Flute

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Younger students may be considered. Students are expected to provide their own flute and second-hand instruments are easy to obtain. Application numbers tend to be high so it is advised that students apply for more than one instrument.

 

Recorder

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of seven-years and upwards. The recorder is an ideal instrument for those interested in learning a wind or brass instrument later.

 

Oboe

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Younger students may be considered. CSM has a small number of oboes that may be loaned to students for the first two years of their study.

 

Clarinet

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Younger students may be considered. Students are expected to provide their own clarinet and second-hand instruments are easy to obtain.

 

Saxophone

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Students must provide their own saxophone – advice can be sought before investing.

 

Bassoon

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. CSM has a small number of bassoons that may be loaned to students for the early years of their study.

 

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Application Information

Department of Orchestral Studies

 

Applications:

All eligible applicants will be called for an assessment of instrumental suitability, which normally takes place in early June.
When making choices, listen to your child, and let them have first choice. All instruments require daily practice and the motivation should come from the child.

Assessments:

Beginners: The assessment does not require any previous knowledge of the instrument or special preparation. Children will be asked to sing a song and will be given some simple tasks which will be modelled by the teacher assessing them.

Please note that beginners are expected to have completed one year of musicianship.

Non-beginners: Candidates may present two or more pieces they are currently working on, alongside scales of their choice.
There is no requirement to have completed musicianship classes in CSM for non-beginners prior to applying.
Successful candidates in primary school will be expected to attend Access Musicianship classes alongside their instrumental lesson. For secondary level students, there is no requirement to attend musicianship classes in CSM.

Allocation of Places:

Instrumental places are rarely allocated before the beginning of September.
Places will be allocated from the ranked waiting list as they occur, mainly in September, but there are sometimes a few more places arising in the second term.
The waiting list is held for one year only. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to re-apply the following year. See here for information.
While the number of places varies from year to year,  there are always many more applicants than places. An unsuccesful application does not necessarily mean a lack of suitability and every student is encouraged to apply again.