Music Makers, now in its 18th year, is directed by David Andrews GRSM LRSM ARCM, assisted by a team of specialist teachers who have become legendary for their energy, enthusiasm and ability to draw the best out of each young musician. The courses are great fun as well as educational and aim to help each young musician to develop their abilities and confidence in playing and performing. The courses are five days long, culminating in a presentation concert of some of the music rehearsed during the week. If you are not sure which course is suitable for your child, please contact us for advice.

The courses are run on a three-tier system:

Juniors age 5 - 6

Intermediates age 7 -10

Seniors age 8 - 18 (Grades 2 to 8+)

The Junior course is suitable for children with no previous musical experience as well as those who are already learning to play an instrument. A mixture of singing, recorder playing and group instrumental work will help to develop aural and rhythmic awareness. Music reading abilities will be developed during the week as well as experience in following a conductor in both vocal and instrumental rehearsals. Each day a different family of instruments will visit from the Senior Course, giving the children a chance to learn about and hear the instruments of the orchestra (please note that we are unable to give individual instrument trials during the week). The emphasis is very much on fun, with music related games and activities helping to stimulate an interest in music making. There will be a concert featuring some of the week’s songs and instrumental pieces at 3pm on the final day.

This popular course is suitable for young instrumentalists in their first years of playing as well as children who have not yet started an instrument. A variety of musical activities will include singing, instrumental work in sectional groups and full orchestra rehearsals, featuring a wide range of styles from classical to jazz, show tunes and pop. With the emphasis very much on fun, skills developed throughout the course include music reading abilities, aural, pitch and rhythm awareness, music theory and performing arts skills. Children who have not yet started learning an instrument will be able to join in all the instrumental rehearsals on recorders, which we will provide for them. Each day a different family of instruments will visit from the Senior course, giving the children a chance to learn about and hear all the instruments of the orchestra. These instrument demonstrations will be of interest to all and particularly to those who have not yet chosen their future instrument. The Intermediate course ends with a performance of choreographed songs and instrumental pieces in a concert at 3pm on the final day.

The Intermediate course is not suitable for drum kit players, however they are very welcome to attend on recorder, which we can provide. Please note that we are unable to provide individual instrument trials during the week.

The senior course is suitable for players of orchestral and band instruments (Grades 2 to 8+), who will be placed in groups according to ability. The daily programme will vary but rehearsals will involve a variety of groups including:

• FULL ORCHESTRAS
  
• CONCERT BANDS
  
• STRING ENSEMBLES
  
• BRASS & WIND GROUPS
  
• BIG BANDS & JAZZ WORKSHOPS
  
• CHAMBER GROUPS
  
• SECTIONAL REHEARSALS
  

The least experienced will receive any extra help required and the more advanced players will be given the opportunity to try more demanding music. The music rehearsed will be presented in a concert at 7pm on the final day. There will also be a chance for course members to perform a solo in front of a friendly audience during the week.

The Senior course is NOT suitable for beginners, harpists, pianists, guitarists, tenor horn, soprano sax or recorder players.  A minimum standard of Grade 2 is necessary to benefit from the Senior course (minimum Grade 4 for percussionists).

On our Fordingbridge courses there is a residential option for the Seniors. Residents will arrive the evening before the course begins and stay in dormitory style accommodation with all meals provided. The courses take place at Forres Sandle Manor School, a beautiful 600 year old Manor House in Hampshire, set in 35 spacious acres of grounds and playing fields on the edge of the New Forest.

A packed and varied programme of musical, social and sporting activities will be available during the evenings, including choir, swimming in the outdoor heated pool, karaoke, ultimate frisbee, table football, unihoc, waterbomb volleyball, rounders, tennis, informal concerts, a music quiz, discos, table tennis, film nights and wide games including the legendary Customs and Smugglers!

The music staff stay at the school and join in the evening activities. There is also a team of dedicated house staff to take care of the boarders.

Dormitories are quite large (5 – 10) which makes it easy to make new friends if you are coming for the first time. If you would like to be with any particular friends you can specify this on the application form.

All the Music Makers staff are CRB checked and several are qualified first-aiders, including the house staff.