Music School Reaches Out To Younger Pupils - January 2008

A HUSBAND and wife team are giving children a chance to make music together after they indentified a gap in the market.

The Shrewsbury School of Classical Music has been in business since September 2005, teaching piano, to older children. But owners Chris and Maria Giles have now decided to branch out and offer the classes to younger children aged five to eleven. Chris said "The new lessons, which last an hour, are split between half an hour one on one learning and half an hour of group work. We've found that the children bond and learn well playing musical games together."

The school currently offers piano lessons but plans to offer lessons on other instruments such as the violin, in the future.

"The new group will be aimed at children who are at a similar level, which could be anything from beginner upwards" says Chris.

It costs £108 per month for children to attend the school which includes weekly tuition, stationery and three performances a year.

Concert

"We've just had out Christmas concert at the Gateway" said Chris, "where we also hold a summer concert. Our next performance will be at the Oswestry Festival. It's a great opportunity for the kids - some of them have even written their own pieces for performance."

Chris, who studied in London, has two degrees including a Masters in Performance, and his wife Maria studied music at the Moscow Conservatory.

The school also has two other instructors, one of whom studied at the Gnessins Academy in Moscow.

Chris said he believes both parents and children can benefit from music:"Parents and other relatives can see their children progressing at music, which is a wonderful thing. It also adds to the children's confidence."

For more details telephone Chris or Maria Giles on 01743 363154.