Music Junior Programs

[MissScotland]

Hi lovely mamas,

I'm trying to look into and learn about the different junior music programs with a view for my DD to start next year. She's in year 5, grade 6 on the piano (will be taken in March), grade 3 violin, grade 5 theory (distinction). She's super musical and talented with a passion for composition too.

We are looking at the primary academy and RAM, Junior Guildhall and RCMJD. At the moment she has two piano lessons a week, one at home and one at school and a weekly theory/composition lesson. We think she'll get quite a lot out of a junior program, socialising with kids with the same interest and playing in different groups.

I was wondering if you can shed some light on a preferred program. At the moment I'm leaning towards RAM simply because it's the closest, but we are will to drive further for a good reason.

Also, is it common to apply to more than one program in the process? How hard is it to get in?

Another question that might sound silly but I'll give it a go anyway - is year 6 a good year to start? With 11+ exams and music scholarship exams and auditions for secondary schools I wouldn't want to push her too much. She's only 9...

I'd love to hear your thoughts, tips and insight, ideally from first hand experience :-)

Thanks in advance!

Hi, no need to re audition. There are some assessments at different stages , year 7 etc. A chance to discuss progress , your child’s needs etc
Guildhall seems really fab as well, definitely a more relaxed ‘cool’ type vibe. The children make amazing progress wherever they go, so pick which feels right to you. My son liked Rcm best as did I. It’s so friendly there,amazing teaching and lots to do around the area. She will be well supported at her young age by Miranda. Good luck 😊

Hello just jumping on here to see if anyone has any experience of the current trumpet teachers at Junior Guildhall. DD (age 10, going into y7 in autumn) just been offered a place there following a late audition, so we missed the boat on consultation lessons etc. not sure have the teacher matching process works and whether there is flexibility if things aren’t working so well after an initial period? Also, her second study is piano (grade 5-6) but we’re in two minds as to whether she should have lessons at Guildhall or whether it’d be better for her just to take lessons through school for a more relaxed time of it. Welcome advice!

Hello just jumping on here to see if anyone has any experience of the current trumpet teachers at Junior Guildhall. DD (age 10, going into y7 in autumn) just been offered a place there following a late audition, so we missed the boat on consultation lessons etc. not sure have the teacher matching process works and whether there is flexibility if things aren’t working so well after an initial period? Also, her second study is piano (grade 5-6) but we’re in two minds as to whether she should have lessons at Guildhall or whether it’d be better for her just to take lessons through school for a more relaxed time of it. Welcome advice!

@AliW79 Congrats to your DD! My DC is at Guildhall & loves it - not in the wind dept, but usually what happens is that the head of section (wind & brass in your case) will suggest one or two teachers and your DD can still have trial lessons with them to see who's a good fit. (And if neither of them are, you can request more until you find the right one. But they're generally very good at matching pupil to teacher). They're super flexible about teachers - they know that finding the right one is key. So I'd ask about doing a couple of trial lessons (it's definitely not too late - they don't send out next year's timetables until August). As regards second study, for us it made things easier doing it all at Guildhall, and as much as DC's previous piano teacher at school was very good, the teacher at Guildhall is in a different league, and progress has been remarkable even without much practice. Everyone at Guildhall accepts that second study is just that - not your main focus - so we've found that there's very little pressure on practice for that. I'd definitely do it all in one place and get access to that super level of teaching if you can. Also, second study piano places are quite rare at Guildhall so your DD must have done really well to get offered one - I'd definitely snap it up!

Hi @LondonMum20222 fantastic thank you for this advice! We’ll definitely ask for some trial trumpet lessons then thank you! And good to know re piano as second study- they did say it was rare to have as second study in her audition so maybe I should just triple check that they are actually offering her a second study - maybe not!

Mine were second study piano at RAM, don't think it was rare! Quite sensible.

@Moominmammacat Only rare at Guildhall because they prioritise the piano teachers for first study piano, so don't have many places for piano as second study. Obv lots of those who don't get an offer of second study piano at Guildhall do it outside.

We have piano as a second study at JD, makes sense to do it all in one place. Dd doesn't get to do any groups etc with it though, and no performance class etc. I think it would have to be joint first study, don't know what difference that would make. She's the same standard on both instruments, it makes sense to have the woodwind as first so she gets into orchestra etc.

Hi, my DD wants to try to audition for the mini bass programme at RCM, can someone give me any info / first hand experience please? We are not a musical family unfortunately and DD’s state primary doesn’t offer much music. DD has just turned 7 but wanted to play an instrument for a few years now so I found her a local piano teacher, she only had about 2 months of lessons (30mins a week) so far and the teacher says she is really musical and has already made a good progress. I thought that would be us sorted with her music, but we went to see Phantom of the opera, she saw the double bass in the orchestra and now can’t stop talking about it and really wants to play it) I googled lessons and found this mini bass programme, which looks really exciting - can anyone help with what is required for audition and how is the day structured for the most junior ones? Thank you!

No idea about this specific program but I play double bass as an amateur and love it. So many opportunities as fewer people play. Try on the main music thread, you might get some more replies. The right instrument finds you!

The audition requirements are here:

www.rcm.ac.uk/media/rcmacuk/content/documents/rcmjddocuments/Audition%20Special%20Requirements%20&%20Conditions%202022.pdf

"Mini-bass
Those auditioning for the Mini-bass course who do not already play mini-bass should audition on the instrument they play best. If auditions are held live, there will also be sight reading on this instrument and, where appropriate, we will provide an accompanist – if one is not required please advise us
when you accept your live audition invitation."

It would be quite unusual for a child to be accepted onto a conservatoire programme after two months of piano lessons. My advice would be to find a local double bass teacher (your local music service should be able to help, or you will easily find one via Google), give her a year or so, and if she progresses really well, consider it then.