Centre for Young Musicians Primary Years Programme
This progressive four-year programme is the perfect introduction to music for children entering the centre in school year 1.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Saturday term time
- Course times:
- 11:30am-4:00pm (dependant on year group)
- Age:
- 5–9 (must be 5 at the time of joining)
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- Fees for 2025/26 will be confirmed in Spring 2025
- Deadline:
- 3 March 2025
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- Saturday Courses
- Venue:
- Notre Dame School
- When:
- Saturdays
- Contact details:
- alice.dagg@gsmd.ac.uk
About the Primary Years Programme
This progressive four-year programme is the perfect introduction to music for children entering the centre in school year 1.
Through group workshops each Saturday, children will explore different instruments and their own musicality, develop language and communication skills, grow in confidence and increase their ability to express themselves, in a supportive and safe environment.
At the end of the course, students will be able to enter onto the Full Programme without the need to audition.
Year one
Students can expect to acquire the simple skills and fine muscle control necessary to develop technical proficiency on an instrument. Singing, rhythm and movement activities will teach each student an instinctive connection between hands, voices, eyes and ears. This sense of connection is the crucial foundation for a rich life-long experience of music.
Year two and Year three
Students will continue to develop their musicianship skills, choosing from one of the following instruments - violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar and recorder. They will also take part in a group lesson and ensemble.
Year four
In the final year of the Primary Years Programme, students will get an additional 20-minute individual lesson and specialised ensemble, in addition to classes in musicianship.
No experience is required to join our Primary Years Programme. Students must be in school Year 1 in the September of entry.
Number of Places
There are a limited number of places available on the Primary Years Programme each year. We aim to provide a welcoming environment that supports all children in their musical education.
Selection Process
Where applications exceed available places, a random selection ("out of the hat") will be used.
Waiting List
We will keep a waiting list running until the autumn half-term in case any spaces become available. These will also be chosen using random selection.
Fees
Fees for 2024/25 can be found here. Fees for 2025/26 will be confirmed in Spring 2025
Payment schedule
We ask you to pay termly or by 10 monthly standing order instalments. We ask for a term’s notice if you decide to withdraw at any point.
Autumn Term Dates 2024
Saturday 14 September - Activities and Induction Day
Saturday 21 September - First Teaching Day
Saturday 28 September
Saturday 5 October
Saturday 12 October
Saturday 19 October
Half-term (no session on 26 October & 2 November)
Saturday 9 November
Saturday 16 November
Saturday 23 November
Saturday 30 November
Saturday 7 December
Spring Term Dates 2025
Saturday 11 January
Saturday 18 January
Saturday 25 January
Saturday 1 February
Saturday 8 February
Saturday 15 February
Half-term (no session on 22 February)
Saturday 1 March
Saturday 8 March
Saturday 15 March
Saturday 22 March
Saturday 29 March - Annual Concert
Summer Term Dates 2025
Saturday 26 April
Saturday 3 May
Saturday 10 May
Saturday 17 May
Saturday 24 May
Half-term (no session on 31 May & 7 June)
Saturday 14 June
Saturday 21 June
Saturday 28 June
Saturday 5 July
Saturday 12 July
We regret it is not possible to give refunds in the event of absence as the Centre has to continue paying professional tutors and overheads. CYM expects as close to 100% attendance as possible, to ensure you get the most out of your studies.
Pleaser refer to the Parent/Carer agreement for details of the notice period.
