Music, choirs and orchestras

The online calendar of kids' events

in London

Music, choirs and orchestras

If music be the food of love then why not feed your children's souls with the joy of singing, playing an instrument or listening to all the wonderful music which London has to offer.

There are opportunities for children of all ages - from babies of 6 months to teenagers and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Toddler Music

There are lots of parent and toddler music groups which give your little cherubs licence to let rip and create a cacophony...well, they're actually calm, structured events but little children love joining in and making some noise. There is sure to be a group near you and it's a sociable way to meet fellow parents.

'we dance, we sing, we learn through music, but most important of all we have fun.'

Youth Choirs

Children used to say that when they grow up they'd like to be a train driver or a nurse; now it's much more likely to be a footballer or a popstar. There are so many choirs singing all sorts of musical styles from folk to gospel to high church. Check out www.nayo.org.uk which lists 35 choirs and orchestras all over London. www.choirs.org.uk also lists choirs nationwide.

The National Youth Choir is recognised as one of the most outstanding choirs of any kind in the world, the original and most senior of the regular choirs is for young people aged 16 - 22, taking them into advanced areas of choral repertoire and giving them experience of the highest standards of professional rehearsal and performance on courses in the UK and on international tours.

The Bayswater Blasters Children's Choir were formed in 1996 and perform for many charitable events as well as weddings and special occasions.

FCMG (Finchley Children's Music Group) is a youth choir, for children aged 3 to 18. It is dedicated to the promotion of choral music for young people. It is a highly versatile group of mixed-voice choirs producing a natural, vibrant vocal quality together with a high level of musicianship and professionalism.

The New London Children's Choir is one of the UK's leading children's choirs, performing regularly with all the major London orchestras, national opera companies and at the Proms.

LSO St Luke's Youth Choir is open to young people aged 8 upwards that live or go to school in the EC1 area of London. The venue offers a diverse mix of evening concerts, as well as free public lunchtime concerts and community events, including Balinese gamelan sessions.

Youth Orchestras

It can be a challenge persuading your child to practise their instrument regularly at home on their own. It's much more fun playing music with others and being part of a collective of noise-makers. As with choirs, there are lots of orchestras and ensembles for young people to join.

The National Association of Youth Orchestras was formed in 1961 in order to represent youth orchestras throughout the UK and to foster their development. Its membership is open to all such organisations including student orchestras, chamber orchestras, symphonic, wind and jazz orchestras and chamber music ensembles, whether independent or under the control of local authorities or music services.

Youth Music; this Foundation supports all sorts of music provision for young people from classical to rock including music from other cultures besides traditional English.

The London Youth Orchestra is London's only independent youth orchestra organisation and is open to advanced instrumentalists aged 12-18 living or going to school within Greater London and its surrounding areas. Courses take place during school holidays in Central London and include careers talks, student and professional concerts, conducting and tutoring from high-ranking British and International musicians.

The National Youth Orchestra is one of the world's finest youth orchestras which draws together each year over 150 talented musicians, aged between of 13 and 19 years, from all over the UK.

The Ealing Youth Orchestra is an independent youth orchestra, self-financed, run by and for a membership that's drawn from a wide area of West London. Its 70 players are drawn from over 20 different secondary schools. The target age range is 13-19 years.

And don't forget; your local theatre may have a children's music group as will local schools. Your local council should have someone who is responsible for children's and young people's activities.