Junior RIAM
Junior RIAM
Junior RIAM is where young musicians grow in confidence, skill and imagination. From first musical steps to advanced study, children and teenagers join a warm community of teachers, ensembles and choirs that nurtures talent at every stage.
Pre-Junior, age 0 to 4
Shared music classes for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups introduce rhythm, pitch and pulse through singing, movement and play. Parents learn simple songs and musical games to enjoy at home, while children build early listening skills and a joyful foundation for future music learning.
- Strengthens bonding between children and their grown ups through shared musical play
- Builds early listening, coordination and language skills in a relaxed setting
- Gives parents practical songs and games they can keep using at home
Early Years, age 4 to 12
For children discovering music for the first time, play based group classes build listening skills, rhythm and musical curiosity, ‘Introduction to’ classes build the foundations in instrumental playing and prepare children to move onto Individual Lessons in their own time.
- Gives children a gentle, low pressure way to try music and instruments before committing
- Builds core musical skills that support any future instrument or singing study
- Helps children grow in confidence, focus and creativity while learning with new friends
Individual Lessons, age 8 to 18
Junior Academy Individual Lessons with RIAM’s expert teachers helps young musicians build strong technique and musical understanding, explore and grow their own repertoire, and develop performance confidence. Junior Academy students take part in ensembles, musicianship classes, competitions and assessments, and enjoy regular performance opportunities to grow and deepen their blossoming artistry.
- Offers personalised attention from specialist teachers who can respond to each student’s goals
- Combines one to one lessons with ensembles and musicianship for a full conservatoire style experience
- Opens clear pathways towards advanced study, competitions and potential third level music training
Junior Choirs, age 6 to 18
Our Saturday Choirs welcome young singers who love to perform together. Children develop excellent aural and reading skills, sing a wide range of repertoire and form lasting musical friendships.
- Builds confident, healthy singing with strong listening and music reading skills
- Gives regular chances to perform in supportive, well prepared concerts
- Helps young people find community and friendship with others who love to sing
Leaving Cert Music
For senior cycle students who wish to take Leaving Certificate Music outside their own school, or who wish to deepen their study with RIAM’s specialist teachers. Short revision and Music Technology courses run each year in the lead up to the exams for students taking Leaving Cert Music in school to receive intensive exam preparation from our experts.
- Provides structured, expert led preparation for the written, practical and composition elements of the exam
- Supports students whose schools cannot offer Music, or who need extra depth and focus
- Builds exam confidence while also strengthening wider musical skills that support future study
Which programme is right for my child?
- My child is 0 to 4 and enjoys music based play.
Sign up to one of our Ditties for Dotes or Tunes for Toddlers short courses.
- My child is 4 to 7 and brand new to music
Start with Pre-Instrumental group classes.
- My child is 6 to 12 and curious about an instrument
Early Years group classes can be a good starting point, then audition for Individual Lessons when they are ready.
- My child is 8 or older and ready to commit to an instrument or to singing
Apply for Individual Lessons or Junior Choirs, or both.
- My child already plays or sings and is looking for more challenge
Individual Lessons with access to ensembles and chamber music, perhaps working towards auditioning for the Young Artist Programme.
- My child is in 5th or 6th year and needs Leaving Cert Music
Explore our Leaving Cert Music courses.
Why choose Junior RIAM
- A passionate learning community that lives in music, with children and teenagers at the centre
- Teaching rooted in high performance and care, with strong support
- Clear pathways, from early years discovery to advanced pre professional training
- Regular performance opportunities across choirs, ensembles, competitions, and concerts
- A city centre campus that connects young musicians with Ireland’s leading teachers, many of whom also teach our degree and masters’ students.
How to join Junior RIAM
Applications for Individual Lessons and Junior Choirs usually open in early December for entry the following September. Applications for Early Years programmes open in spring each year. You can review fees and scholarships, attend one of our Junior Open Days, then submit your online application.
Applications for Study
Photo: Frances Marshall
Email enquiries: [email protected]