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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

Contemporary music options for children

28 replies

hillier876 · 21/01/2020 21:41

Hi

I have a 9 year old daughter and 7 year old son that love music. but we have a few challenges that I hope to get advice/ suggestions on please.

We live in Surrey and are struggling to find credible options for their contemporary music interests.

My daughter is preparing for:
Singing ABRSM Grade 7
Acoustic Guitar Rockschool Grade 7
Bass Guitar Rockschool Grade 7
Cello ABRSM Grade 6
Piano ABRSM Grade 5
Saxophone ABRSM Grade 5
Clarinet ABRSM Grade 4

My son is preparing for:
Electric Guitar Rockschool Grade 4
Classical Guitar ABRSM Grade 4
Acoustic Guitar Rockschool Grade 3
Piano Rockschool Grade 3
Violin ABRSM Grade 2

Regarding the piano and guitars, they have recently switched to the Rockschool syllabus. They want opportunities to play these instruments in groups, ensembles, etc. Unfortunately, their schools favour classical instrument/ music over contemporary, so options are limited there.

I've reached out to various classes in London but they cater for classical music rather than contemporary.

Can anyone think of where we might find options for group playing and development for primarily contemporary music playing children?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
ealingwestmum · 30/01/2020 11:04

Great news...enjoy Smile

Original poster
hillier876 · 30/01/2020 10:48

ealingwestmum
Fantastic suggestion. Just spoke with Chris - great guy!

Looking at working together to get something going locally. This would tick all the boxes - playing varied contemporary songs in mixed-ability 4 - 6 piece bands, whilst rotating multi-instrumentalists, so they each get turns to play different instruments in the band, and a show at the end of each term.

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Original poster
hillier876 · 30/01/2020 08:48

ealingwestmum
Thank you. I will check it out this morning.

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ealingwestmum · 29/01/2020 23:05

Very musical DC OP! Another one for you to try: The Band Project, founded by Chris Mountford. Not sure if geographically it could work for you, but all ages...my DD really enjoys the break from classical ensembles.

Original poster
hillier876 · 29/01/2020 21:43

BlueWonder
Thank you for the suggestions.

The Surrey County Youth Orchestra is interesting but classically focused. I will try to identify other regional music hubs.

I totally agree about the performing v exams bit. My son is the natural performer. His performing often surpasses his ability :) My daughter is the opposite in that she only very rarely shows the full extent of what she is able to do.

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Original poster
hillier876 · 29/01/2020 21:34

Deepflatfryer
Thank you so much. My children love playing music with other children. Hope to sort something out for them soon.

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BlueWonder · 29/01/2020 19:29

Try your local authority provision....now probably outsourced to a regional music hub. These have been vastly cut back but across our county there are still opportunities to play in 'rock' bands from your DD's age and ensembles for strings, brass, gamelan, jazz, swing, drumming etc Plus we have a charitable music organisation that runs several bands, string groups and orchestras. Even if they don't advertise themselves as 'contemporary', some groups will often play arrangements of contemporary music and as your DD us at quite a high standard she might find a group where the players get a bit of choice in what they perform as they get older. Some have music residentials too. I've had two DC involved in music and beyond doubt what brings them on on leaps and bounds is performing rather than just exams. Good Luck!

deepflatflyer · 29/01/2020 19:08

Nothing to advise but wanted to say wow! what fascinating kids. I do hope you find something suitable as playing in groups is the biggest joy. I hope they have many happy times with their combinations of instruments!

minisnowballs · 29/01/2020 13:30

Great.

Original poster
hillier876 · 29/01/2020 12:26

Minisnowballs
I just called and spoke with a lovely lady called Lauren. She was really helpful and will send me a brochure after which we will discuss what might be possible my son and daughter.

Interestingly, they are happy to follow the RockSchool curriculum when teaching acoustic, electric and bass guitar, as well as the piano.

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minisnowballs · 29/01/2020 11:20

Good luck. The aural and theory are necessary evils when taking the exams - they don't have to do aural all the time! But the theory transforms itself into 'supporting studies' or 'musicianship' which they would say is vital to good performance.

The saxophone group seems to be very good and there is lots of jazz. The head of Wind and Brass is a clarinettist (is that the right word for someone who plays a clarinet?) and i think would probably be good for you to talk to. DD doesn't do her strings stuff there so I don't know that bit of it as well.

