Instrumental Classes

Group Instrumental Lessons

At SMC, we offer tuition for the following instruments:

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Guitar
• Clarsach
• Accordion
• Recorder
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Flute

Group instrumental lessons are offered for beginners for up to three years of tuition.  Pupils should provide their own instruments, and advice can be given on hiring/buying instruments.

We highly recommend that children attend at least one year of Kodály classes before starting to learn an instrument. Children can start some instruments (violin, viola, recorder, and accordion) as young as 5 years old. Other instruments are suitable for older children, such as the clarinet or saxophone- for younger children, the recorder is recommended as a starting point for these instruments. Please refer to the chart below as a guide to suitable starting ages for all of our instruments, although this can vary considerably depending on the size of the child. Our teachers will assess whether your child is ready to start their chosen instrument.

Instrument hire and purchase

In most cases, pupils are expected to provide their own instruments. Teachers will provide advice on the correct size, and on hiring/buying instruments if necessary, after an assessment in the first lesson. SMC has a small number of instruments available for hire (violins, violas, cellos, double basses).

Individual Lessons

For pupils who have completed three years of group instrumental lessons at SMC, individual half-hour lessons can be arranged, subject to availability.

Music Theory Classes

Theory forms the basis for reading music and is taught in small classes. ‘Beginners’ introduces Grade 1, ‘Intermediate’ encompasses Grades 2 and 3, and ‘Advanced’ deals with Grades 4 and 5, but classes can be taught multi-level so that each child learns at their own pace.

Pupils should provide their own books (ABRSM publishing, Music Theory in Practice by Eric Taylor, appropriate grade, and Theory is Fun by Maureen Cox, appropriate grade)