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The Glasshouse

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Foundation Strings

Foundation & Step Up

Get started with string instruments through games and activities.

Jump into the world of music with our Foundation Strings sessions.

These fun-packed classes get children singing, moving, and playing their string instruments together. They’ll pick up all the building blocks of music (like keeping the beat, following rhythms, and hitting the right notes) without even realizing they’re learning.

Young people will learn in small groups and have a blast with musical games and activities. They’ll even start reading, writing, and creating their own music along the way. Each child gets proper technical training on their chosen instrument (violin, viola, cello, or mini bass), and they’ll build confidence by playing in groups and performing for others.

When there are more applicants than spaces, we give priority to children who’ve completed our Foundation Strings: Pre-Instrumental year. While we have some instruments available to borrow, most children use their own. Don’t worry though – we’re happy to give advice on buying instruments and help-to-buy options.

Years 1 and 2: 30-minute small-group lesson + 60-minute ensemble and musicianship class
Year 3: 30-minute one-to-one lesson + 45-minute music language class + 45-minute ensemble

Key Information

School Years: Year 1 – 3

Day & Time: Saturdays; 24/25 9am – 1pm. Individual timetables will be provided.

Termly Fee: £275 – £385

Full and partial bursaries Available

 

Programme

Our teaching is inspired by Kodály and Dalcroze methods and aims to provide children with the best possible start to their musical lives.

Years One and Two

  • 30 minute small group instrumental lesson (2 or 3 students per group)
  • One hour musicianship and ensemble session

Year Three

  • 30 minute individual instrumental lesson
  • 45 minute musicianship session
  • 45 minute ensemble session

Individual student timetables vary depending on the time allocated for the instrumental lesson. There are 30 teaching weeks and three performance days scheduled over the academic year.

Fees & Bursaries

Our Young Musicians Programme is open to all children and young people, whatever their circumstances. We are keen to encourage applicants from the widest possible range of backgrounds and access a bursary where needed.

Here’s some more information about bursaries.

If you’d like to speak to someone, please email us at youngmusicians@theglasshouseicm.org

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