Questors Young Musicians Club
Introduction to Music
There are now three levels of introductory classes.
First Steps is for children in the academic year before Reception. This class is mostly singing, but begins to develop rhythmic awareness through action songs and hand held percussion instruments. Parents are expected to come along and join in the fun! This class is at 12:45 on Saturday mornings and lasts for half an hour.
Introduction to Music Level I is for children in Reception. Again, the focus is on singing, and they will be introduced to the elements of music through action songs, percussion and music games. The emphasis is on enjoyment and participation. There are classes at 10:30 and 12:15 on Saturday mornings and they last for half an hour.
Level II is for children in Year 1 and includes the extremely popular "ITM Taster" element in which children have the opportunity to try four instruments suited to the younger beginner - violin, cello, recorder and percussion - as well as a more general music class which builds on the ITM I class at a more advanced level. The ITM II class also introduces them to simple aural skills which they will use in any further instrumental study, but in a fun and informal way. There are three classes on Saturday mornings, however as the children are learning the basics of violin, cello, recorder and percussion, the "taster" classes are limited to 6 children each.
Violins cellos and percussion for the "ITM Taster" lessons are supplied by the Club and hire is included in the class fee. Parents will need to supply recorders and we recommend the cheapest Yamaha or Aulos recorders - around £10 from all good music shops and suitable for all students up to advanced. Some slightly cheaper toy shop instruments can have bad tuning and the Yamaha or Aulos are worth the extra outlay.
Children do not have to have attended Level I in order to progress to Level II, however children moving up from Level I to Level II are given priority when classes are allocated. As there are now two ITM I sessions, it is unlikely there will be any ITM II places available for pupils not moving up from ITM I. Level II is for children in Year 1.
The youngest QYMC members developing their performing skills