Lower Seniors

Lower Seniors

Pupils in this group play one or two instruments, do solfeggio and attend Senior Choir. The youngest children in this group are 8 and the oldest 11 years old. A small number of pupils might add the third instrument. The most sensible choice for the third instrument is an instrument of the same family – for instance, pianists might choose to study the organ or harpsichord, violinists might add viola etc. Playing three completely different instruments puts huge demands on a pupil in terms of practice time, if all three instruments are to be taken seriously (and this is an approach we adopt at the RMA). Another good option for the third instrument is voice – as all music was originally vocal, studying voice would help to better understand the art of phrasing and to become a more sensitive musician.

Lower Seniors are encouraged to form various chamber ensembles. All string players are members of the String Ensemble.

Senior pupils continue with Music History and composition and can choose to study conducting too.