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!

@disorganisedmummy Just by way of reassurance, at least two of the conservatoires were sending out results while still doing second round assessments so it's by no means over. There's also the argument that if you haven't had a no, he's still in with a shot...

Disorganised - it’s really hard waiting (I know!) but I wouldn’t try to compare the timings of things from auditions held in previous years - which were probably in person & not dependent on staff reviewing video auditions from home - with this year’s pandemic conditions.

Also SE13's audition was mid April, so if Trinity generally send out offers end of April / May then that sort of fits to get a quick result?? Maybe it would have taken longer if they had had an early audition. x

Also - just bear in mind that DCs from this thread are all applying with different instruments and at different ages so reported experiences of some will not be the same for everyone. The reviewers won’t be the same (am assuming) for different instruments.

It's not a no until you receive a no @disorganisedmummy! My DC's audition was a real life one because it was a few years ago so I'm sure that makes things more straightforward anyway as the panel were all there at the same time. Also, DC was younger and the gender-instrument combination was a less usual one so that may have had a role to play too. Don't discount joining a JD for sixth form either - lots of teenagers do.

@Wrinklyeyes I think you have it in one. I am sure virtual auditions have required JDs to adapt their assessment timetables. Each JD will have its own evaluation process and schedule to work through, taking into account different DC ages and instruments. Also worth factoring in the Easter Break - several JD staff may have been on holiday which has resulted in some decisions being made later. But the waiting is hard! I did follow up and ask JD to acknowledge that they had received the audition information just to make sure we hadn't failed at the first hurdle.

Congratulations 🎉 all offers. I agree the teacher is more important than JD. It is better to check who will be your DC’s teacher if you accept the offer.

It's also worth bearing in mind that the junior department admin staff are probably working from home and also, in my experience, seem to have part-time roles.
@Wrinklyeyes has made a good point about different instruments having different timescales.
There is nothing worse then waiting for news! Good luck to anyone still waiting to hear.

Where's everyone netting out with decisions? We're still deciding between RCM and Guildhall (we are almost at the "making lists of pros and cons" stage) and fear we won't make a decision for a couple of weeks, once we've had consultation lessons etc. I just wish times were normal and we could actually go and spend a Saturday at each of them.

We're leaning towards RAM now for various reasons. Had a long chat with Krystyna on Saturday which was really lovely.

@MissScotland Really glad you had a good chat with Krystyna and that you're closer to a decision!

I went to RCMJD for 11 years from aged 7-18 and enjoyed my time there! I’m not a musician now, but I did learn a lot from there. I play cello, piano and saxophone and it was a fantastic place full of lots of very dedicated students.

@TheFamousMrEd Ah, that's so great to know! What years were you there (if you don't mind me asking - just wondered how recently)?

[quote WordsandMusic2020]@TheFamousMrEd Ah, that's so great to know! What years were you there (if you don't mind me asking - just wondered how recently)?[/quote]
It was quite a while ago now - I left in 2007. I now feel very old!

@TheFamousMrEd Hahaha. That's NOT old!

Hello - I’m hoping someone with older children might be able to shed light on a couple of things we are mulling over here.

Firstly - was there a discount in fees offered last year when the JDs went virtual / digital?

Secondly - it looks like Trinity support preparation for GCSE and A- level music, Guildhall have a musicianship certificate that looks very good. Have you found that the musicianship classes at RAM and RCM similarly robust, ie with a pathway to a qualification / goal? There isn’t much info available and it’s hard to tell from the info I was sent when I asked.

Hi @dinosaurinmybelly I have similar questions about RCM musicianship. I found this online which you might have already seen: www.rcm.ac.uk/media/RCMJD%20musicianship%202020-21%20course%20descriptions.pdf

When I was there, everyone took musicianship classes until they passed grade 5 theory and it was optional to carry on beyond that.

I also did improvisation and composition classes which were fab!

When DS was there musicianship classes were compulsory until grade 6 theory not grade 5, and you could choose whether to continue till grade 8 or pick something else such as improvisation, composition, conducting, etc. It was just a couple of years ago so it's still more likely the same?

What do kids that already passed grade 6 theory do then?

OK I just looked up the old documents I have here. So after grade 6 theory, you can carry on up until grade 8 theory, or switch to composition (for non-1st study composers), improvisation, conducting, or pre-con class which is to prepare Y13 for RCM undergraduate courses (so available only for Y13).

So kids who already passed grade 6 (or even 7 or 8) can just pick one of those classes listed above for their 'musicianship' slot (apart from pre-con class as it's not for everyone). Plenty of interesting courses available for the kids who have already done higher theory grade at arrival as they won't be alone.

@manuelandviolin Lovely, thank you!

so at RAM there is GM, theory and composition (when not a first or second study) - dd isn’t doing GM (but i think would have otherwise) as is joint first study (not actually a. thing at RAM but it morphs into that in practice). all are excellent and whilst i haven’t seen any qualif. associated (besides theory exams). grade specific aural is also offered for those prepping for exams