Strings

Violin and Viola

Starting age ideally age 6 - 8 but older applicants will be considered. Student instruments come in a range of sizes and teachers will recommend the correct size. The school has a number of small violas that may be borrowed as available. Students are generally expected to provide their own violin and second-hand instruments are easy to obtain. 

 

 

Cello

Starting age 6 – 8 years but older applicants will be considered. The school has some small instruments and aims to provide beginners with an instrument on loan for the first six months or year of tuition.

 

Double Bass

Starting age from 8 or 9 years or older depending on size and hand strength. The school has a number of small sized instruments which can be loaned to students.

 

Harp

The school offers tuition on both Concert Harp and Irish Harp. Beginners from the age of 6/7 years usually start on the Irish harp as the hand technique is the same for each and can choose to move to concert harp at a later stage if they wish.

 

Classical Guitar

Application numbers can be particularly high for guitar so applicants are encouraged to have a second choice of instrument as places are sometimes limited. Guitar students participate in guitar ensemble class when they have reached the appropriate skills level. Starting age 6 – 8 years and upwards.

 

Suzuki Violin and Cello

Under the CSM Suzuki programme children have access to tuition in five suburban primary schools. St. Catherines GNS Bishopstown, violin; Scoil Barra Naofa boys and girls Beaumont, violin; Gaelscoil Ui Riada Wilton,violin; Eglantine GNS Douglas, violin and cello; Bun Scoil Chriost Ri Turners Cross, violin. Suzuki programme application forms are distributed in the schools in early September each year. Children in Junior and Senior infants of the participating schools are invited to apply. While tuition takes place in the primary school mainly during the school day, the programme is administered by CSM Union Quay.

 

Woodwind

Recorder

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of seven-years and upwards. The recorder is an ideal instrument for those interested in learning a wind or brass instrument later.

 

Flute

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Younger students may be considered. Students are expected to provide their own flute and second-hand instruments are easy to obtain. Application numbers tend to be high so it is advised that students apply for more than one instrument.

 

Oboe

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Younger students may be considered. CSM has a small number of oboes that may be loaned to students for the first two years of their study.

 

Clarinet

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Younger students may be considered. Students are expected to provide their own clarinet and second-hand instruments are easy to obtain.

 

Saxophone

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Students must provide their own saxophone – advice can be sought before investing.

 

Bassoon

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. CSM has a small number of bassoons that may be loaned to students for the early years of their study.

 

Brass

Trumpet

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. Students are expected to provide their own trumpet – advice can be sought prior to investing.

 

French Horn

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. CSM has a small number of French horns that may be loaned to students for the early years of their study.

 

Trombone

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. CSM has a small number of trombones that may be loaned to students for the early years of their study.

 

Euphonium, Baritone and Tuba

Applications are welcome from beginners and non-beginners of nine-years and older. CSM has a small number of euphoniums and tubas that may be loaned to students for the early years of their study.

 

Percussion

Beginners from the age of ten years and upwards will ideally have experience of another instrument such as piano. Application numbers tend to be high so a second choice of instrument is recommended.

 

Keyboard Studies

Piano

The piano is one of the most popular instruments and a very versatile choice. The school accepts applications from beginners and non-beginners, as well as more advanced players who are very committed to their music making. For beginners, the recommended starting age is between 6-9 years old. Secondary school students who have been studying the piano and wish to consider a music degree are also very welcome to apply for individual lessons in the school. A selection process based on audition applies in all cases. Our teachers are very experienced with students of all ages. Children have the opportunity to perform and are prepared for exams every year. In addition, their teachers prepare them for internal and external competitions as appropriate.

 

Organ

Applicants would normally have achieved grade 5 standard on the piano. Enquiries are welcomed and all suitable applicants will be assessed. Advanced players who wish to improve their church music skills are also welcome to apply.

 

Organ Skills Class

An opportunity to develop skills in transposition, score reading, sight reading as often required in rehearsal situations with choirs and small ensembles.

 

Harpsichord

Advanced piano students who are interested in early music should strongly consider applying for this instrument. Lessons are given on three of the best instruments in this country.