The Guernsey Music Centre is operated and run by the Guernsey Music Service. The Guernsey Music Service was established in 1978 and now supports more than 1000 young musicians offering individual and group lessons as well as supporting the curriculum in schools and colleges.
For up to date information about rehearsals, performances and other events, please see the Friends of Guernsey Music Centre Facebook page.
Who we are
- The Guernsey Music Service supports, complements and enriches the music curriculum offered by schools and colleges. As well as teaching musical skills it aims to develop qualities such as confidence, self-discipline and self-criticism and help pupils to understand the importance of reliability and teamwork through their music-making. It works closely with schools, colleges and music groups on the Island, such as the Guernsey Symphony Orchestra, Guernsey Camerata and the Elizabeth College Summer Orchestral Course (ECSOC). Many past pupils of the Music Service make up the rich cultural fabric of Guernsey's bands, orchestras and choirs with some going on to have national and international musical careers.
What we do
- The Service provides:
- Instrumental lessons on orchestral and band instruments, and singing lessons for pupils in schools
- Support of the curriculum in primary schools through whole class programmes for every pupil in Year 2 and 4
- Music-making opportunities at Music Centre through ensembles allowing a clear progression route
- Opportunities for pupils to attend concerts by its own staff and visiting performers
- Workshops given by visiting teachers/performers
- Off island courses and visits to enhance pupils' cultural understanding
How we do it
- There are several routes of entry into the Music Service. After the Year 2 and Year 4 whole class programmes, any pupil wishing to receive instrumental lessons and/or sing in a choir has the opportunity to do so. Pupils starting at High School also have the opportunity to take up lessons on brass, woodwind, guitar, keyboard, drum kit or vocal studies.
- The Head of Vocal Studies also gives vocal training to senior instrumental pupils who show particular promise as singers in Music Centre choirs.
- Music Centre caters for the Island's young musicians, including pupils who are taught privately. It is an integral part of their musical tuition and development, enabling pupils to put into practice their individual skills in a group setting. It allows pupils from all schools and colleges to work together, make friends and develop their skills within a team. As this is such an important part of pupils' development, attendance is compulsory for all Music Service instrumental pupils.
- The Service operates an instrument hire facility for its pupils and a library of sheet music for Music Centre, schools and other Island ensembles.
- The Service organises and promotes workshops and concerts given by visiting musicians, many of which take place at St James' Concert Hall.
- The Service is greatly assisted by the Friends of Guernsey Music Centre (FGMC) who raise funds for instrument purchase and trips abroad and provide practical help at concerts and Open Mornings. It also gratefully acknowledges sponsorship from Bank of Butterfield, BWCI and Intertrust.
The Music Centre is open to all children in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It aims to provide:
- inclusive and enjoyable music-making opportunities which are carefully matched to pupils' abilities in order that they can realise their potential and achieve excellence
- opportunities for pupils to make a positive contribution and to develop confidence, self-discipline and self-criticism
- opportunities for pupils to understand the importance of reliability and teamwork through their music-making.
Music Centre currently comprises a range of groups including:
- Primary Groups for beginner pupils
- Orchestras
- Wind Bands
- Jazz Orchestras
- Choirs
- Various chamber groups
- Aural and theory lessons
Entry to the senior groups is by audition.
The Music Centre's prospectus can be downloaded from this page.
