Performance+ is our advanced programme for young musicians.
Apply NowStudents must also have, or be willing to work towards, their Grade 5 theory (ABRSM, LCM or Rock School boards).
Students will be considering studying music for A Level/BTEC or degree level.
Students benefit from working with professional musicians, experiencing a broad range of musical styles, and meeting other like-minded young people.
Students are enrolled as a junior student of Leeds Conservatoire.
The course is broken down into performance, career development and musicianship. Students take part in:
All of our tutors are experienced educators with a wide range of music industry experience. They all hold enhanced DBS certificates.
Options
This programme does not include 1-1 lessons, but Leeds Junior Conservatoire students can add 1-1 lessons to their 4-hour programme at a 10% discounted rate of £49.50 per hour (usually £55 per hour). For more information, please visit our 1-1 Lessons page.
The way we teach at LJC goes beyond musical skills and promotes a growth mindset, encouraging curiosity, creativity, the freedom to explore. These are qualities that are essential in developing a lifelong love of music, artistry and versatile, confident young musicians.
A typical class size is between 5-12 students depending on the subject.
The Performance+ timetable will look like this:
09:00 – 11:15: Ensemble
11:15 – 13:30: Industry Insights Workshop
9:00 - 11:15: Ensemble
11:15 - 13:30: Musicianship Option (Theory, Composition, Film Music Composition or Advanced Vocal Skills)
*All lessons include a 15-minute break
We have a large variety of ensembles at Leeds Junior Conservatoire, with genres including jazz, pop, classical, folk, rock and metal. Each ensemble is led by one of our talented professional tutors, who have a wealth of teaching experience as well as active performing careers. Students develop their listening, arranging, composition and improvisation skills, and learn how to rehearse and perform as a group.
Rehearse effectively: Learn how to practice in groups and use rehearsal techniques to make music sound its best.
Interpret music: Add style and expression to shape your own version of a piece.
Perform in an ensemble: Play or sing confidently as part of a group.
Communicate musically: Listen, respond, and take the lead when working with others.
Reflect and improve: Think about what went well and what could be better, then set goals for next time.
Personal skills: Be on time, stay organised, look after yourself, and build good practice habits.
Performance skills: Play or sing with good rhythm and pitch, keep in time and in tune, balance with others, and follow directions.
Teamwork: Work well with others through trust, co-operation, problem-solving, and accepting feedback.
Choosing music: Pick pieces that suit your skills and resources.
Creating parts: Write or arrange music for yourself or your group.
Practice plans: Organise your individual and group practice.
Goals & feedback: Set targets and use feedback to get better.
Get ready: Warm ups, and tune.
Communicate well: Use clear verbal and non-verbal communication.
Work together: Take and give direction to help the group.
Stay focused : Support each other and solve problems as they come up.
Reflect & improve: Think about what went well, what could be better, and set goals for next time.
Musical: Play or sing in tune and in time, show good technique, perform with expression, and keep going if things don’t go to plan.
Physical: Set up your space, present yourself well, move confidently on stage, and feel comfortable performing.
Communication: Connect with your audience and work closely with your group.
Look closely: Spot how different musical elements are used.
Think back: Reflect on your rehearsals and performances.
Know yourself: Identify what you’re good at and what you can improve.
Use feedback: Take advice on board and set realistic goals for next time.
Formative feedback throughout (teacher & peer).
Performances
Self-reflection built into every stage.
Take part confidently in rehearsals and performances — arrive prepared, listen, follow direction, and play/sing your part.
Show style and technique make musical choices that suit the piece and use good technique.
Reflect and improve notice what went well, spot what could be better, and suggest practical next steps.
Give consistent, high-level contributions take responsibility, learn tricky parts, and support the group over time.
Analyse performances in detail identify subtle issues (intonation, timing, phrasing) and plan targeted improvements.
Perform with confidence and ensemble awareness play fluently, lead or blend as needed, and keep the music flowing.
Reflect with depth show clear insight into strengths and development areas and set ambitious, realistic goals.
Thinking & Problem-Solving: Be creative, think critically, and adapt to new challenges.
Working with Others: Build teamwork, communicate clearly, and develop leadership skills.
Looking After Yourself: Manage your time, stay resilient, and become more independent.
A big part of the plus programme is preparing students for BTEC or Undergraduate study. Students have access to 1-1 mentor meetings and group work.
Music theory is the language of musicians and the foundation of all music. It helps students understand how all music styles work and why they sound a certain way.
At Leeds Junior Conservatoire we work alongside the ABRSM and London College of Music theory curricula meaning that students will gain an understanding of intervals, scales, and keys, helping students understand why particular notes are used together, or why some keys use sharps and flats.
If students have an understanding of how written music works they will find playing in ensembles or bands much easier and are likely to progress further in their musical education. This foundational understanding will make it easier for students to learn new instruments or even compose music themselves.
Our aim at Leeds Junior Conservatoire is to make theory lessons enjoyable and fun for all involved and for students to gain the knowledge needed to become well rounded musicians.
Learning to compose is an essential part of a young performer's musical diet.
The Leeds Junior Conservatoire Composition sessions provide a relaxed, fun environment where students can experience an internationally diverse range of music, following fortnightly themes such as Harmony, Structure, Song Craft, Co-Writing, Nature Composing, Orchestration, Inspiration, Editing and more.
The first hour aims to wow students with inspiration relative to the theme, and establish the process for creating it themselves. Finally, the second hour sets them free to compose, receiving one to one feedback and encouragement.
Using industry-standard software such as Logic Pro and Sibelius, students will have the opportunity to expand their production skills whilst developing invaluable notation, and arrangement skills.
A musicianship class for advanced singers developing solo and ensemble singing skills, vocal health, notation reading and a practical application of music theory.
A chance for students to take their composition skills and write music for film and moving image.
Music in Film and TV creates atmosphere, amplifies emotions, helps us recognise characters, and has the power to manipulate the audience.
Lessons will take students behind the scenes to understand the history of film music, the process of film scoring, and encourage them to think critically about their own reactions to film music.
They will develop their compositional skills in software such as Logic Pro to learn how to support what happens on screen through the use of detailed harmony, leitmotifs, rhythmic devices and interesting textures.
This programme does not include 1-1 lessons, but Leeds Junior Conservatoire students can add 1-1 lessons to their 4-hour programme at a 10% discounted rate of £49.50 per hour (usually £55 per hour). For more information, please visit our 1-1 Lessons page.
LJC tuition fees are approximately £10.00 per hour, with a yearly total of:
Monthly instalments and bursaries are available.
We want to ensure that no one turns down a place at LJC due to cost.
We have a bursary fund that supports students and their families dependent on their situation. In 2024/25 scholarships of between 10% and 100% were awarded.
Find out more about applying for a scholarship.
“Tom looks forward to SMS (now LJC) Plus all week and always comes home after it having learned something new. He's gotten to know likeminded people who he can get along with and has become a much better musician than he was before he joined SMS (now LJC) Plus.”
Please see Leeds Junior Conservatoire Term Dates and Information page.
