A chance to play in an ensemble from the beginning upwards
We offer instrument-specific, tailored groups led by qualified musicians, bespoke to your child's standard and interests.
Players of all orchestral stringed instruments are welcome - violin, viola, cello and double bass. Groups are at a variety of standards - there's something for everyone!
- develop confidence
- improve instrument playing
- make new firends and have fun
We offer trials with our our ensembles. Just come a long to our reception desk before the ensemble you are interested in and we will introduce you.
Junior Strings
- Pupils of around Grade 1 to 4 standard will enjoy playing together in this fun and fabulous collective.
- Playing a range of music, from classical to pop to music from films.
- A chance to develop an enhanced technique and gain experience of ensemble playing.
- Members will develop their confidence, build their musicality and learn to play as part of a group.
Register for junior strings here
Intermediate Strings
- Pupils of around Grades 4–6 standard will challenge themselves and work on a range of repertoire in this more advanced group.
- We play a range of classical music as well as lighter repertoire. A chance to develop an enhanced technique and gain experience of ensemble playing.
- We perform regularly in concert, both at St Albans Music School and in the community.
- We act as a feeder group to St Albans senior area orchestra, Philomusica.
Register for intermediate strings here
Philomusica
This is our orchestra for senior players, for more information please click here.
Jazz ensembles
Why not try something different, especially if you like playing by ear. We have two great Jazz ensembles that focus jazz/improvisation. Please click here to find out more.
Suzuki Violin & Viola
Saturday afternoons, various times
Group lessons are held for pupils of Suzuki violin where children come together to play the music they have been studying individually and to play music in ensembles. The groups give concerts every term.
Anybody can learn through the Suzuki Method and, provided they commit themselves to the programme, we are almost willing to guarantee success.
Far more than in more traditional teaching systems, parents play a pivotal role, and you as parents will probably end up working considerably harder than your children. The programme involves:
- Early start: there are things you can be doing right away to prepare your child for a lifetime of musical fulfilment.
- Parent’s involvement: learning an instrument through the Suzuki Method becomes a whole family affair and your commitment is the key to your child’s success.
- Listening to good music: fill your child’s environment with music right from the start. In particular you are expected to listen to the pieces he/she is learning or is about to learn on a daily basis.
- Group and individual tuition. In the St Albans Music School group cello and violin lessons are held 6 times per term on Saturday afternoons and individual lessons at various times during the week.
- Daily Practice: your child’s progress will be proportional to the amount of practice you do together each day. Suzuki said: only practise on the days you eat.
- Concerts: there is at least one concert per term, and other opportunities to perform, as well as informal performances in the group lesson.
- Courses and workshops: Courses are highly motivational and can be the highlight of your child’s year. Suzuki is an international movement, and by attending courses you feel connected to this broad family.
- The learning process: when we learn a language we build a vocabulary, and in Suzuki, students build a repertoire. Old pieces are played regularly so that no piece is forgotten once it has been learnt. Reading skills are developed only once the basics of playing are well established. In practice, students learn to read music in parallel with or a little behind their ability to read text.
Register for suzuki here
Come and observe a few sessions
We recommend all prospective learners and parents come and observe a few sessions first. This will help you to get a feel for the method, to get to know the teachers and other parents.
At first your child can watch, or even play quietly in the corner – the magic of being a young child is that you can learn things even when you are not paying attention. After a while he/she might want to join in with some of the games the group is playing. Gradually you will know the time has come to start.
Email stalbansmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more information or to book an observation or place at our parents' information sessions.