Instrumental beginner classes

These are group beginner classes for children from 5 years of age for violin, viola, cello and recorder or for flute from 7 years upwards.

The classes start every September and run for one year only, after which children are usually ready to move to the introduction to orchestral playing class. This is also the time for children from the beginner classes to progress to individual instrumental lessons.

Since September 2023, YMC has been running a new beginner string programme, “Starter Strings”. The programme includes:

A 30 minute beginner group instrumental class in violin, viola, cello or double bass

A 30 minute musicianship/orchestra class

Free instrument hire for the year

The beginner classes will be focussed around developing technical skill and learning some short pieces together as a group. The musicianship/orchestra class will see all students enrolled on the programme for violin, viola and cello come together as a small orchestra and will focus on elements such as rhythm reading, pitch recognition and playing together in an ensemble.

At the end of the academic year, all students will receive a certificate and will perform a short piece individually for YMC’s Artistic Director, Marina and our Preparatory First and Introduction Orchestra conductor Fiona, who will also be overseeing the programme.

Recorder and Flute beginner classes are also available and instruments are also free to hire in the first year of participation in these classes.