Saffron Centre for Young Musicians (SCYM) is a Saturday music school formed of a partnership with Essex Music Services, Guildhall School, Saffron Hall and Saffron Walden County High School.
It provides a high quality music education for young people aged between 4 and 18, with an outstanding team of teachers and opportunities via its partners. SCYM has only been open for 5 years and is proving to be successful model for teaching instrumentalists, singers, composers and producers. It also includes a curriculum for those in their early years.
SCYM is a friendly, fun and sociable place, and also has a sense of focus and purpose with every student committed to improving as a musician, whatever their ambition. All students play in an ensemble and take a musicianship or theory class, with most also singing in one of our choirs.
All instruments are taught on a 1-2-1 basis, from double bass to the recently installed five-octave marimba and set of vibes, and everything in between.
Ensembles include chamber groups for advanced string, keyboard, wind and brass players, jazz groups for beginners to advanced improvisers, and four choirs. We also offer DJ class and sound production.
Holiday courses start in August for either rock, jazz or chamber music.
All children perform throughout the year, often in the Saffron Hall, but also on an informal and weekly basis. Older students benefit from regular opportunities to work alongside students from Guildhall School, as well as visiting artists from Saffron Hall.
SCYM is inclusive and is open to young musicians from the whole of Essex.
Testimonials from parents and students:
“It’s a really great vibe on Saturdays, such a buzzy feel to it.” Parent
“The extra events that you run are good– timetable collapse days are really fun.” Student
“Can’t believe the great teaching that my children get at SCYM. They love their lessons and I love that they get to see really great performances from their fellow students.” Parent.
