Saturday Morning Music Centre
Saturday Morning Music Centre meets on Saturday mornings during term time, for 30 weeks a year. It offers children between the ages of 3 and 14 years the opportunity to take their first musical steps in a fun, relaxed and social setting. Teachers offer group tuition and ensembles in a wide range of instruments and across a broad spectrum of musical styles. Activities aim to create a solid musical foundation, building the confidence and knowledge of young performers and offering a creative environment in which children can explore their musical voices.
Students get to perform in our concerts at the end of each term. In recent years, groups have also performed at the My First Festival Gig showcase concert at Kings House as part of the Bedfordshire Festival, in the Harpur Square Christmas performances and at the River Festival.
At the core of our timetable are the Learn To Play and Play Together groups…
Learn To Play
Keyboard, Guitar, Drums, Recorder, Brass (Trumpet and Trombone), Strings (Violin and Cello)
Learn To Play (LTP) classes are lessons for beginner musicians. They are perfect for children who wish to start learning a instrument but have no previous musical experience. Learn To Play groups study specific instruments whilst also learning the basics of music theory and performance. The courses run for a year, from September to July (although late joiners are possible). They are the foundation learning which prepares students to join Play Together groups in the following September.
Play Together
Keyboard, Guitar, Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, etc.), Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, etc.), Strings (Violin, Cello, etc.)
Play Together groups are the next step in our young student’s journeys, following on from Learn To Play. They offer the opportunity to learn pieces and songs in an ensemble, preparing for a concert at the end of each term. Play Together 1 groups are for pupils who have completed an LTP group in that instrument or have played elsewhere for around 1 year. Play Together 2 groups are for pupils with 2 or more years experience, or who have reached Grade 1 standard and above.
Alongside Learn To Play and Play Together groups, we run other ensembles and activities which can broaden students knowledge, experience and enjoyment.
Early Years Music
We have two very popular Early Years groups for our youngest, fledgling musicians, aged 3-4 years or 5-6 years. Children learn through songs and musical play in a fun and nurturing environment.
Choir
For age 5 years and above, the choir is for everyone, regardless of what they play. Singing is an essential musical experience. The choir learns music from around the world and in an extremely broad range of styles. They perform in end of term concerts and in other events around Bedford.
Musicianship and Music Theory
Whether looking to deepen musical knowledge through play and experimentation or through more formal learning, the Musicianship and Music Theory groups offer everything that students could be looking for, complementing instrumental learning in other groups.
Ukulele Band
This group is suited to players aged 7+ who already know 3 or 4 chords on the Ukulele, so is ideal for those who have done a term long ukulele class at school or have started learning via YouTube but would like to play in a group. The Ukulele Band learns popular and traditional songs and enjoy performing in end of term concerts.
Drum Techniques
This class focuses on the drum kit and is aimed at students aged 6+ who have completed LTP Drums or have had 1 year of lessons elsewhere. Students learn new beats and techniques to prepare them for playing with other musicians.
Composing With iPads and Music Technology
Composing with iPads and Music Technology are groups which provide students with the tools to create music using technology. Composing with iPads (for students aged 7+, no experience necessary) teaches the students how to use Garageband and Launchpad (both free iPad apps), whilst Music Technology is for more advanced students (aged 9+ and 2 years in Composing with iPads or similar) who wish to experiment with technology beyond the iPad. Compositions and songs are shared in end of term concerts.
Songwriting
Students interested in writing songs - music, lyrics or both - get the opportunity to work with others or individually, in whatever musical style inspires them, creating songs that are performed at end of term concerts. Students have 2+ years experience playing a rock band instrument or singing, and are aged 10+.
Junior Jazz
Junior Jazz brings together Brass and Woodwind players (aged 8+ with 2 years experience) with an interest in jazz. Learning and performing both jazz standards and their own compositions, the members also have the opportunity to improvise solos in a supportive band setting which includes keyboard, bass and drums for end of term performances.
Rock Band
For singers, guitarists, keyboard players and drummers with an interest in rock and pop music, the rock band offers the challenge of learning and performing some of the biggest hit songs ever written. The members (aged 9+ with 2 or more years of experience) play a central part in our end of term shows.