Introduction
Junior Trinity’s Main programme is for children aged 10 – 19 years. There are thirty teaching weeks per year plus one week each term for masterclasses and other activities. There is one week off for half term. The Junior Trinity day starts around 09.00h and finishes around 17.00, depending on your age and timetable.
- individual lessons, classes and chamber music
- regular concerts – JT @ Tea Time
- larger ensembles & choirs and individual lessons
It may be possible to arrange a later start for students who travel a long distance.
An amazing place to learn and develop as a musician and the perfect way to try to figure out where you want music to take you.
Junior Trinity leaver July 2015, now reading Music at University of Manchester
Core Curriculum
The Junior Trinity Main Programme generally consists of:
Principal Study (instrumental/vocal)
40 minutes
General Musicianship class
50 minutes
Choir
50 minutes
Ensembles & Chamber Music (some ensembles are subject to audition)
40-90 minutes
Extras (Subject to availability, additional fees may apply)
– Second/ third study
– Longer lesson on first study (up to 60 minutes)
– Individual support for Trinity College London Music Exams
– GCSE/ A Level classes in Music and Music Technology
Tuition
Junior Trinity offers a full range of instrumental and vocal tuition as well as composition and conducting classes to ensure that every student is able to develop their potential in their chosen area.
Teachers aim to develop a student’s musical and technical skills as well as stylistic awareness. Students are encouraged to participate in concerts, masterclasses and competitions and also study towards Grade Exams where appropriate.
Lunchtime concerts take place each week and teachers enter students when they are ready; most students participate in at least two concerts over the year. We are fortunate that our Trinity College London exam board provides an exam day each term at Trinity, enabling students to take their practical examinations in a familiar environment with one of our regular accompanists.
Musicianship
Junior Trinity has a long and well-known tradition of creative musicianship training which gives students greater confidence in their approach to composing, listening and performing.
The philosophy underlying the classes is very much in parallel with the emphasis on composing skills in GCSE, AS and A-Level courses, and a wide range of music is explored.
Aural skills and a general musical vocabulary are developed through singing, playing and written dictation. Students learn to extemporise and improvise as soloists and in groups, and to compose for members of the class. A historical awareness is developed through musical examples and project work.
Students’ compositions are frequently performed in lunchtime concerts and at public events including external workshops run by professional orchestras and contemporary music organisations.
Classes tend to be fairly small (approximately 8-10 students) and students of similar age are grouped together.
General musicianship is an important element in the Junior Trinity timetable and students find that it enhances all aspects of their musical training.
Talking about Musicianship:
“There is a different energy at Junior Trinity. I would wake up at 6.30 a.m. and leave Trinity at 6.00pm and never be tired. You just run on this weird musical ‘high’. There are the most inspiring teachers, great facilities and a nurturing and supporting atmosphere. All the musicianship classes and the Music Discussion Forum are invaluable”
Olivia Jageurs, former Junior Trinity harp student and prize-winner in the EPTA Composers Competition. She went on to study at Manchester University and the Royal Academy of Music. Olivia is working as a freelance harpist in London.
Performance
Performance opportunities are rich and varied at Junior Trinity and all students are involved in chamber music, large and small ensembles and choral work in addition to their individual lessons.
As well as our regular JT at Tea Time concerts, Junior Trinity promotes concerts each term in local and Central London venues including: Cadogan Hall, LSO St Luke’s, Blackheath Halls, St John’s Waterloo, and the Old Royal Naval College Chapel. These concerts provide an invaluable opportunity for our students to perform in a variety of prestigious venues of differing sizes and acoustics.
SINGING FOR ALL
Conductors:
Katrina Makepeace-Lott (Equal Voice Choir)
Philip Colman (Vocal Ensemble)
Charles MacDougall (Four Part Choir, Barbershop Group, Young Voices & Vocal Consort)
Junior Trinity acknowledges the benefits of singing at all stages of a student’s development, regardless of vocal ability. The department encourages students to experience an expansive range of vocal repertoire from varied traditions, and to enjoy performing it with their peers.
And the result? Previously reluctant students realise that singing is challenging and fun! Junior Trinity has seen a marked increase in the demand for vocal tuition in recent years, particularly from male students.
Equal Voice Choir for young and unbroken voices, and the Four Part Choir give performances at least three times a year in our public concerts. Repertoire ranges from Scarlatti to Lutoslawski and Britney Spears!
First and second study singers participate in the Vocal Ensemble (female voices) and the Barbershop Group (male voices) exploring close harmony, music theatre and madrigal repertoire. These groups perform in Junior Trinity concerts including the Old Royal Naval College Chapel and in external festivals and events.
What our students say
“The highlight of my day would change from week to week. Perhaps I’d have a particularly stimulating piano lesson one week and then a good time in orchestra the next. But this last year the best part of my day has got to have been the Barbershop group – I’ve had such fun and learnt so much! I cannot imagine any other establishment in the world could have given me the same support and encouragement I have received over my years at Junior Trinity. I have developed hugely as a musician and I am sure that the Saturdays I spent there were a key factor in my progress.”
Duncan Ward, Junior Trinity alumnus, Sir Charles Mackerras Junior Conducting Fellow for Trinity Laban. Formerly lead composer in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
BIG BAND
Conductor: Sam Bullard
The popular Big Band performs the mainstays of the genre from Swing to more contemporary jazz arrangements, giving students an opportunity to perform as an ensemble and develop the important skills of style and improvisation.
