08 March 2024
- Alumni Blog
Alumni Spotlight: Alice Gribbin
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First Guitar Experience provide early years classical guitar training for young children with no previous experience
The course caters for children aged between six and nine and offers specialist training over a three-year period in order to provide for future musical progress.
Using the method written by the course director, Jigsaw Guitar Course Musicianship and guitar playing using the Kodály Method, the course begins with a pre-instrumental year (45 minutes) and continues with two years of study of the classical guitar (1 hour 20 minutes).
The classes advance the children’s basic musicianship skills in areas of pulse, rhythm and pitch. The child’s participation in game and singing activity is key. The lessons develop a solid foundation in classical guitar technique and explores the necessary skills for the playing of early guitar repertoire eg. Aguado and Carulli, as well as original material.
Application deadline: Wednesday 1 May 2024
Applications for the First Guitar Experience course starting 2024 are now open.
Please read the Audition and Entry Requirements sections below before beginning your application.
During the guitar study parents are requested to attend to assist the teacher and offer help with home practice.
There are three terms during the year, normally each consisting of ten teaching weeks, meaning that thirty lessons will be taught over the course of each year.
All sessions are held at the Academy on Saturday afternoon during normal school term time. The teaching will be in small groups, with the following structure:
FIRST YEAR (AGES 6-7)
2.15-3.00pm
- 45 minute session developing initial melodic and rhythmic skills using the Kodály method
Second YEAR (AGES 7-8)
3.00-4.20pm
- 40 minute session of guitar tuition
- 40 minute sessions continuing Kodály aural work
Third YEAR (AGES 8-9)
4.20-5.40pm
- 40 minute session of guitar tuition40 minute session combining guitar ensemble playing with further Kodály work.
Towards the end of the third year of the course, we will offer advice on finding a suitable individual guitar teacher to continue your child’s progress.
There are no formal entry requirements for the First Strings Experience as this course is intended for children who have not had previous strings tuition. Please note the strict date of birth criteria for the 2024 ballot:
Child must be born between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018.
INSTRUMENTS
For the second year onwards, guitars must be provided by parents/guardians.
ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/24
| per term | per annum | |
| First Year | £125 | £375 |
| Second and Third Year | £260 | £780 |
ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/25
| per term | per annum | |
First Year | £130 | £390 |
| Second and Third Year | £220 | £660 |
Fees are payable each term on receipt of an invoice.
A full term’s notice in writing is required for withdrawal of a pupil from the course. A term’s fee will be charged in lieu of such notice.
Applications for the First Guitar Experience course starting 2024 are now open. Please read the Audition and Entry Requirements sections on this page before beginning your application.
The closing date for applications will be Wednesday 1 May 2024.
