Workshops and lessons

What we offer

The Saturday morning SaMS meetings are divided into three sessions, with an additional session for grade 5 theory. Students can attend a different workshop in each session; or they can come for only one or two of the sessions depending on their musical interests and abilities. The times of the sessions, and the workshops available in each session, are shown below.

Instrumental lessons are provided on a range of instruments as detailed below. Lessons are given by experienced tutors, individually or in small groups. They take place throughout the morning; your tutor will let you know the time, place and duration of your individual lesson.

Details of the musicians who lead the workshops and give instrumental tuition are shown on the SaMS staff page.

Instrumental lessons

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Workshop timetable

Click on the workshop name in the list below to see more details.

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Accoustic Guitar Group

A chance for those who play accoustic instruments to work together.

Choir

For young people who love singing. We sing rounds, clapping songs and songs in 2 or 3 parts from many different parts of the world.

Electric Guitar Group

A chance for those who play electric instruments to work together.

JaM1

For those who are relatively new to music this is a good introduction, with some singing, movement and playing African drums.

JaM2

For those who are relatively new to music this is a good introduction, with some singing, movement and playing African drums.

JaM3

Singing, movement and playing African drums for those whose musical skills are improving. Students need to have reached the basic standard provided by the JaM1 and JaM2 workshops.

workshop timetable
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Junior Folk Group

An opportunity for complete beginners up to grade 3 standard to play and sing tunes from all over the world. An ideal progression from sing and play. All instruments.

Junior Jazz

For those with some instrumental ability and ready to gain some ensemble experience, including starting to improvise. Almost any instrument welcome!

Junk Band

For young people who are fascinated by rhythm.The sessions include African drumming and samba rhythms and creating our own pieces using the "junk kit".

Senior Folk Group

All instruments welcome, strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Play traditional tunes from around the world. Students need a good understanding of their instruments.

Senior Jazz Band

Needs a good understanding of vocal and instrumental techniques.

Sing & Play 1

First steps to enjoying music - clapping rhythms, musical games, songs and percussion.

workshop timetable
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Sing & Play 2

First steps to enjoying music - clapping rhythms,musical games, songs and percussion.

String Group

Caters for all abilities with specially written parts for beginners. Working with traditional tunes and easy classics, the sessions combine learning ensemble skills with musical games.

Theory Grades 1 - 4

An understanding of music theory is valuable for all young musicians and essential for those who wish to attain a high standard. This workshop is suitable for all ages and for abilities up to Grade 5. You can learn about musical notation, scales, keys, harmony, tunes, styles, and get help with your music theory questions.

Theory Grade 5

Suitable for more advanced players who have a good understanding of elementary music theory. The workshop teaches all the skills required to pass the ABRSM grade 5 theory exam.

Tuned Percussion Ensemble

For those who want to learn how to play drums (both hand and stick techniques) and a range of percussion instruments including xylophones.

Wind Band

A fun but stretching session for players of all abilities. We aim to learn pieces that encompass both traditional and popular styles of works.

workshop timetable
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