INTERMEDIATE STRINGS
Conductor: Dan James
Players of approximately Grade 5 to Grade 6 standard develop their ensemble skills and stylistic awareness in this string orchestra and perform a range of baroque, classical and contemporary works.
SINFONIA
Conductor: Andrew Morley
The Junior Trinity Concertante comprises of string and wind players of approximately Grade 7 to Grade 8 standard. Players continue to develop their ensemble skills, exploring a wide range of works for chamber orchestra.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Conductor: Andrew Morley
The Junior Trinity Symphony Orchestra comprises up to seventy players of Grade 8 standard and above. Players are introduced to major works from the orchestral repertoire as well as lesser known but equally challenging works.
The Symphony Orchestra also provides a platform for selected final year Junior Trinity students to perform concertos at one or more of our public concerts in prestigious venues.
WIND ORCHESTRA
Conductor: Leo Geyer
Wind Orchestra gives woodwind, brass and percussionists an opportunity to explore a wealth of concert band repertoire ranging from Holst to film scores.
MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Regular masterclasses and workshops at Trinity Laban give students the chance to perform to distinguished visiting professional musicians in a supportive setting.
Recent masterclasses have been given by:
String Chamber Music: Wihan Quartet
Composition: Professor Robert Saxon
Chamber Music
Junior Trinity students have opportunities to experience chamber music playing at various levels. This is often their introduction to the genre as chamber music coaching is often not available to them elsewhere.
Various aspects of the repertoire are explored from string quartets/octets to wind quintets to smaller duo and trio groupings. The saxophone quartet, saxophone ensemble and baroque ensemble are also popular.
Pianists who can have fewer opportunities to perform chamber music, often participate in the multi-hand groups, exploring unusual repertoire or join one of our Piano Performance Classes.
Jazz ensembles can be available for students wishing to delve into jazz repertoire and improvisation techniques in more depth alongside the larger traditional Big Band.
Students are encouraged to perform chamber music in the JT at Tea Time concerts and in public concerts. Many ensembles perform regularly in high-profile events.
Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a method that has had striking results in the music world as well as offering wide-ranging benefits to students’ general wellbeing. It is a popular element of the Junior Trinity curriculum, taught by active practitioners who are also performers empathetic to students’ issues.
The Alexander Technique is a way of becoming more aware of balance, posture and movement in everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method of self-improvement, helping to enhance poise, vitality and coordination and to reduce strain and stress. Through the Technique we become more able to differentiate necessary and unnecessary tension and effort, and we become able to perform better, free up creativity, prevent injury and cope better with existing problems.
The Alexander Technique is usually taught on a one-to-one basis, the teacher using verbal instructions and guidance with the hands to help unravel tensions and distortions and encourage the natural reflexes to work again. Through experience and observation we become able to change longstanding habits and function more efficiently, and to apply the benefits of the Technique in demanding activities and situations in daily life. We also work with students’ instruments and explore ways of best coping with the strains of musicians’ lives and work.
Conducting
Conducting classes are available for small groups of more advanced Junior Trinity students who wish to broaden their musical perspective. Our conducting students find that their acquired skills are very useful in their schools, local community activities and when they progress on to Higher Education. Students learn the rudiments of conducting technique for the first few weeks including beat patterns, beating styles and how to communicate specific musical effects through gesture. Gradually the classes develop into conducting the other members of the group and studying core repertoire. We are also able to give our advanced young conductors opportunities to conduct the Junior Trinity ensembles in rehearsals and concerts on occasions.
Composition
In addition to the experience they gain in General Musicianship and GCSE/A Level classes, many students take individual composition lessons to explore their skills in more depth. Junior Trinity gives them many opportunities to hear their works performed by fellow students in lunchtime concerts and in more formal settings, as well as composing alongside student choreographers for collaborative music and dance projects with Laban Centre for Advanced Training.
Many Junior Trinity composers have achieved top awards including BBC Proms/Inspire Young Composers’ Competition and the European Piano Teachers Association Composers Competition.
Junior Trinity encourages its composers to apply for prestigious vacation courses to extend their skills and contacts further, notably in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain ‘composer in residence’ scheme and the Sound and Music Summer Schools.
We are privileged that eminent professional composers visit Junior Trinity regularly to lead invaluable workshops with our students.
What our students say
“Junior Trinity has made me grow as a person and helped me become more confident with myself in music. Being able to share the same passion and love with so many people has inspired me for my future as a musician and performer. Junior Trinity is like a family, developing our strengths and making us stronger people because of it.”
Junior Trinity leaver July 2015, now reading Music and English at University of Leeds
“It’s a place that allows its students to specialise and thrive in their own directions. Both the teachers and the students share a common enjoyment for music, but besides that, individuality is accepted, even welcomed.”
Junior Trinity leaver July 2014, now studying English at King’s College London
How to apply
Applications are currently being accepted for entry in September 2020. Applications close on 1 March 2020. Late applications are occasionally possible, subject to availability.
Course Requirements
Applicants are expected to be at least Grade 5 standard or equivalent on their first study instrument.
However, there are many factors, including the instrument played and whether students have received formal musical training, that also inform the audition panel. Places at Junior Trinity are limited and being of the right standard alone is not a guarantee of acceptance to the department.
Download Audition Requirements
Audition Fee
The audition fee is £35 and can be paid via our online shop. Please note that the audition fee is non-refundable.