Introduction

LCM Junior College is a Saturday performing arts and music school offering a wide variety of specialist arts education. We are non selective and aim to offer the complete musical journey from beginner to advanced. Students can begin their studies from 3 years old with Stave House, and later complete their grade examinations in their instrumental discipline or perhaps IGCSE or Pre-University Music after a number of years study. 

30 teaching weeks are delivered across three terms which coincide with the local school term dates. A Junior College day typically starts at 8.30am and lasts until 4.30pm and students are required to be in attendance for all or part of the day, depending on their course commitments. We also offer a 5% (maximum) discount for students who are staff members of UWL, siblings attending Junior College as well as for those who introduce new students to Junior College. 

In collaboration with Ealing Music Service, LCM Junior College host the Cadenza which is a monthly ensemble programme available to young musicians. Participation of Cadenza is free for LCM Junior College students

Our courses

Find out more about our courses and fees or apply now using our online form.

  • One-to-one lessons

    A young violinist receiving 1:1 tuition

    LCM Junior College offers individual music tuition on Saturdays in most instrumental disciplines:

    • woodwind
    • strings
    • brass
    • percussion
    • classical, jazz and pop piano.

    Any other instrument may be available upon request. 

    Every effort will be made to meet your lesson time requests, please indicate on the application form any preferences you may have for morning or afternoon. 1:1 Instrumental lessons are 30 minutes long. However, 45 minutes or 60 minutes is possible if preferred. There are 10 lessons each term.

    • £230 per term (30 minutes)
    • £345 per term (45 minutes)
    • £460 per term (60 minutes)

    Apply online for lessons now

  • Music theory

    Manuscript paper, on which a pencil rests

    Regular theory practice is a crucial element of any musician’s learning. Not only does it support the progress of a learned instrument, it also enables the student to understand the methods behind the construction of the music that they learn. Designed to support and facilitate practical study, this course gives the essential building blocks for understanding musical notation and structure. Any music student would benefit from music theory, however it is of particular importance to those who are working through grade exams on their instrument or those who wish to study advanced programmes such as the IGCSE or Pre-U. Students should aim to progress through one to two theory grades per academic year. Exams are offered twice yearly, the first session in the winter term and the second in the summer. 

    At LCM Junior College we offer both classical theory and pop theory as 1-1 tuition or small group tuition. Students work towards theory grades using the LCME work books and syllabus. 

    • 1:1 Music theory lessons
      • (£230 per term- lessons are 30 minutes) Every effort will be made to meet your lesson time requests, please indicate on the application form any preferences you may have for morning or afternoon.
    • Group theory in small groups
      • (£80 per term- lessons are 30 minutes)

    Group theory lesson times:

    For further information about LCM theory examinations please visit the LCME website.

    Apply online for lessons now.

    Please specify on your application form if you would like 1-1 theory lessons or group theory lessons.

  • Ensembles and workshops

    An ensemble of young musicians

    At LCM Junior College, we believe that the participation in an ensemble is fundamental to one's development as a performer. Ensembles are highly recommended for players who want to improve their playing and share music with other like-minded musicians. We host a wide range of modern and versatile ensembles and workshops enabling every student to get the most from their musical experience. 

    Ensembles run on the proviso of at least 5 students in attendance. 

    Rock and Pop School (£80 per term)

    Are you an instrumentalist or a singer (8-19yrs) looking to be in or start a band? There is no better place to do it than in our music studios with our expert guidance from musician, Stefanos Tsourelis.

    There will be the opportunity to choose what you play or write your own hits. Available to beginners and advanced. There will be gigging opportunities throughout the year, recording opportunities as well as being directed by influential artists of the existing music scene.​ Rehearsals take place between 1pm-2pm each Saturday. 

