Music Junior Programs

How far is far @MissScotland ? You
May be able to get a slightly later start. We used to have a 2.5hr journey to guildhall so managed to get a 10am start which made it doable!

@MissScotland Yes but I still don't want to do it all again!

@MissScotland Yes, my sense is that if you get a second interview, they want you, and only if you're a total disaster in the second round do they not let you in!

Interestingly, at the RAM (virtual) open day, nobody seemed to have started before Year 5, most of them Year 6, so I think that's quite standard at RAM to only have 2 years. But I think it is a disadvantage having to reapply all over again at 12.

@MissScotland Congrats to your DD! That's great news. Yes, I do like how Guildhall are more tapped into the emotional rollercoaster of it all and let you know really quickly.

@Ashard20 @Londonmummy66 Thanks both so much for your input about Guildhall - that's really helpful and kind of you to share. It's definitely our number 1 at the moment.

@MissScotland RCM said April 9th for results so I'm not expecting to hear anything before next week (unless they're kind and put us out of our misery before Easter!) How did Guildhall go?

For all of you deciding I just wanted to jump back in and say that DC had an absolute ball at Junior Guildhall (piano dept) and that she did quite a bit of chamber work with strings as well and really liked the people she was interacting with. There was very much an atmosphere of respecting you for what you can do regardless of age and, certainly in piano, they were very supportive of each other. Although not there anymore as she went specialist baording for 6th form, she still misses it a lot and has a solid group of friends there she has kept in touch with.

She also had some MH issues and the pastoral support was absolutely superb - actually helped me draft letters to her school etc to sort out the problems there.

If it makes a difference, Junior Guildhall have their own higher certificate which they take in Y11 and consists of harmony, theory, composition, aural training and musical appreciation. They have a weekly lesson (MA) for this purpose. Obviously a bit in the future, but there are occasional assignments and it resembles very closely the grade 8 theory syllabus, but, I would say, much broader.

@WordsandMusic2020 - it really is hard to decide! I am almost hoping that RCM do not make DC an offer just to keep things simple.
You sound like you are far better informed than I am and everything you say is very helpful. It sounds like at the very least we should speak to Guildhall about potential teachers. We do not have any teachers in mind, though. DC's present teacher knows somebody who teaches his instrument, though, so maybe we will try to get some advice through her. I should add, you are all welcome to PM me if you have any thoughts or discussion topics you would rather not share online.

@LittleVenetian In the absence of going to visit, it's so hard to decide, isn't it? What you really want is to be able to get a feel for the places, and you can't do that online. The other thing we're less keen on at RAM is not being able to do a consultation lesson. For us, the relationship with the teacher is so key we don't want to do it blind. Whereas at Guildhall we've been offered consultation lessons with two possible teachers that they think are a good fit and then we can decide. But it might be that you have a teacher in mind at RAM and have requested them already. I know lots of people do. We're not au fait with individual teachers' reputations to be able to do that!

My DC absolutely loves RAM (PA) - it’s so nice and special to be with a group of similarly aged kids and it’s also nice to be able to stay for year 7 and be top of the tree at that time, when in school life you are back to being bottom rung. A poster further up said there wasn’t an orchestra at PA but there is - although it’s a string one. It’s a really cozy and nurturing environment, and all the teachers are absolutely brilliant and so energetic and obviously keen to inspire and motivate and love working with these kids.

That's so interesting WordsandMusic2020.
I really agree with you about Guildhall - I was so impressed by the second round interview and my DC was too. We are still leaning towards RAM though I share your concerns about re-auditioning.
I do not have anyone to speak to so it is very reassuring to hear that in terms of general musical educaiton, there's basically nothing between them.

@LittleVenetian @teachocolate We're in the same position (inc still waiting on RCM) but we're almost certainly going to take Guildhall. Their comms have been fantastic and I think that says a lot about an institution when they seem to really care about the students auditioning. Our impression is that it's the most nurturing of the three. We'd already decided we wouldn't take RAM (unless it was our only offer!) as it's not ideal to have to re-audition all over again at 12, when it's arguably harder to get in. My sense from everyone I've spoken to is that in terms of the musical education, there's basically nothing between them - they're all fantastic institutions and our DCs are lucky to be going to any of them!

They are all slightly different in atmosphere and ethos but equally all very brilliant institutions. I would look carefully at the programme of study for your instrument(s). I have a very wise friend who repeatedly reminds me 'it's not necessarily where you are, but who you are with'

Of course, they all have very accomplished and wonderful teachers, but if you can get any clarity on who is likely to be teaching your child and maybe a consultation that might help.

We went with junior guildhall for a particular teacher. It was the perfect fit for DD.

Hi @LittleVenetian we are in the same boat. DD is accepted by Guildhall and RAM Junior and waiting for RCM.

She is at the last year of RAM Primary. The standards of all schools are similar as they all intake many children with wide range of abilities. We were advised to send DD to a specialist school if we want higher standard peers.

We chose RAM Primary a few years ago for her because it is nearer from us and safer for younger children. They don’t need to cross road to move to lessons and the Primary director remembers all children’s names and caring very well. She is really impressive and supportive. It’s also reasonable price.

However, you should remember it is separated from Junior RAM. No internal competition, no opportunity for masterclass. In addition, children have to audition again for Junior RAM as well as outside candidates and no guarantee for places.

We are leaning towards RCM only slightly but won’t make any decision until all results are out.

So far we have had offers from RAM(PA) and Jr Guildhall so yes, we are trying to choose. We do not know anybody who has been to any of the Jr Depts. We have also applied to RCM. If you had asked me last week I would have said I preferred RAM but I was v impressed by the 2nd round interview at Guildhall - they seemed really switched on. But that is just an impression and it is just so hard to get a full picture. Travel is not an issue for any of the 3.

Does anybody have advice on how to choose between the different programmes? I can see that the Primary Academy is more separated from the older children and appears not to have an orchestra. But is it all much of a muchness? I have been leaning towards Primary Academy but have been quite impressed by Junior Guildhall.

Ah well then they will know exactly what's required I'm sure 😊