Huntingdonshire Music School Association - Enrol

Huntingdonshire Music School was founded in 1966 and has grown into one of the largest and most successful establishments of its type. It runs the only Saturday Morning Music School in the county and for miles beyond that is open to both children and adults. There are more than 460 students with ages ranging from 4 to 83, and at least 35 staff who give individual tuition and direct ensembles.  Lessons take place at Huntingdonshire College on weekday evenings and at the exciting Saturday Morning Music School. There is a flourishing and supportive Huntingdonshire Music School Association.

You may have heard the recent BBC Radio 4 programme, hosted by William Hague, about Late Learners (a very good listen).  Well we cater for late learners.  We can also cater for early learners.  Worried about making noises in public (or at least in front of other people)?  We also cater for terrified learners.  To be honest, whatever kind of learner you are we can cater for you. It is a wonderful thing when (as someone quite a bit over 21!) you sit down for the first time in the preparatory concert band and the very composed young person sitting next to you says “don’t worry if you make a mistake - we all do at times “

Huntingdonshire Music School provides the opportunity for children and adults to learn (or continue to learn) a musical instrument (including the voice) in a relaxed, friendly and social setting.

We cover most types of instrument from classical, jazz to rock and electronic.

This is the start point for pupils at the Huntingdonshire Music College. In time,and with feedback, we hope to provide the information and links that are useful to our musicians - including those taking instrument tuition and those taking part in playing in a group.

Initially, information is provided on:-

• term times
• what you need and where to find it
• what a typical Saturday morning looks like
• taking exams
• keeping in contact

Term Times

The term times and half term dates are provided in the[events diary on this site.

Alternatively another online source is to look at the iCal form of diary (which can be book-marked or subscribed-to and is easier for us to maintain).

What You Need and Where to Find It

The following is a potted list of the things you might need and where to find them.

• Registration Form. Filled out at the beginning of the academic year (or first registration). Available at reception.
• For theory: Theory Books, Papers. A selection of ABRSM books and practice papers are available at reception. You’ll need to bring at least apencil and a rubber.
• For lessons: Music tutor books (your teacher will advise which ones and may have or be able to get them). Note book or practice book for the teacher to jot down what needs to be done in the coming week (available at any stationery shop or ones with special features e.g. to record practice times etc. available from good music shops. Instrument (apart from large ones, e.g. piano/drum kit you bring this with you)
• For ensemble/group work: instrument, music stand (available from music shop).

What a Typical Saturday Morning Looks Like

A lot of lessons, probably most, take place on a Saturday morning between 08:30 and 13:30 during term time.

You are likely to be involved with 1 or more of the following:-

• an individual practical instrument lesson. This might be 15 or 30 minutes long depending on grade and what you ask for.
• a group theory lesson. These last for roughly an hour and are graded from beginners to advanced (Grade 6 +).
• one or more ensemble/orchestra/band playing session, limited only by your availability and keen-ness (the fee is the same).

A break-down of the typical hectic Saturday timetable for the theory and ensemble elements is shown on a separate page.

Taking Exams

First, things first. You don’t have to take exams. Many just want to play and that’s just fine - the most important thing is that you enjoy what you do.

We have more information on taking practical and theory music examinations ....

Keeping in Contact

If you’d like to be kept up to date with news, developments, events and the occasional changes to locations/lessons then join this site. As a member you can then keep tabs on us and register your level of interest and/or music tendencies (we promise not to let on if you don’t )!

If you’re thinking about either enrolling one of the family or yourself at the Music College it’s probably best to come and see what we do first.

The Music College does run specific open days but but any Saturday morning during college term time (09:00 to 13:00) provides an opportunity to wander in and see what’s going on. Ask at the reception by the entrance for the Director, Gary Sieling [ the effervescent one with professional music qualifications after his name and a cycling proficiency to boot], or if you you know what instrument or band interests you someone can guide you.

Types of Enrolment

There are 2 basic types of enrolment, which depend on where you have tuition:-

• full - this is where you have tuition at the Music College and take part in the full music package (tuition + theory + group work (when OK))
• associate - this is suitable if you already have lessons elsewhere but want to make use of the theory or ensembles

In either case you’ll want to get in contact with the college.

You can enrol at any time during a term (not just at the beginning) and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

Prospectus

You can download a prospectus which has more information about the Music College, including fees and an application/enrolment form:-

• 2007 - 2008 prospectus (Adobe Acrobat 7 file, 12 pages, 1 Mbyte)

If you need to get hold of the free Adobe Acrobat reader in order to read the file you can do so using this link.