    Intermediate String Ensemble (£50 per term)

    Regular rehearsals, performing opportunities and LCM ensemble grade examinations available. 9.55am-10.25am led by Alison Gordon

    Jazz Ensemble (£80 per term) 

    Jazz ensemble is proving to be a popular activity at Junior College. A focus on performing, improvisation, learning chart numbers and having fun! Students gain confidence from the class, boosting their progress towards higher musicianship. There is the opportunity for concert performances throughout the year. Instrumentalists required: altos, tenors, baritone saxophones, flutes, trumpets, trombones, jazz pianist, drummer, bass guitar. Jazz ensemble rehearsals take place from 12.30pm-1.30pm.

    Other ensembles

    May be available on request. Specialised group tuition for small groups working on technique and musicianship, which is highly recommended for players wanting to improve their playing and enjoy sharing music with other like-minded musicians.

    Ensemble playing is a crucial area of development for any young musician and we encourage this at every level. Very often teachers recommend an appropriate ensemble group for their pupils to progress into, however at Junior College we welcome any student to offer their own ideas for ensembles - the quirkier the better. If you are an instrumentalist who would like to join/create an ensemble at the Junior College you should enquire directly to find out what is possible. 

    Apply online now.

     

  • Cadenza

    The Candenza logo, with images of children performing

    Cadenza with Ealing Music Service (free for Junior College students)

    Various monthly packages are available through our partnership with Ealing Music Service such as; choir, jazz, percussion, concert band and intermediate orchestra. Participation is free for LCM Junior College students.

    Apply here.

     

  • Music technology and DJ Academy

    Two budding studio engineers learning how to use the equipment at a recording studio

    Music Technology

    For ages 11-19

    Using LCM equipment this course provides a great introduction to sequencing, production and composition with further specialised help for those who are more advanced.

    Students have the opportunity to showcase their work on a regular basis under the expert guidance of their tutor, Jay Daniel.

    Students cover the following during their time on the course:

    • Audio
    • Logic
    • Programming MIDI
    • Use of real and virtual instruments
    • Plug-Ins and FX
    • Making beats
    • Sampling
    • Arrangement and song structure
    • Sound engineering and recording techniques
    • Creating music for Movies and Media
    • Mixing a song including automation, Gain EQ and Compression

    £100 for a 10 week course. Sessions run from 12.30pm-1.30pm. 

    DJ Academy

    Launched on 9 September 2017 by internationally acclaimed number 1 artist, Rui Da Silva, DJ Academy runs at Junior College from 2pm-2.30pm.

    For ages 11-19

    The course will reveal how to mix in the analogue and digital environment including: 

    • Producing
    • How to mix turntables, CDJs with software such as Traktor and Serato
    • Beat matching
    • Mix in key, tempo and BPM
    • Sampling
    • Cue points 
    • Promoting yourself as a DJ artist.

    £100 for a 10 week course. 
     

    Apply online for lessons now.

  • Stave House

    A child learning about music using the Stave House method

    The award winning Stave House music programme is a small music class offered at LCM Junior College for young children aged 3-8 years.

    The best way of learning to read music, in the world. 

     - Prof. John Howard.

    The Stave House method teaches children to read, play and write music while grasping a strong understanding of music theory enabling a child to move in any direction of musical learning they wish. It uses a series of creative characters to engage children through storytelling and songs. 

    The characters used represent the musical notes such as Ferdie the Fox for F and Father Crotchet for a single beat. The characters when combined make music.

    Stave House is an innovative music-teaching programme invented by Ruth Travers, FLCM, which is now popular throughout the world and has major projects taking place in the Sahara and China.  The programme is endorsed and certificated by the London College of Music and there are 4 levels of Stave House Music Awards that children can achieve throughout their study. 

    Benefits of attending the Stave House music programme include: 

    • Stave House is the perfect stepping stone to a musical instrument.
    • Stave House uses kinaesthetic materials, stories, songs and rhymes that engage the child’s imagination and encourage creative development.
    • Stave House equips children with skills that enable them to become independent musicians not reliant on copying their teachers or using written letters or numbered fingers, enabling a deeper understanding of musical structure and composition. 
    • Stave House equips the children with excellent sight-reading skills. 
    • Stave House is fun and is far more than a music teaching method, using play and storytelling to embed academic skills that will last.

    Here is an essential video link for you to see how Stave House works.

