Summer music courses for children and young musicians aged 5 - 18

COURSE DATES

COURSE INFO

Summer Music Courses

Music Makers, founded in 1995, 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.

Juniors (age 5 - 6)

10am - 4pm

The Junior course is suitable for children with no previous musical experience as well as those who are already learning to play an instrument. The course includes lots of singing and group instrumental playing to help foster aural, melodic and rhythmic skills. Basic music reading abilities will be developed during the week as well as experience in following a conductor in both vocal and instrumental rehearsals. Children who have not yet started learning an instrument will be able to join in all the instrumental rehearsals on recorder, which we will provide.

Each day a different family of instruments will visit from the Senior Course, giving the children a chance to see, hear and learn about 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.

Intermediates (Age 7 - 10)

10am - 4pm

This popular course is suitable for children with no musical experience as well as young instrumentalists in their first years of playing. 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, songs from the shows and pop music.

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.

Seniors (Age 8 - 18)

10am - 4:30pm (with a concert at 7pm on the final day)

Grades 2 - 8

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 ORCHESTRA

  • CONCERT BAND

  • STRING ENSEMBLES

  • BRASS & WIND GROUPS

  • BIG BAND

  • JAZZ WORKSHOPS

  • CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

  • 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. There will be a concert at 7pm on the final day.

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).

HOW TO BOOK

Music Makers 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.

If you would like to check before booking that there are places left on your chosen course, please email us.

CONTACT

e-mail: musmak1@aol.com Telephone: (01425) 654819

Visit us on Facebook

To receive details of future courses, please send us your name and home address by completing the form below. If your child has previously attended a course there is no need to complete the form as you will automatically be sent the information.

Your Privacy: Your privacy is important to us and your details will not be shared with any other organisation. By giving us this information you are consenting for us to contact you with news of current and future Music Makers courses. You can contact us to be removed from our mailing list at any time.