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, providing instruction in stringed instruments to all of Bermuda’s school children. To date, The Menuhin Foundation has taught thousands of students through their Primary School Programmes with some of these students going on to become professional musicians and music teachers. Whilst most students opt to choose different career paths, from their experience with The Menuhin Foundation we hope their love for playing and listening to stringed instruments continues to this day.
The Primary 4 Programme offers 45 minutes of free weekly group tuition to students, at school during the school day. Instruments are provided by the school and there may be a nominal rental charge for the year. All Primary 4 Programme students perform at our end of year Annual Concert in June.
Schools send home letters about The Menuhin Foundation Schools Programme for the upcoming academic year in September. You may also learn more about lessons at parent teacher evenings. If you need more information please talk to your school’s music teacher, visit our FAQs or contact The Menuhin Foundation directly.
Other School Programmes
As 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 motivating factor for students to continue and excel in their musical studies. It is also a good way to see their progress of playing 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 |
Note: As a charitable organization we do not set out to profit from our fees. The fees are solely to cover The Menuhin Foundation’s operating expenses. Nevertheless, we also believe that no child should be denied access to the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument due to financial restrictions and 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 of groups that will fit a student’s level of playing. Students do not have to be part of our lesson programme to be able to join.
First Orchestra
Open to beginners. Children learn basic 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. Repertoire is more challenging, with a more nuanced approach to the finer points of orchestral playing. In this ensemble, students experience being in the midst of more complex musical “conversations” between sections.
Youth Orchestra
This is the pinnacle of our student orchestra experience. Students must have passed Grade 4 ABRSM to join this group, which plays advanced repertoire from all classical periods as well as modern arrangements of music from movies and popular culture. An amazing experience for young musicians wanting to try out their newly advanced skills. We love seeing students who have advanced through the years playing together in this group.
Adult Orchestra
Music is a skill for life and this ensemble offers adult players a forum to continue experiencing orchestral music. Repertoire is varied in both level and genre. This group always forms a happy community of people taking time out of their busy lives to continue their relationship to 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.
