Infant Scheme 1

An innovative scheme that offers children aged 4–8 the chance to begin an instrument with an expert teacher and develop essential all-round musical skills. Places open to all who have a passion for making music!

Lesson Types

Musicianship

Musicianship classes are spaces designed to develop and enhance basic musical skills. Students learn to sing in tune, hold a steady pulse, listening and performing, basic keyboard skills, beginner music theory. Sessions are based around interactive learning with students exploring through singing, games, puzzles and listening activities. As students progress to instrumental learning, musicianship classes start to incorporate aspects of instrumental playing.

Instrumental Lessons

Stage 1: Musicianship lessons only. Stage 2: Try-Out Lessons – Throughout the year, students are introduced to 3 different instruments: Recorder, Violin, and Cello, offering them a great opportunity to explore and see which instrument they would like to continue learning. Stage 3 & 4: Individual Lessons – Students here will receive individual tuition on their preferred instruments. Lessons aim to be engaging and work through pieces designed to challenge and inspire them. To support learning at home, we'll provide clear instructions for follow-up activities after each session. We invite parents to sit in on the lessons so they can understand how best to support practice at home.

Infant Scheme Structure

Stage	Weekly time	Content
Stage 1 (ages 4–5)	30 mins each week	Musicianship Class
Stage 2 (ages 5–6)	30 mins each week	Musicianship + Instrumental Taster Class
Stage 3 (ages 6–7)	60 mins each week	40 minute Musicianship Class + 20 minute individual Instrumental Lesson
Stage 4 (ages 7–8)	60 mins each week	40 minute Musicianship Class + 20 minute individual Instrumental Lesson

Apply

To register your interest or for any questions about the scheme, please complete the enquiry form below. We monitor responses regularly.

Infant Scheme Enquiry Form

About

The SMA Infants Scheme has been set up to provide an excellent beginning on a musical instrument, that also develops the child as an all-round musician! By combining high-quality instrumental tuition from an early age, with interactive, fun-filled musicianship classes, the SMA Infants Scheme aims to enthuse and motivate young children to fulfil their musical potential. Whether or not they choose to continue their musical journey at SMA, the scheme will offer children a fantastic start in music, that will enhance their life-long music-making!

When and Where?

We run two sessions of the Infant Academy each week. Students can choose to attend on either Saturday or Monday afternoons.

Stage 3 & 4 violin, recorder, and cello lesson times are shared with families after enrollment. Lessons are scheduled before or after the student's musicianship class and may include a short wait between sessions.

Saturday Afternoons (during term time)

Birkdale Prep School, S10 Musicianship Timetable: Stage 1 – 2:20 to 2:50 Stage 2 – 4:50 to 5:20 pm Stage 3 – 3:10 to 3:50 pm Stage 4 – 3:50 to 4:30 pm

Saturday Afternoons – Term Dates

Monday Afternoons (during term time)

Millhouses Methodist Church, S7 Musicianship Timetable: Stage 1 – 4:00 to 4:30 pm Stage 2 – 4:30 to 5:00 pm Stage 3 – 5:40 to 6:20 pm Stage 4 – 5:00 to 5:40 pm

Monday Afternoons – Term Dates