PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
Primary 4 Programme
The Menuhin Foundation was established in 1976, based on Lord Yehudi Menuhin’s idea to bring a string quartet to Bermuda and provide string instrument instruction to all of Bermuda’s school children. To date, The Menuhin Foundation has taught thousands of students through its primary school programmes, some of whom have gone on to become professional musicians and music teachers. Whilst the majority of students choose other career paths, it is our hope that through their experience with The Menuhin Foundation, their love of playing and listening to stringed instruments continues to this day.
The Primary 4 Programme offers students 45 minutes of free weekly group tuition at school during the school day. Instruments are provided by the school and there may be a small rental charge for the year. All students in the Primary 4 Programme perform at our end of year Annual Concert in June.
Schools send home letters in September about The Menuhin Foundation Primary Schools Programme for the upcoming academic year. Further details about the programme is available at the school’s parent-teacher conferences. If you would like more information, please speak to your school’s music teacher, visit our FAQs or contact The Menuhin Foundation directly.
Other School Programmes
Where teaching capacity allows, The Menuhin Foundation’s teachers are able to offer support for additional school-based programmes, such as school orchestras or ensembles. Please contact us directly to request support for any of these programmes.
LESSONS
The Menuhin Foundation offers lessons for violin, viola, cello or double bass. More information about these instruments is here.
One of our goals is to prepare our students through the different grade levels of the ABRSM Practical Exams. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) graded music exams provide a structured framework for progression from beginner to advanced (Grade 1 to Grade 8 and beyond). Passing the ABRSM exams is a great motivator for students to continue and excel in their musical studies. It is also a good way of tracking their progress over the years.
Apart from our practical lessons, our teachers also teach music theory to prepare students wishing to take the ABRSM Theory exams.
Our fees for lessons are as follows:
| Lesson Duration | Fees/Lesson |
| 30 minutes | $55 |
| 45 minutes | $82.50 |
| 60 minutes | $110 |
| 30 minutes (shared) | $82.50 |
| 45 minutes (shared) | $110 |
Note: As a charitable organisation, our objective is not to generate profit from our fees. These are solely intended to cover The Menuhin Foundation’s operating costs. However, we also believe that no child should be denied access to the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument due to financial restrictions. To this end, we offer bursaries for students.
The Menuhin Foundation doesn’t charge fees if a student’s lesson falls on a Public Holiday or on a Teacher’s Day Off in lieu of a Public Holiday.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST or CONTACT US
ORCHESTRAS
We have various opportunities to play in orchestras with groups that suit a student’s level. Students do not need to be enrolled in our lesson programme to participate.
First Orchestra
Suitable for beginners. Children will learn the fundamentals of ensemble playing in a way that supports and reinforces what they learn in their lessons. The emphasis is on having fun and learning the joy of making music together.
Intermediate Orchestra
For students who have passed the ABRSM Grade 1 exam. The repertoire is more challenging, requiring a more nuanced approach to the finer points of orchestral playing. In this ensemble, students will gain valuable experience of being in the midst of more complex musical “conversations” between sections.
Youth Orchestra
This ensemble is the pinnacle of our student orchestra experience. To be eligible for this group, students must at Grade 4 ABRSM or higher. The group performs advanced repertoire from all classical periods, as well as modern arrangements of music from film and popular culture. An excellent opportunity for young musicians to test their newly advanced skills. It is always a pleasure to witness students who have progressed through the years playing together in this group.
Adult Orchestra
Music is a lifelong skill and this ensemble provides a forum for adult players to continue to experience orchestral music. The repertoire is diverse in terms of both level and genre, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences. This group always forms a happy community of people who take time out of their busy lives to continue their relationship with playing.
Our fees for Orchestras are as follows:
| Group | Fees/Term |
| First Orchestra | $150 |
| Intermediate Orchestra | $150 |
| Youth Orchestra | $150 |
| Adult Orchestra | $150 |
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST or CONTACT US
INSTRUMENT RENTALS
We offer instrument rentals for violin, viola and cello. Our fees for instrument rentals are below:
| Instrument | Fees/Term |
| Violin | $50 |
| Viola | $50 |
| Cello | $50 |
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST or CONTACT US
BURSARIES
The Menuhin Foundation also provides bursaries for lessons to deserving students, to support their musical studies beyond our Primary School Programmes. Applications for bursaries are open year round. Please download our bursary application form and return via email to The Menuhin Foundation.
