About Us
TopMusic School Ethos
Sheffield Music School seeks to provide first class musical tuition and a wide range of opportunities to talented young musicians from Sheffield and the surrounding area within the context of a lively and creative atmosphere. As all students are of similar standard it is a unique chance for them to explore their talents with others who share their enthusiasm for classical music. The Music School is split into Junior and Senior sections, and operates on Saturday mornings during term-time.
TopJunior Music School
"I have improved playing louder and louder!" Dominic Heyes, trombone
"Junior Music School has helped me learn a lot of theory." Georgina Boot, flute
"My sight-reading has improved this term" Harry Birch, violin
"I have improved my playing by playing more musically, but I enjoy playing the games the most!" Daiwei Lang, violin
At Junior Music School we strive to create a positive, exciting, and dynamic environment in which children are free to explore and develop their musical skills. We aim to nurture each individual child’s wider musical needs through themed projects, games, listening diaries, singing, composition, performance opportunities and high quality chamber music. The small group size means that the three specialist members of staff are able to tailor the sessions around the specific needs of the group. We like to work in conjunction with the students, parents and instrumental teachers to get this right. Any child who is roughly grade 2-5, with a thirst for music and who wants to meet like-minded people is welcome to come along from 9:00 to 10:45. Go to our Gallery to see some photos of rehersals.
Once a student has reached a proficient standard on their instrument they are invited to be part of the Intermediate Scheme. This allows the student to stay for the whole morning and take part in a senior chamber ensemble and senior performance class. This is a fabulous opportunity to learn some challenging repertoire whilst getting to know the older members of the Senior Music School.
What things would you like to do more of on a Saturday morning?
"Nothing, it's perfect!" Alex McDermott Reid, cello.
TopSenior Music School
Senior Music School is for young musicians playing at Grade 5 and above. Their morning starts with the whole school singing together in the choir. This is followed by a range of general musicianship classes for smaller groups, including aural training, madrigal and barber's shop singing, music theory, composition, improvisation, and music history. The choice of class each term is up to the individual pupil, and is often determined by what they are doing in the rest of their musical lives. Requests for different classes can usually be accommodated by one of our multi-talented staff.
The second half of the morning is purely practical, primarily with students working in small ensembles coached by a member of staff. This is followed by a solo performance class where pupils perform their chosen piece to the whole school, and feedback is invited from their peers and staff members.
TopWorkshops
Workshops are usually held once a term where outside musicians visit Music School for the morning. These workshops can be very varied, and provide wonderful inspiration for all the students outside of the normal curriculum.
In the past Music School has had workshops with the Lindsays (only a few months before they retired), Hugh Davies (composer/sound sculptor in conjunction with a sound art exhibition at the Millenium Galleries), Peter Hill, Mohammad Azedehfar and a group of Iranian musicians, Dr.Stephanie Pitts (talking about options for school leavers wishing to pursue music), Matthew Barley and 'Between the Notes', Robin Ireland (viola), Janet Hilton (clarinet), Rachel Barnes (recorder), Helen Wenham (Dalcroze), and also several members of Music in the Round's Ensemble 360.
For more details of workshops in the future look in our diary.
