Saturday Music Classes

Year-By-Year Instrumental Programme

For children from P1 up to S1

We believe that instrumental lessons, singing and Kodály classes – as well as choir and ensemble work – develop complementary skills and, taken in combination, offer an excellent and well-rounded musical education for young people. Any pupil who joins a Year 1 instrument group glass will be eligible for our Year 1 Instrumental Programme.

In the first term, this will consist of three 30-minute classes:

• a 30-minute Group Instrumental Lesson
• a 30-minute Singing Class
• a 30-minute Kodály Music Class

In the second term, children will also join a 30-minute Ensemble Class. There are three Year 1 ensembles:

• Beginner String Ensemble (violin, viola and cello)
• Beginner Woodwind Ensemble (recorder, flute, clarinet and saxophone)
• Mixed Instrument Ensemble (clarsach, guitar and accordion)

Our Year 2 + Instrumental Programme, for pupils already learning an instrument at SMC, has the same components as the Year 1 Programme and pupils will join all of the classes (2.5 hours in total) from the first term:

• a 30-minute Group Instrumental Lesson 
• a 30-minute Ensemble Class
• a 45-minute Singing Class 
• a 45-minute Kodály Music Class

Singing Classes & Choirs

For children from P1 up to P7

Classes are fun and exciting and every child will gain confidence from the act of singing together.

Pre-school, Primary 1 and 2:
Young singers will be encouraged to ‘pitch match’ in a range suitable for their age and stage. We’ll introduce Kodály hand signs to practise early musicianship, and rhythm and listening skills will be developed.

Primary 3 and 4:
Children will extend their range and be encouraged to make a lovely sound. Skills in listening, concentrating and memory will be practised. Early aural skills will be encouraged and the use of Kodály hand signs will continue, to help musicianship.

Primary 5 to 7:
Children will be introduced to ‘part singing’ with children singing regularly in two or three-part harmony – there will also be the opportunity to sing individually if wished. Kodály signing will be used and early notation, posture, breathing and sound production will be practised along with aural skills. At this stage, children will be introduced to music notation and a recognised choral repertoire will be covered.
 

Kodály Music Classes

For children in their final pre-school year up to P7

Kodaly classes introduce children to music and rhythm through song and action and these classes encourage children’s musicianship and listening skills, nurturing their enjoyment of music and building their confidence.

The Kodály Method uses rhythmic movement, hand signs and vocal sounds to develop musical understanding in a manner appropriate to the age and stage of a child. 

Studies have shown that Kodály improves intonation, rhythm skills, music literacy, and the ability to sing in increasingly complex parts. It has also been shown to improve perceptual functioning, concept formation, motor skills and performance in areas such as literacy and numeracy.

Group Instrumental Lessons and Theory Classes

For children from P4 up to P7

By the age of 7, children can start beginning instrumental lessons and theory classes. Taster sessions are available to allow children to meet the teacher and try and instrument.

We highly recommend that children attend a year of Kodály Music classes prior to starting an instrument. More developed coordination and physical size are important too and, while most instruments are best suited to children in P4 and above, violin, recorder, accordion and clarineo can be suitable for younger children.

While currently offer group instrumental lessons in violin, viola, cello, guitar, clarsach, accordion, clarinet (or clarineo), saxophone and flute. Group instrumental lessons are offered for up to three years of tuition, usually starting as beginners and we ask that pupils provide their own instruments – we’re more than happy to offer advice on hiring or buying! 

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 at multi-level so that each child learns at their own pace. Pupils should provide their own books (, Music Theory in Practice by Eric Taylor, appropriate grade, and Theory is Fun by Maureen Cox, appropriate grade, both from ABRSM publishing).

Individual Instrumental Lessons

For children who have completed three years of group instrumental lessons

Individual lessons half-hour lessons can be arranged for those interested in continuing their musical journey.

Ensemble Classes

For children in Term 2 of their Year 1 Instrument Programme and beyond

We are introducing new ensembles at SMC – a beginner ensemble class for all Year 1 Instrument Programme pupils and more advanced ensembles according to demand. We strongly recommend these for any pupil who learns an instrument and would encourage all children attending SMC to join one of our ensembles from their second term of learning onwards.

Playing in an ensemble is a rewarding and enriching musical experience, and a wonderful way to enhance learning an instrument. Ensemble playing fosters a strong sense of community, which provides great motivation for learning and progress.

Playing in ensembles helps children to learn about teamwork and cooperation, and develops musical skills, improving rhythm, intonation and note reading. Children learn to listen attentively, blend their sound with others and follow a conductor. They also gain exposure to different instruments, learn to appreciate the unique qualities of each and develop a deeper understanding and love for music.

Our ensembles

• Beginner String Ensemble (violin, viola, cello)
• Beginner Woodwind Ensemble (recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone)
• Beginner Mixed Instrument Ensemble (guitar, clarsach, accordion)