Frequently Asked Questions for Families and Students
Please see the Leeds Junior Conservatoire Online page.
The best way to get in contact with us is by sending an email to JuniorLCoM@lcm.ac.uk. We can arrange a telephone call should we need one.
Yes! All of our tutors have an enhanced DBS Certificate and receive safeguarding training.
Fee Amounts
There are two ways you can pay your tuition fees.
Families are also able to apply for discretionary bursaries if their total household taxable income is below £50,000. In 2020/21 we were able to offer bursaries between 10%-90% of the full course fee.
During COVID-19
Each student will be taking part in virtual performances. This consists of students recording and videoing their parts individually (no professional recording or videoing equipment required) to create a virtual performance. If students would prefer not to video themselves or take part in the recordings, that is absolutely fine.
After COVID-19 and lockdown has cleared
We will be following all government advice when preparing for any performances. The information below is subject to updated government guidelines.
Each student will aim to do at least two performances a year, with some students doing more. We have two festivals a year and various mini gigs and external performances in between. All students will play in both festivals!
The timetable is created using the information you input on the enrolment form which is sent out after we have viewed your audition videos. We focus on two separate sections: Bands/Ensembles and Musicianship/Workshops.
Bands/Ensembles
Students are grouped together by their musical genre interests, age and ability.
Musicianship/Workshops
We ask students to choose 3 musicianship options, in order of preference. We prioritise band/ensemble rehearsals so depending on when your rehearsal is, we will add you to your selected musicianship groups.
Our main programmes run 9:00-14:00.
There are no formal qualifications when studying at Leeds Junior Conservatoire. However, if you would like to enter any ABRSM theory exams, we will be happy to enter a group of students all at the same time.
No, although we do offer Additional 1-1 instrumental/vocal lessons with our tutors which happen remotely online at a time which best suits yourself and the tutor.
Yes! As every student auditions to gain a place at Leeds Junior Conservatoire, we encourage all young musicians to apply. For students who we don’t think are quite ready for the school, we provide feedback and pointers of what we look for in a Leeds Junior Conservatoire student. We may also be able to offer a reduced timetable.
Yes! We always group students together who have the same musical interests, ability and age. You won’t be able to pick who is in your band, but the style of music will definitely be what you are interested in.
Yes! Although they are not part of the main Leeds Junior Conservatoire timetable, we do offer Additional 1-1 instrumental/vocal lessons with our tutors. These will happen online at a time that best suits yourself and the tutor.
Instrumental/vocal lessons that you have at school or privately are designed to build your own personal playing. Leeds Junior Conservatoire Musicianship Classes focus on your playing within a group, creating a blended sound and increasing confidence to take solos and features throughout the year.
Potentially, yes. The timetable is created by grouping students together who have similar musical interests, age and ability. On your first day, we will buddy you up with a returning LJC student so they can show you where your classes are and introduce you to their friends. If it happens that your friends have the same timetable, woohoo!
We always want to know if something isn’t working for you with your Leeds Junior Conservatoire timetable and will always try and find an alternative solution for you.
We know that starting something new can be daunting, so we buddy each new student with a returning LJC student. We will do this until you are comfortable at Leeds Junior Conservatoire and have made some good friends. We're always here to listen if you have any problems or concerns.
I will be 12 during the year at LJC, should I apply for Performance?
No, you should still apply for Experience. The course layouts for Experience and Performance are the same and you may find you are in some groups with students who are already studying on Performance programme. We timetable students based on age, ability and interests and this happens with many of our students so don’t worry.
Once I pass my Grade 5 Theory can I join the Plus Programme?
Potentially yes! We hold internal and external auditions for the plus programme every year. If your playing is at grade 6 standard or above, we will most likely offer you a place on the plus programme.
How is the vocal group different from a band?
In a vocal group, you will be singing with other vocalists to create a blended sound. You will work on creating harmonies, ad-lib melody lines as well as featuring as a soloist. In a band, you would usually be singing with a rhythm section (drums, bass, guitar and keyboard).
Can I sing in a band as well as the vocal group?
Potentially yes! Depending on the musicianship options you choose you may be able to sing in a band.
Will I need to own any specialist equipment or software to take part in the course?
No. Leeds Junior Conservatoire has all the equipment and software you will need to take part in this programme. If you would like to purchase any software or equipment to use at home (which is not essential) we will offer advice on where to purchase items from.
Do I need to audition?
No! The Tech programme is designed for beginners and advanced tech users so no audition is needed.
How can we be involved with performances?
Tech students assist with sound checks prior to the performance and stage management during the performance. Small groups will take turns at different performances to assist the Leeds Conservatoire in-house Tech Staff.
Applications for September 2021 are open!
Please complete the application form then follow the instructions to send us your videoed auditions. The video enables us to informally assess which students and tutors your musician would work with best.
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