Organised by some of the most prestigious music universities and conservatoires, junior music academies can provide invaluable experience for young musicians. However, in the busy schedules of bright kids and teens, are they worth the work?
Music programmes, like the Junior Royal Academy of Music (RAM) and Junior Trinity, run every Saturday to provide a musical education for school-age children. Equipped with the resources and assets of the university/conservatoire itself, the schemes impart world-class teaching and facilities to able students.
Darcey Fryer-Bovill has been a member of Junior Guildhall since she was 8- recently achieving an incredible distinction in her diploma piano. A pianist, singer, and percussionist, she finds the ensemble aspect “very fun! There are various ensembles for each orchestral section as well as a full orchestra, choir and other ensembles.”. Ensemble and solo concert opportunities are also available: “There are platforms for each instrument to perform, as well as regular assessments and general concerts. Also, the ensembles get a chance to play in larger concerts.” Particularly given that school orchestras may be undemanding or simply non-existent, access to such high-level ensembles and concerts can greatly improve the musicianship and abilities of students.
Additionally, with collaborative ensembles and selective intake, the programmes foster an environment of like-minded passion for music. With students dedicating a full day every week (- often including early mornings on public transport!), music is clearly a shared interest. Many members, like Darcey, enjoy the social aspect which arises from this. She says, “I have some great friends at Junior Guildhall. We’re in many ensembles and classes together- it makes the whole thing really fun!”.
Furthermore, for aspiring professional musicians, the experience of learning in a university/ conservatoire setting can be truly indispensable. Aiming to prepare all students for a potential career in music, the programmes provide opportunities like audition practices, lectures, masterclasses and more. For instance, the Junior RAM has ‘General Musicianship’ lessons which focus on various aspects of music and music theory- enriching the musical education often absent in school curricula.
But what about those who don’t aim to do music professionally? Whilst a musical education is valuable regardless of career path, the programmes usually run for a full day and require energy and eager participation. At the Junior RAM, there are a couple of sitting areas available for revision and work but such a huge time commitment is certainly not for everyone. I asked Darcey how she managed her Guildhall commitments with her school work: “I do my homework at home and kind of separate it from Guildhall- that way I have good balance.”
Overall, music programmes provide exceptional training to gifted young students like Darcey. Prestigious and comprehensive, they can be invaluable for aspiring musicians- but workload may prove unmanageable for some.
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