RNCM Junior strings project- anyone tried this?

[flussymummy]

We've just been offered a place for DD (who's almost 5) on the Junior Strings Project at the Royal Northern College of Music. Does anyone have any experience of this? Thanks!

[chocoluvva]

I don't have experience of it - sorry - this is a bit of a bump really - but it's probably a fantastic opportunity for your DD.

[flussymummy]

Thanks Chocoluvva! It sounds great. I'm hoping that someone might have first-hand experience of it to share before we commit ourselves...

[Twonker]

Any chance you could put a link up for this? It sounds really interesting.

[flussymummy]

www.rncm.ac.uk/component/content/article/135/87.html

[flussymummy]

Hmmm- not sure how to do links! Hope this helps!

[Twonker]

Thanks! Itlooks like an amazing opportunity to me. I would definitely go for dd it if I was in the region.

[flussymummy]

Yes - seems like an ideal introduction really- big commitment for us as we're an hour away, but we start next week so we'll see how it goes!

[Twonker]

Yes, that is quite a distance! We are lucky to have a music centre 15min away and my 6yo dd is starting the violin tomorrow! Very exciting, only thing is it starts 8.45 am...... Let me know how you get on.

[flussymummy]

Likewise- hope she enjoys it!

[Twonker]

Hi flussy,

She had a great lesson. She has learned how to hold her violin, and has been going round the house holding it and strumming all weekend!

[flussymummy]

Very sweet

[Twonker]

When is your dd's first lesson?

[flussymummy]

On Wednesday- she has a pre-instrumental year though, so won't start playing an instrument until this time next year.

[Twonker]

I really like the idea of the pre instrumental year. They do that at our music centre too, but I only found out about it when it was too late for dd to do it. They have got a catch up group this year, so they are doing the pre instrumental stuff as well.

Hope she loves it!

[Teamthrills]

My children are in a Young Strings Project in the Midlands. They both learn the violin through the suzuki method - is that what you have been offered? We spend most of every saturday morning at individual and group lessons, orchestra & kodaly / dalcroze. We have had to be extremely committed since dd started 5 yrs ago, but it has certainty paid off - She is 8 yrs old & will be taking grade 5 next term. She also loves to play her violin.

[flussymummy]

Hi Teamthrills- sounds like your daughter's doing really well. The RNCM project sounds similar- the first year is Dalcroze and Kodaly based and then they start learning a stringed instrument in the second year. It's not based upon the Suzuki system as far as I know. DD definitely enjoyed the first week so we'll give it a go and see how we get on!

[Teamthrills]

It does sound similar with the kodaly & dalcroze. Our Young Strings Project (YSP) starts children at 3 or 4 &, they go straight on to an instrument, having 15 min individual lessons, half hr group lessons & an hr kodaly/dalcroze to start with. This takes place each saturday.Since last sept we also have ds learning the violin & dd doing half hr violin lessons & orchestra in addition to the other sessions, it's a very long & busy day!!! Fun though!

[flussymummy]

Sounds great!

[Twonker]

How is it going?

My dd is enjoying it, and practising most days! Her teachers are lovely, and the other children are really nice too.

Looking forward to the first performance!

[noteventhebestdrummer]

Lots of good things about JSP

Worth keeping in mind that it exists so that the RNCM students who want to learn to teach have some kids to practice on!

[flussymummy]

Hello! Just a wee update- DD has been attending JSP (now called "young Strings" incidentally) since September and absolutely loves it. The pace is quite fast, discipline is clearly important to them but so is confidence boosting. It's ticking all of the boxes for us right now! No instrument until next year so we're yet to see how that all works but what we've experienced so far has been great, and she's made a little friend too. . I appreciate your point noteventhebestdrummer but feel that if that was the only agenda they certainly wouldn't waste their time on a year of Kodaly and Dalcroze lessons. I haven't seen any students sitting in on lessons yet- just two very professional and caring teachers.

[Fishlegs]

Hi flussymummy, my ds is on the 2nd year of the program and has started the viola. He loves it, he wasn't all that enamoured by the preinstrumental year but is glad he persevered with it now.
For me, one of the best bits is that they all play together from the off, it's so much fun. I had lessons at school but wasn't good enough to play in the school orchestra and it was really boring. The ensemble class means they can all hear how it's supposed to sound, all playing together.
Looking forward to the Christmas concert now.

[Leafmould]

Hello, flussy mummy. How is your dd doing?

I hope she is really enjoying it, and looking forward to playing her instrument.

I have nc, and was on this thread before. My dd has now been playing the violin since September and is now learning more tunes, and really enjoy playing. I think it is now time to be extending her practise time a bit. She tends to do about 10 mins 4 times a week.

Hi team thrills, it sounds like your dc are doing really well! Any tips for practise?

[Leafmould]

Fish legs, I agree, they clearly enjoy the ensemble lesson immensely, and it is a great opportunity for them to make a big sound!