long way too so there is little option but to stay - shopping all day every sat would be rather expensive! There are usually performance platforms to watch etc.

[onlymusic]

Thank you Musicmom1

[drummersmum]

Guildhall say on their website that they start at 8am on Saturdays. Is that so? Can anyone confirm?

[disorganisedmummy]

Drummersmum,I'm not sure tbh. I think it depends on your child's timetable. We're going to look round on the 5th Nov so I'll let you know. Ds is so excited. We're in South East Essex,it's a good hour by car.

[drummersmum]

Thanks disorganised - looking forward to hearing about your visit.

[stringchild]

Drummer - at our JD, start time varies; last year dd's start was 8am, but this year 9am (much better as we were struggling!). Finish time varies between 4.30 and 6.30 as there is an ad hoc group. But some students do less ensembles or lessons and have a shorter day. Really worth talking to them - but generally the day is full and exciting=tiring!

[drummersmum]

Thanks String.
For us Saturday 9am would be doable, 8am is No way José.