- FAQ -

Is London Youth Conservatoire open during the week?
We rent fantastic music facilities from Lady Margaret School on Saturdays during term time.  We do organise some instrumental lessons for our more advanced pupils in the evenings where necessary for timetabling reasons. However all students attend group classes on Saturdays.

Courses & Instruments

Can I enrol for an instrument lessons only?
We firmly believe that for a student to thrive musically they should not only have instrumental lesson but should also participate in group music and attend musicianship classes. This is why we do not offer standalone instrumental lessons.

Is there a minimum level required? Is there an entrance exam to join London Youth Conservatoire?
There is no minimum level required and we are non-selective. We welcome all students from beginners to Grade 8 and above. Our philosophy is that everybody should be able to enjoy music regardless of their experience and level.

Can I try a class before I sign up?
Yes: Contact us for your free trial session of a choir, ensemble or First Steps class.

Not sure which instrument to play? Join our Prelude Course
We offer a Prelude Course which gives students a chance to explore different instruments.

Do I need to rent/buy an instrument?
Yes: you will need to rent or purchase your own instrument. Our teachers can advise you on the size of instrument you will need. We have a few instruments available to hire. Contact us if you would be interested in renting one.

How often and for how long does my child will need to practise? I am not sure he/she will have the time
Little and often. Better 15 minutes 5 days a week than once a week for an hour. If you would like tips on how to support home practice we offer a seminar for parents at the start of the year to help you set up a stress free practice routine at home.

Not sure your 6 years old can do the whole course? Talk to us

Which ensemble should your child/teenager join?
We will assign your child to an ensemble at the right level for their playing. Please note beginners must start with choir until they have reached the level required to join an instrumental ensemble.

Can I enrol for orchestra/choir only?
Yes: If you learn your instrument outside of London Youth Conservatoire you can still join one of our ensembles. Please contact us for your free trial!

Do you do concerts?
Yes: We have a range of performance opportunities throughout the year. Presently we run whole school concerts at Christmas and in the summer term. We also have weekly platform concerts, termly showcase concerts and our Awards.

Do you prepare grade exams?
Yes we do. We run ABRSM exams every term and can organise Trinity exams too.  Go to our Exams page for more information.

Do you prepare for Music Scholarships?
Yes. If you would like your child to prepare for a music scholarship or audition please let us know.

We have had students successfully gaining music scholarships at schools including St Paul’s, Putney High, Oratory Junior House, Woldingham and Godolphin School. We have also had pupils successfully audition for both the Royal College of Music Junior Department and the Guildhall.

- First Steps -

Is it possible to start London Youth Conservatoire before 4 years old?
We know maturity and motivation can vary from one child to another but these sessions take place without the parents. In order to make the most of our sessions, your little one will need to reach 4 years old (Reception level) before joining us. At this age, they are best able to integrate the musical concepts covered in the class.

Is it possible to start an instrument before age 5?
Not normally: Younger than this we find children often do not have the physical dexterity necessary for learning an instrument and will become frustrated. Instead, we encourage children to experience Kodály-based musicianship first in order to develop vital skills that will support better instrumental learning afterwards, such as tuneful singing, the development of the inner ear, and a strong sense of pulse & rhythm.

- Musicianship & Theory -

Why must my children take musicianship class as part of the Core or Conservatoire Course?
Musicianship/Music theory is an essential part of music learning. Understanding the way music is structured is key to allow musicians to progress.
In addition, Go for Gold or the ABRSM Grade V Theory is compulsory for pupils who want to go beyond grade 5 on their instrument.
Students on our Core or Conservatoire Courses who have passed their Grade V Theory can either continue with Advanced Musicianship or stop this class.


I am fairly advanced on my instrument but I have never done any musicianship-theory what can you do for me?
We run classes adapted to this kind of situation. The best thing is to contact us and we will find the best option for you.

- Admin -

How do I enrol?
See our page How to Join us

How do your terms work?
We run on a school academic year and base our holidays on a mix of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham term dates and local private schools. Typically we have a 33 to 34 week year. Term dates are published in advance. See our Term Dates.

How are you funded?
We receive no funding from local authorities or grants. We are a charity and we work hard to price our courses as reasonably as possible whilst correctly remunerating our talented professional teachers.

How am I invoiced for the lessons?
You enrol for the full academic year. Fees are invoiced termly in advance. See Terms & Conditions.

Can I cancel at anytime?

You enrol for the whole year but you can cancel during the year within the given notice periods. Please check the Terms & conditions for more details.

I would love my child to join London Youth Conservatoire but we have a very limited budget?
We have a Bursary programme as we firmly believe as many children as possible should have access to music education. Bursary places are means tested only and not given according to the child’s music ability. There are limited places. Contact us and we will send you the relevant information on our criteria and process.

Do you have music scholarships?
No: We are non-selective, unlike the music colleges. Our bursary foundation provides financial support to low-income households wishing to access music education.

Where do your students come from?
All over the place! Although the majority are local (Hammersmith & Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Putney) as the largest non-selective music-school in West London we attract pupils from far and wide: from Catford to Hampstead to Wimbledon. Students come from both the state-school sector and the private school sector.

Question not answered here? Contact us