History

The North London Conservatoire was founded, as the North London Colourstrings Centre, in 1995 by Deborah Harris in Muswell Hill with 12 pupils in music kindergarten. It was an instant success and has continued to flourish: it now has around 1200 students. A dedicated team of over 70 teachers caters for babies from six months old to teenagers of 19 years and the school now attracts top instrumental teachers, including from the London Conservatoires’ Junior and Senior Departments.  It has an excellent reputation for the long-term musical success of its students and is, unusually, an inclusive school, catering for all musical abilities.  

'A child who plays before he sings may remain unmusical for a lifetime.
That is why we encounter so many skilful instrumentalists
who have no idea of the essence of music.'        Zoltán Kodály

Entry to the school is normally through the music kindergarten. Parents are strongly recommended to enrol as young as possible because of long waiting lists.  Classes begin from 6 months. Instruments are taught from age 5, 6 or 7 (not younger) and children must have completed at least two years consecutively of kindergarten, including one year of school-age classes, before assessment for readiness for an instrument.  For more information and a music kindergarten application form.  (Places for older siblings (7+) are occasionally available.)  

The programme offers only those instruments that need to be started from a young age - violin, viola, cello, bass, piano and guitar. Flute is currently offered as a second study instrument. Compulsory Kodály Musicianship classes complement the tuition. There are over forty ensembles, orchestras and choirs providing an unbeatable combination of opportunities for developing rounded, very musical, musicians. Teaching continues to 18+ years and some adult tuition is also available.  

Masterclasses, chamber music coaching, recitals, concert trips, about 180 concerts a year, workshops, residential courses, trips abroad for older students and exchanges with European music schools ensure a rich variety of music-making.  Music is best when it’s shared!     

 Baby classes...

...to school-age

Senior students to 19

Shared music-making

Entry to the school