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Sheffield Music Academy
Infant Scheme
An innovative scheme that offers children aged 4-8 the chance to begin an instrument with an expert teacher and develop essential all-round musical skills!
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Places open to all who have a passion for making music!​​
About...
The SMA Infants Scheme has been set up to provide a excellent beginning on a musical instrument, that also develops the child as an all-round musician!
By combining high-quality instrumental tuition from an early age, with interactive, fun-filled musicianship classes, the SMA Infants Scheme aims to enthuse and motivate young children to fulfil their musical potential.
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​Whether or not they choose to continue their musical journey at SMA, the scheme will offer children a fantastic start in music, that will enhance their life-long music-making!
Lesson Types
Musicianship
Musicianship classes are designed to enhance basic musical skills, such as: singing in tune; holding a steady pulse; listening and performing.
They also involve basic keyboard and music theory.
​Large interactive resources (such as giant staves and keyboards), listening games, songs and puzzles will engage children with the joy of music-making through a range of fun activities.
Instrumental Lessons
In our group instrumental lessons, students will begin to develop their skills and confidence as they learn to play a musical instrument.
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Stage 2: Try-Out Lessons
During this stage, students will get a fun and hands-on introduction to three different instruments: Recorder, Violin, and Cello. This is a great opportunity to explore and see which instrument they would like to continue learning.
Stage 3 & 4: Paired Lessons
After choosing their preferred instrument, students will receive individual tuition. These sessions include enjoyable and engaging exercises and pieces designed to challenge and inspire them.
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To support learning at home, we’ll provide clear instructions for follow-up activities after each session. We also invite parents to sit in on the lessons so they can understand how best to support practice at home.
Infant Scheme Structure
Stage 1 (ages 4-5) - 30 mins each week
Musicianship Class
Stage 2 (ages 5-6) - 30 mins each week
Musicianship + Instrumental Taster Class
Stage 3 (ages 6-7) - 60 mins each week
40 minute Musicianship Class
20 minute individual Instrumental Lesson
Stage 4 (ages 7-8) - 60 mins each week
40 minute Musicianship Class
20 minute individual Instrumental Lesson
When and Where?
We run two sessions of the Infant Academy each week. Students can choose to attend on either Saturday or Monday afternoons.
Stage 3 & 4 violin, recorder, and cello lesson times are shared with families after enrollment. Lessons are scheduled before or after the student’s musicianship class and may include a short wait between sessions.
Saturday Afternoons (during term time)
Birkdale Prep School, S10
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Musicianship Timetable:
​Stage 1 – 2:20 to 2:50
Stage 2 – 4:50 to 5:20 pm
Stage 3 - 3:10 to 3:50 pm
Stage 4 - 3:50 to 4:30 pm
​​Monday Afternoons (during term time)
Millhouses Methodist Church, S7
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Musicianship Timetable:
Stage 1 - 4:00 to 4:30 pm
Stage 2 - 4:30 to 5:00 pm
Stage 3 - 5:40 to 6:20 pm
Stage 4 - 5:00 to 5:40 pm​​​
Term Dates 2025-2026
Meet the SMA Infants Team!
Jenny Griffiths
Musical Director
General Manager
Ben Eckersley
Cello & Musicianship
Juliana Day
Recorder & Musicianship
Charlie Hardwick
Cello & Musicianship
Katie Palmer
Violin & Musicianship
Emily Bowden
Violin & Musicianship
Nazar Khapsalis
Violin & Musicianship