Junior RIAM Open Days 2026
Open Day for Early Years Training
For children aged 4 to 12
Join us at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for a lively afternoon designed for children aged 4 to 12, and their families.
Explore our Early Years Training programmes through hands-on instrument try-outs, pop-up performances, and short demonstration lessons led by our students and teachers. It’s a relaxed way to see how group classes work, meet the team, and experience the joy of music from the earliest years.
Date: Sunday, 1st March
Time: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Location: Royal Irish Academy of Music
Registration required: Register HERE
What your child will experience in RIAM Early Years Training
- Singing games and movement activities that build listening, rhythm and pitch awareness, based on the Kodály approach to music education
- Opportunities to learn popular instruments in a relaxed setting
- Age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional and physical development as well as musical skills
- A friendly group environment where children gain confidence and begin to see themselves as “musical”
- No audition required - all are welcome
A pathway into Junior RIAM
Many Early Years students move into Individual Lessons once their attention, stamina and technical ability are ready for Individual Lessons. Others join Junior Choirs. Our team can advise on the best next step for your child as they progress. These more advanced programmes are audition-based entry. Progression for Early Years students is not automatically guaranteed.
Practical information
Classes take place on weekday afternoons and Saturdays at RIAM, with small group sizes to ensure individual attention. Timetables and fees information for the coming academic year are available on our How to join page.
Early Years Programmes
- Pre-instrumental group classes, age 4 to 7
A creative introduction to music through singing, games and movement, ideal for children who are brand new to music. Classes take place on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
- Introduction to Violin, Brass, Recorder, Oboe and Guitar, age 6 to 12
Small group classes that introduce the basics of each instrument, help children decide what suits them and prepare them for Individual Lessons when ready. The skills they gain here travel with them, so starting on violin, brass or recorder is a natural first step into the wider family of instruments later on. For example, start on recorder to open opportunities in flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon or saxophone.
- Magic Melodies Training Choir, age 6 to 8
A singing-based option for children who love to use their voice, building listening skills, pitch, rhythm and confidence in a friendly group setting.
