Supporting studies provides Menuhin School pupils with opportunities to explore a second instrument, enriching their musical studies at school. The supporting studies programme involves termly concerts in which pupils can share their progress in the Menuhin Hall, as well as a variety of opportunities that are integrated with the overall music-making at the school. Menuhin School has a dedicated group of piano, jazz piano, violin, harpsichord, improvisation, Alexander Technique teachers, all of whom contribute immensely to the day-to-day musical lives of all pupils. 

Harpsichord

Many of the pianists will also play the harpsichord as a supporting study, receiving one lesson per week from a specialist teacher, as a preparation both for solo playing and, more frequently, for playing continuo with the School's orchestras. 

Instrumental teacher:

Singing

Some pupils choose to study singing and vocal technique with our specialist voice coach. Singing is thus available as an additional supporting study. Studying singing contributes more broadly to the overall musicianship of all our pupils when it comes to group music-making, such as our choral projects. 

Choral Director:

Improvisation

Improvisation is taught via a programme of regular classes in a classical or baroque style, with ad hoc supplementary workshops covering alternative musical styles and genres. Pupils are taught how to understand the harmonic language underlying the music that they are playing, such that they learn how to improvise in that idiom. Such work is invaluable in terms of building deep connections with repertoire, developing confidence and security, and nurturing the pupils’ creative imaginations.

Improvisation tutor:

Conducting

During their time at YMS, pupils are able to sign up for regular conducting classes, and opportunities may be provided for pupils to conduct school ensembles. Lessons cover a variety of repertoire from Baroque to contemporary music, creating a scenario in which pupils can develop their leadership skills and practise effective musical communication with large groups. 

Teacher:

Jazz

Pupils at YMS have the opportunity to study jazz in addition to their principal study lessons. There are termly opportunities to perform in the school's Jazz Ensemble, allowing pupils to develop their aural training skills in a practical setting. Lessons involve the exploration of jazz lead sheets, improvisation, comping, as well as learning how to integrate with a jazz rhythm section. Studying jazz also allows pupils to further develop their arranging skills, in turn promoting an integrated approach to their General Musicianship studies and Principal Study.

Teacher: 

Alexander Technique

We offer individual Alexander Technique lessons tailored to meet each pupil's specific needs in music practice and performance. These 30-minute sessions can be scheduled on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Lessons will involve discussing the unique challenges each pupil faces, particularly in relation to posture and movement. By observing and demonstrating postural difficulties, often using a mirror, we help pupils become more aware of how their body functions during musical activities.

Lessons will help to identify and alleviate unnecessary tensions, both while the pupil is engaged in activity and lying down. They will be guided through fundamental movements like sitting, standing, and walking, emphasising improved posture. The principles of Alexander Technique will be explained, connecting it to the pupil's individual situation and their instrument playing, and we encourage pupils to cultivate a greater awareness of their movement to enhance their overall performance.

Tutor:

Harp

Pupils have the opportunity to study harp as a supporting study during their time at YMS. Understanding the mechanics of this complex instrument has been deeply enriching for pupils, and the opportunity to collaborate with the orchestra has been immensely beneficial for pupils of the School. With support from their music teacher, pupils build their technique on this instrument and participate in the whole range of concert opportunities available at the School.

Piano

All pupils studying string instruments at YMS, receive lessons on piano as a supporting study instrument. Skills in keyboard performance and collaboration are central to the wider understanding of music, and this forms a core part of the music provision for pupils at the School. There are termly concerts in which pupils can share their progress, presenting another aspect of their musical attainment. Keyboard skills factor into pupils' progress in General Musicianship and provide an excellent training platform for aural skills and wider musical comprehension.