Original poster
hillier876 · 29/01/2020 09:33

Minisnowballs

Hi. You have summarized the challenge perfectly. My daughter is Grade 5 or there about on the classical instruments, so could probably fit in eventually. As you say, the question is what she could fit in at CYM, should they accept her, and how she would manage her other interests that they do not cater to.
Sounds like you DD is quite busy there. My DD is not overly keen on aural and theory :)

I'm going to call them again today. Thank you.

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RuffleCrow · 28/01/2020 16:13

Stealth boast op. Oh my goodness those poor over privileged childre. When do they get a moment's peace? This is like the £20/250 shopping threads but with music!

minisnowballs · 28/01/2020 16:10

Wow - that's an impressive number of instruments!

I'd call CYM (my dd is there ) and ask them if they can give you info over the phone. They are very nice and not very formal and I'm sure would find a time to chat to you. There are children there at that level at that age (not my dd- at least not the grade 7 bit - she's grade 5) and covering most of those instruments (not sure about bass guitar). There are lots of juniors. Dd started at the age of 9.

Your problem would realistically be fitting all of that into one day. My dd does two instruments (of her three) there and her day is completely full with 2 ensembles, two individual lessons, aural classes, theory classes and time with her accompanist - and choir. We get there at 830, and this week we left at 3:45. That's a long day for a primary school child!

Original poster
hillier876 · 28/01/2020 15:54

CrotchetyQuaver
My daughter doesn't practice each instrument every day, e.g. she practiced singing, sax and clarinet last night. This morning she only practiced bass. I suspect that tonight she will practice the piano and acoustic guitar, is she is not tired from today's netball tournament.

DD is not at Grade 8 on any instrument yet but it would be impossible for her to practice each instrument, for 2 hours a day, every day, so maybe her progress will slow a little if 2 hours daily per instrument is what is required. The most important thing is that she is happy and enjoying her sports, music, etc. and looking forward to her birthday.

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CrotchetyQuaver · 28/01/2020 09:47

I don't see how she can do all those instruments justice on an hour a days practice, that's 5 minutes on each instrument twice a day, less for the ones that need assembling/tuning/cleaning.

It should be much more than that per instrument per day. I was doing 2 hours per day per instrument by grade 8....

I dread to think what this is costing you.

Original poster
hillier876 · 28/01/2020 08:45

Thank you SE13Mummy
The Rock Project looks really interesting, A bit too far away but I have emailed them anyway. It appears to be similar to British School of Rock which my daughter was part of for 1 term - singing. She may go back but playing bass guitar this time.

You are right, every time they have an opportunity to check something out, like CYM, it means missing out on all of their activities for the day, which is fine if we are sure that they will find at least most of what they are looking for there.

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SE13Mummy · 27/01/2020 16:33

What about the rock project?

It's a shame the CYM open day clashed with activities but I expect that will be the case for most places. You may find it's worth emailing places you're interested in and asking to speak to someone in charge - they may be willing to take younger pupils.

Original poster
hillier876 · 27/01/2020 15:37

daisypond
Yes :) She started singing aged 5 years old. The guitar and bass are recent additions but the instruments she plays the most and plays a wide repertoire outside of those required for the exams.

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Original poster
hillier876 · 27/01/2020 15:33

Comefromaway
Really? I'd not heard about that before. Can you recommend any please?

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Original poster
hillier876 · 27/01/2020 15:31

SE13Mummy
Contemporary as in popular music.

Yes, I have been touch with ACM. They only accept children aged 12 and over, unfortunately. My daughter is happy with the playing 'classical'on both the sax and clarinet, as the set music lists have broad choices that she finds interesting. We were invited to the CYM Open Day 2 days ago but could not make it as she would have had to miss too many activities to attend.

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daisypond · 23/01/2020 12:54

cym.org.uk/

daisypond · 23/01/2020 12:51

Have you looked at the Centre for Young Musicians? Entry by audition. One of mine went here.

daisypond · 23/01/2020 12:40

Seven different instruments at a mid to high level at age nine?

Comefromaway · 23/01/2020 12:37

She's doing Grade 7 aged 9!!!!!

Amateur musical theatre companies are crying out for bass gutarists who can read music to play for their shows,