DC (Year 6) was offered a place to study violin in a Music Course at Junior Guildhall from September this year. We are delighted, but at the same time feeling undecided (due to a big time commitment at JD, which means DC will have to deprioritise their sports practice and other existing activities that are happening every Saturday.) And this September, DC will transition to a new school (moving from current primary school to a different secondary school).
For anyone who has experience with Music Course at Junior Guildhall (or any other JDs), how do you find your experience? Is it a lot of pressure and whether there’s a lot of homework/additional practice? Do you think JD experience is/was worth the sacrifice of other non-music extra curricular activities and time/financial commitment?
Transitioning to a new school this September will already be a big change, so not sure starting at a JD at the same time will add even more pressure to DC?
Ps: DC enjoys playing music but at this stage doesn’t have a plan to become a professional musician. They want to keep improving their playing standard (they got a high distinction from ABRSM grade 8 violin exam in Year 4, and now at Year 6 they are preparing for ARSM). DC plays at NCO so has opportunity to play in ensemble there. Is it possible for DC to further develop their skills outside JD, or JD will give them a better opportunity to grow musically?