    For more information please visit the Stave House website.

    Stave House is taught by Kayleigh Herzog at LCM Junior College.

    Lessons run on Saturday mornings from 11 January - 28 March 2020.

    Lesson times:

    • 9.15am-9.55am (6-8 year olds)
    • 10am-10.40am  (3-5 year olds)   

    Lesson fee: £50 per term (10 lessons)

    Apply online for lessons now.

  • Cambridge IGCSE & pre-university courses

    A student at a piano, writing on manuscript paper

    Our Cambridge courses are now well established where we have great facilities and an excellent teaching team. We work hard to make sure that our courses are both thorough and enjoyable. We have a record of excellent results and courses are designed so that our students become all-round musicians where their practical skills are supported and complemented with a strong knowledge of historical and theoretical music. 

     - Anthony Davie, IGCSE and Pre-University course leader

    Cambridge IGCSE Music

    Junior College offers a 1-year accelerated course for the Cambridge IGCSE Music (International GCSE) which is recognised as an equivalent to the UK GCSE. High entry qualifications and an interview are required for entry onto this course.

    We have the following prerequisites:

    • Grade 5 on a single instrument (can be taught prior to joining the IGCSE through individual tuition lessons at Junior College).
    • Grade 5 theory of music examination pass (can be taught prior to joining the IGCSE through music theory lessons at Junior College).

    One year accelerated course

    • Two Compositions to be completed (one class per week).
    • Two performances (one solo, one ensemble) to be prepared with instrumental teacher.
    • Listening and Appraisal examination preparation (one class per week).
    • There is a significant amount of home study required for this course.

    The course fee of £350 per term includes:

    • All examination fees
    • Composition classes
    • Music listening and appraising classes

    The course fee of £450 per term includes:

    • All of the above plus one-to-one instrumental lessons (one 30 minute lesson per week for the 3 terms of study).

    Lessons are held every Saturday during term-time between  10.30am and 12pm.

    Please note:  All IGCSE students are also expected to join the Discovering Music Class (£100 per term) which take place between10am-10.30am.

    The closing date for 2020 entry for this course is Saturday 19 September

    Visit the Cambridge IGCSE website for more information, or to apply for this course for 2020 entry, please contact us for an interview. 

    Cambridge Pre-University Music

    This two-year course is broader than 'A' level Music and is suitable for candidates who wish to go on to study music at either a conservatoire or university. It is considered to be a prestigious qualification, and UK and international universities will consider it equivalent, if not substantially better than a standard A-level. High entry qualifications and an interview is required prior to joining this course.
     
    We have the following prerequisites:

    • Grade 5 Theory of Music pass
    • GCSE or IGCSE in music
    • A Grade 7 to 8 pass or equivalent standard on first instrument/voice
    • A Grade 6 to 7 pass or equivalent standard on a second instrument/voice

    Cambridge Pre-U courses are stand-alone qualifications, recognised by universities and attract a rewarding UCAS tariff. They are compatible with 'A' Levels and may be taken in combination with them. All examinations are taken at the end of the two-year study period.

    Cambridge Pre-U Music provides the basis for an informed and lasting love of music and gives students an opportunity to develop a range of skills, knowledge and an understanding in music.
     
    The course is structured as follows:

    • Year one - One-hour academic lesson from 2.30pm - 3.30pm.
    • Year two - One and a half hour academic lesson from 2.30pm - 4pm

    The course fee per term is £500 and includes:

    • Course content
    • Examination fees
    • Access to the university library and blackboard facilities.

    The student will need a lengthy weekly instrumental lesson if the advanced recital option is chosen over the dissertation, which we are able to offer at LCM at an extra cost. A very good Grade 8 standard is expected.

    Please note that we do not offer an 'A' Level music course yet at LCM Junior College, University of West London.

    The closing date for 2020 entry for this course is Saturday 19 September

    Please visit the Cambridge Pre University website for more information, or to apply for September 2020 entry, please contact us for an interview.

    Apply now for Cambridge IGCSE or Pre-University Music