Run by parents and professional tutors for parents of children who want to learn a musical instrument in a fun and supportive environment
We usually meet Saturday mornings at Manorbrook School, Thornbury, and run a variety of activities for children aged between 4 and 18. Our aim is to remove barriers to learning an instrument and to make it fun! Due to Covid-19 we are now running an online programme of activities.
We are recruiting!
We are looking for new Trustees (voluntary), an Administrator (part-time, paid) and a Treasurer (part-time, paid). Please see our Work with us page for more information.
Some examples of the children's work through lockdown
Here are some highlights of the amazing work our children have completed through the last year of lockdown. For more videos, see our YouTube channel.
Lockdown Project - Consider Yourself
Our senior string section spent the Spring 2021 term learning Consider Yourself from the musical Oliver! What a fantastic performance!
Lockdown Project - Eye of the Tiger
During the Lockdown in 2020, our senior and training orchestra members worked independently to learn their parts to Eye of the Tiger and them came together to record this amazing video.
Lockdown Project - Ode to Joy
These junior musicians have been learning to play the pBone (a light-weight plastic trombone) for less than a year, with most of their lessons taking place virtually. Just look at what they can already do!
Children have fun with recorders, boomwackers, bells and other basic instruments to learn beats and basic music-making
Early years
Our Early Years sessions are fun musical activities for 4- to 6-year-olds
Group lessons and musicianship classes with experienced tutors to cater for children of all abilities
In their second year, children can also take part in a beginners' orchestra with a variety of instruments
Let's play!
Let's Play lessons are group instrumental lessons for 6- to 10-year-olds or beginners of any age
Designed to give musicians experience of playing in ensembles and orchestras - this is the ideal place for them to hone their skills
Musicians also take part in the TAYM choir
Training orchestra
Training orchestra is designed to give musicians with some experience the chance to play in string/wind ensembles and a full orchestra
Designed for more experienced musician, these sessions challenge the children to develop their skills even further.
Musicians can also choose to take part in choir, attend theory lessons or rehearse in small ensembles
Senior orchestra
Senior orchestra is designed to give more experienced musicians the chance to play in string/wind ensembles and a full orchestra
Musicians can also choose to take part in choir, theory lessons, ensembles, or swing/jazz ensembles
Swing Band
This is open to any brass or wind player and there’s some great swing, blues, jazz and rock music to play. We learn together how to improvise. The group is led by our trombone tutor, Chris White-Horne, who is also the musical director of the Thornbury Swing Band. The session runs at the same time as the choir and theory classes.