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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Spring/ Summer Music and Musicians Thread

981 replies

Wafflenose · 10/04/2016 11:25

My children go back to school tomorrow, and it's my birthday this week, so it must be properly spring in the UK now, and time for a new thread! Please jump right in by telling us about your DCs' learning (or your own), or by asking any music/ music exam related questions you like. We have lots of experienced music parents and teachers on here, as well as lots of new ones.

I am a music teacher, and mum to Goo (10) and Rara (7). Goo started the recorder and flute when she was tiny (age 3 and 6 respectively), has recently added piccolo, but not very well yet, and is starting piano lessons in a couple of weeks. She has no exams this term, but will probably do Grade 6 Flute in the Autumn and Grade 8 Recorder next Spring. She plays in her school orchestra and recorder groups, South West Music School and NCO, and has her first concert with County Wind Band tonight, after a trial course. She hasn't auditioned to become a member yet, and might not for a few years yet, due to age and time factors.

Rara isn't so musically inclined - she prefers to read and draw, and is also very physically active. However, she is due to take her Grade 2 Cello exam this term, and Grade 3 Recorder in the Autumn - she's currently getting to grips with the treble and loving it!

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woolleybear · 10/04/2016 14:00

My dd is 9 and plays clarinet. No exams for us this term, but a concert in two weeks which she practiced for in the first week of the holidays but hasn't in the last two weeks so we need to get onto that. To be fair she spent two days of that playing solidly for a music course and then has had long days in the last week.

She is also desperate to learn a second instrument but just doesn't know what, though possible oboe or saxophone. She has tried an oboe and liked it but we haven't been able to try a saxophone yet! The clarinet she was really adamant about learning so maybe I should just wait for it to become like this for something else!

raspberryrippleicecream · 10/04/2016 13:18

Fleur I'd be inclined towards clarinet too. My god-daughter though was never comfortable with a reeded instrument, and her Mum is a clarinet/sax player. She has ended up a trumpet and flute player with Grade 8 in both, having tried harp, violin and sax on the way!

DS2 started clarinet at 7, a year after piano, and was in junior orchestra within weeks. It won't take your DD long to get going!

I'd start asking now. Our music centre doesnt do lessons though, only in school and privately. But they run some good music groups which are open to all.

motherwithheadache · 10/04/2016 13:14

1 brass exam, and 2dc who are starting to think about some exam pieces. I think dc1 is working on some guitar pieces (Rockschool), but that will be a while to go as not really interested in exams

raspberryrippleicecream · 10/04/2016 13:09

We have an Exam free term - except for GCSEs and A levels!

I have DS1 Y13, who has Grade 8 Tuba and Trombone, plays in a variety of ensembles in and out of school.

DD, Y11, Grade 8 alto sax, plays bari sax in ensembles, plus learns piano for fun (no exams).

DS2, Y8, who is a cathedral chorister. He plays piano, working towards Grade 7, possibly autumn, clarinet, working towards Grade 6, and trombone (5-6 standard). He too plays in ensembles in and out of school, although not as many as he would like too as they clash with his Cathedral commitments.

He has an exciting term planned while poor older DCs are into exams. He is off to London to take part in a big Cathedral music event, he is taking part in a local Arts Festival in a variety of ways, and is set to enjoy what may be his last term as s Chorister.

Fleurdelise · 10/04/2016 13:02

Misti continuing from the last thread, I am inclined towards clarinet also, so is my husband so maybe we'll use our influencing power with DD to convince her it is better. Grin

Unfortunately we've established Waffle doesn't live nearby to take on Dd's training so I now need to find a teacher. I am really tempted by the local music centre as they then have 1 to 1 lessons and then the DCs can join the wind band.

Has anybody got any experience with the local music centres around the country? We are in Herts.

Would it be too early to email now for September? I am worried that the may have a waiting list.

ealingwestmum · 10/04/2016 12:11

Have a great birthday week Waffle!

We have a week and a half of hols still to go. DD in Y7 (12). Waiting for G4 singing results from last term (I am ashamed to say I did not hear even one of the pieces), but that's senior school life now, little practice at home, time grabbed at school as and when in breaks/mornings etc due to extra curricular juggling and weekends in between multiple sports. Being musical and sporty doesn't mix well as the levels get more advanced.

Piano G6 for summer, if we can get a slot in the first 2 weeks of session opening due to rest of term clashes, not sure how easy this for teacher to stipulate dates preference on form...hope he's successful!