Early Years Music: Primary Musicianship and Instrumental Lessons

“Let us take our children seriously! Everything else follows from this… only the best is good enough for a child.” — Zoltán Kodály

Early Years Music: Primary 1 – Primary 3

Begin your child’s journey to learning a musical instrument with our specialist classes designed for children in Primary 1-3.

All classes will take place on Sundays and will be delivered online this term. You can expect to take part in play-based, interactive activities designed to align with developmental milestones for your child.

Led by a team of professional music specialists, these sessions are designed to introduce children to music-making and playing. Everyone takes part in the musicianship classes, with children in Primary 2 onwards having the option to take instrumental lessons also.

Inspired by Kodaly methodology, children will develop skills in rhythm, pitch, co-ordination and imagination all of which enhance language development and confidence.

The use of additional resources such as balls, rattles, scarves or other household items ensures a colourful and stimulating environment for children to experience musical activities.

This Early Years programme offers a cohesive, progressive pathway through to the Primary Instrumental Programme and, in some cases, to Pre-Juniors and Junior Conservatoire of Music.

Musicianship

The practical musicianship classes aim to increase students’ appreciation and understanding of music in a wider context, enabling them to develop as better all-round musicians. Each level has been carefully designed to help students realise their full potential for enjoying and understanding music as performers and listeners.

Classes will explore a variety of skills, engaging children in aural, kinaesthetic and cognitive learning and the practical content of sessions ensures that students develop a confident and competent understanding of each skill presented.

Classes are capped at a maximum of 12 students to ensure the optimum learning environment and an enjoyable class experience for children in Primary 1–3.

Instrumental Lessons

From Primary 2 onwards, children can access individual instrumental lessons on the following instruments:

• Piano
• Violin
• Cello
• Double Bass

All students receiving instrumental lessons, must attend the musicianship class relevant to their age and stage. If you are interested in piano lessons, you will need a piano or weighted keyboard at home. RCS have a limited supply of string instruments which can be loaned for a small fee.

Sign up for these classes by selecting How to Apply on the left hand menu. Please do not hesitate to email EarlyYears@rcs.ac.uk to speak with a member of our team.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, all Early Years classes are currently taking place online.

We are currently recruiting for children to begin our online Early Years Music classes in January 2021.

If you would like to register your interest, please complete our Early Years Late Application Form. Within this form you will have the opportunity to choose a morning or afternoon timeslot.

If you would like any additional information on the Early Years programme, please email EarlyYears@rcs.ac.uk

Term Dates 2020/21

Term 1: 6 September — 6 December 2020
Term 2: 10 January — 21 March 2021
Term 3: 25 April — 13 June 2021

Tuition Fees 2020/21

Musicianship

For Term 1 from October: £56

Term 2: £95

Term 3: £75

Instrumental + Musicianship

For Term 1 from October: £236

Term 2: £377.50

Term 3: £305

Please note that musicianship classes are a compulsory element of the Early Years Music programme. All students receiving instrumental lessons must also attend the musicianship class appropriate to their school year.

Please view our Early Years Terms and Conditions.