Spring / Summer 2026 music thread

[northerngoldilocks]

Time for a new thread as the old one is filling up and think we can claim its spring now!

Come and talk about music lessons, choosing instruments, exams, auditions, specialist schools, orchestras or whatever other music activities are going on. Everyone is welcome, from those with total beginners to those whose children are studying music at advanced levels. Ask for advice or share successes or struggles.

@678socks of course! It did take place in the Guildhall school so I guess there would be that familiarity with the premises, but there was no overlap in terms of teaching staff and the standard was obviously lower than anyone attending a JD. It was perfect for what I wanted which was something easily accessible and fun and very easy for us to get to, as I think DS is still too young for a residential, which opens up a lot more options.

When looking at opportunities they weren't sure about, our take was, well you'll 100% not be able to go if you don't explore it and maybe apply for an audition. You may not get in, you may get a place and decide not to take it up, that's fine (although just check you actually can pull out with no cost, as I think with NYO at least if you get a live audition and pull out without a doctor's note you gave to pay).
Lots of music courses clash, and often mean missing school. I'm fairly relaxed if I think it's something worthwhile I just write to the school. They either approve it as educational or don't but as we don't have fines here it doesn't matter! Mine is missing four days in the first three weeks of school for an orchestra thing and an audition.

@678socks It's tricky with deciding what level of course they benefit from, usually I think one where the majority of players are more experienced but also can be a confidence boost to be one of the better ones. You learn best when stretched but not overwhelmed. Or it can be frustrating if you are streets ahead of the others ( although this teaches other skills like patience and leadership)
@amr78 I m sorry to hear about the various pressures you have. Music will always be there for our children throughout their lives I think, in whatever form. I hope you find a way through to the next step. Building their confidence and resilience is so important, whatever that looks like for them at each stage.