JD for music - specifically Trinity

[deepflatflyer]

The idea of a JD for my kids has been on my mind, and I think I need to investigate or I'll never know / always wonder.

Really only interested in Trinity as it's the closest and I wouldn't want to make life too complicated.

DS1 has already rejected the idea in theory (doesn't want to give up a whole Saturday), but I'd still like to investigate. DS2 would, I think, be interested.

I realise we've missed the boat for 2019, so we'd be looking at 2020, by which time DS 1 will be Year 11, and DS 2 will be Year 9.

Current situation
DS1 (now year 9): Grade 8 on trumpet. Probably about Grade 5 on viola (although he hasn't been playing long and progress has been rapid but he might not have the greatest technique).

DS 2 (now year 7): Grade 6 on violin. Probably about Grade 6 on trombone (which he hasn't been playing for as long as violin and hasn't done any exams yet).

What might their chances be of getting in? I think DS1 would want to do trumpet in ensembles, but lessons on the viola (as I'm sure he would prefer to keep his current teacher for trumpet), so I wonder if he could have his lesson on the viola, even if not his first study.

DS2 would probably want to do trombone mainly in ensembles, and lessons on both (he'll need new teachers on both by then).

The main reason I want to explore the idea is because music is their whole life. They get so much out of it socially. They play in ensembles at school and at our local music hub but I think they might grow out of these before they reach the end of their school days. They do holiday courses (Xmas/Easter/Summer) which they love, and the standards there will always stretch them, but I think they would get so much out of doing something musically challenging yet fun on a weekly basis.

I do realise this would mean, effectively, a 6--day week during term time. They would have to cut back on the some of the local stuff they do and they'd have to knuckle down to some serious homework during the week and, sadly, Sundays. DS1 is academically more able than DS2 (and thus more able to multitask) but is very protective of his 'down time' .

How do others manage it?

Would love your feedback - sorry if this is a long post!

Don't know much about Trinity, we are Guildhall. I would suggest you contact Trinity for some advice and find out about late applications - we missed the deadline for GH last year but they accepted a late application (in May) and my DD got in. In terms of standard, certainly for GH I would say that from what you say, your DC's are towards the lower end of what is expected. For entry in Y7, violinists tend to be around G7+ (it is very competitive as they feed in from the GH String Training Programme). But that's not to say they wouldn't get in as they look for so much more than that. Potential and commitment are two massive factors. Also, all of the JD's are short on violas so that will definitely work in DC1's favour!!!

It's a pretty intense week - essentially a sixth, really full on, day of school. But my DD completely loves it and has thrived - her rate of progress as rocketed. The first term was hardest as she was also starting secondary school, but since Christmas she has coped much better. if you live nearby, that will make things easier - we have a 5 hour round trip.

She has managed homework OK, but I keep a close eye and am ready to wade in with school if needs be - they know music is a priority for her and are ok with that so far. Although it remains to be seen how OK they are with it when I am asking for her to drop subjects and be excused from certain pointless things further down the line!! Practice expectations are pretty major....

It's a big commitment. But it has been the best decision we ever made for her.

Mmmm, it's probably not quite the right thing for us. I wish we could find a better youth orchestra and choir locally really. That'd probably fill the gap. School and the music hub are ok, and run by lovely people, but they just don't have the right numbers of the all the right instruments so it never feels quite right. Plus, everything seems to be run by wind players, with no string tutors, and so the attention to detail for the strings isn't good (they don't even tune, would you believe, let alone think about putting bowings in). And the choirs are all about singing pop songs. Difficult ....

Have you looked at cym at all -or Bromley youth music? Certainly kids at CYM for whom music is a very serious thing, but they look at the age you started when you audition rather than just your level. I think it can be a more chilled day and shorter too (and it is quite social). I’m not sure where you at but if you’re looking at trinity they might not be too far away?

I've sent you a PM.