We offer a huge range of instrumental classes, from complete beginners to chamber music, big band and orchestra workshops.
Group Learning
Learning in a group is great fun. You will play along and harmonise with your tutor, enjoy group and individual exercises, and lively discussion in class and in your Google Classroom. You should expect to play solo every so often, just a few bars or an entire piece depending on your course. For in-person courses, classes include more ensemble playing.
Classes for absolute beginners
If you are an absolute beginner, then it’s easy: just start with a 1A course and work through the courses in order.
Choosing the right level for returning players
If you have played before, you can join at the correct level for you. Check the individual course outlines for details of the level for each class, and if you are unsure of your own level, please email Music for further advice.
Changing Classes
In the first couple of weeks, if you feel that the class you have chosen is not the right level for you, you may request a transfer. NB you must lodge your request in writing before the 3rd session of your course.
If you begin to find the level is unsuitable later on in your course then don’t worry, there will still be plenty to learn and you can then choose a more appropriate level the following term. That’s the idea of the termly modules: they allow flexibility because people learn at different speeds. Please ask your tutor for advice if you are not sure whether you’ve chosen the right course.
Strings
For more detailed information about string classes go to String classes at City Lit. See also Ensembles below
Recorder
In all our recorder courses, you can play C instruments (descant/soprano, tenor) and/or F instruments (sopranino, alto/treble, bass)
- Recorders: return to playing is for those with previous experience
- Recorders 2A is a technique class, and follows on to 2B and 2C
- Recorder ensemble: intermediate is for those who have played for at least two years, who want to explore ensemble / consort music
- Recorder ensemble: advanced is for experienced players
Flute
- Flute 1A: from complete beginners to simple scales and melodies, including basic music-reading. Follows on to Flute 1B and Flute 1C
- Flute 2A: our second year of flute studies. Follows on to Flute 2B and Flute 2C over three terms
- Flute intermediate: gain fluency at grade 3/4 standard and start working on grade 4/5 material
- Flute advanced: expand your playing and musical understanding in this advanced class working at grade 6 and above
Clarinet
- Clarinet 1A: from complete beginners to simple scales and melodies, including basic music-reading. Follows on to Clarinet 1B and Clarinet 1C
- Clarinet 2A: the 2nd year of our clarinet programme. Follows on to Clarinet 2B and Clarinet 2C
- Clarinet 3A: the 3rd year of our clarinet programme. Follows on to Clarinet 3B and 3C.
- Clarinet: intermediate: explore a wide variety of repertoire at around grade 4 standard
- Clarinet repertoire workshop is for those playing at around grade 5 standard to explore more solo repertoire
- Clarinet advanced workshop from grade 6 upwards, work on technique through solo and ensemble repertoire
Saxophone
- Saxophone 1A: from complete beginners to simple scales and pieces including reading basic music notation and an introduction to improvising. Follows on to Saxophone 1B and 1C.
- Saxophone 2A: from simple scales plus jazz and popular pieces around grade 1 level to grade 2/3, including improvising. Follows on to Saxophone 2B and Saxophone 2C
- Saxophone 3A: more difficult pieces, develop your technique, jazz rhythms and musical skills through ensemble and build confidence with improvising. Follows on to Saxophone 3B and Saxophone 3C
- Saxophone 4: achieve fluency, improved technique, tone and sight-reading skills, play more complex rhythms and ensembles, develop personality with your solos
- Saxophone 5: maintain and extend your playing skills and musicianship in our advanced sax class
Ensembles
Our ensemble classes come in a variety of forms from weekly sessions to intensive short courses. Courses accommodate those with 2 years' playing expeirence through to advanced level, in wind-only, mixed-instrument chamber music, string ensembles, chamber orchestra, jazz ensembles and big bands.
NB you will need to contact the Music department to check your level and availability of places for your instrument. Ensemble courses require departmental authorisation so that we can ensure the groups have an appropriate mixture of instruments.
Weekly classes in term time:
- String ensemble is for violin, viola, cello and double bass players at grade 3 standard upwards
- Chamber music: intermediate - all classical instruments welcome, including recorders, playing at grades 3-5 standard
- Chamber music: advanced - confident grade 6 or above, good sight-reading skills and ensemble experience
- City Lit Wind Ensemble: intermediate - for orchestral winde players (including saxophone) playing at grade 3-5 standard
- City Lit Wind Ensemble: advanced - mixed ensemble for advanced and experienced players of orchestral woodwind and French horn
- Early music ensemble for players of recorder, viol, violin, flute, oboe, viola, cello, bassoon, keyboard (using a digital piano), playing at modern pitch (A=440).
- City Lit Big Band: for jazz instrumentalist to learn to play classic repertoire, plus contemporary and original arrangements.
- Jazz harmony and ear training develops essential skills for all jazz musicians, from introductory level 1 (for players at c. Grade 5 standard) through intermediate to advanced.
Intensive / short courses
- String Summer School is a two-day intensive courses for players at grade 3 or above with confident ensemble skills. Music is available in advance, so you do not need to be able to sight-read, but you do need to prepare your part in advance.
- Chamber music: introduction for players at grade 3 standard or above to start their chamber music playing journey
- Wind ensemble summer seasons for intermediate or advanced players to try out wind ensemble playing
- Flute and Clarinet Choir is for intermediate/advanced players, on any size of flute or clarinet.
- Orchestra workshop is two-day intensive for confident, experienced players of all orchestral instruments, at Grade 6 standard and above. Repertoire is announced and parts available at least 4 weeks in advance, and players are expected to study their parts in advance of the first day. The music is not suitable for sight-reading at the course.
Musicianship and music theory
Our complementary course are designed to enhance your understanding of musical skills and musical notation. Please see our Music theory and musicianship pages for some ideas.
Learn Music at City Lit
We offer a wide range of piano, singing and instrumental workshops from complete beginners to advanced standard, daytime, evening or weekend. We also offer music production, music theory, history, singing and choirs, orchestra and jazz ensembles.
