South Wimbledon Music Centre
South Wimbledon Music Centre
For children and young people aged 7-19
Our vibrant South Wimbledon Music Centre is home to a wide range of choirs, bands and ensembles for young musicians aged 7 and up. From classical strings to jazz and rock, it’s the heart of MMF’s weekly music-making – with something for everyone, whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or ready to join an advanced group.
Timetable
Mondays
One-to-one instrumental lessons of 20 or 30 minutes with our specialist tutors.
Contact us for availability.
Piano – Zino Mancusco, Igor Petričević, Julie Luck, Ken Virgin, Yujin Baek
Guitar – Frances Griffin, Jay Ong, Evan Dim, Daniele Camalich
Violin – Daniele Camalich
Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone – Norma Whitston
Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute – Olivia Murphy
Flute, Recorder – Ianina Pietrantonio
Percussion / Drum Kit – Adam Cracknell, Andy Stroud
Voice/Singing – Igor Petričević, Aoife O’Sullivan
Accordion – Julie Luck
Suitable for percussionists and pianists working at grade 2 and above to develop general musicanship and ensemble performing skills.
Merton Mallets play a wide variety of music including classical pieces, pop songs, movie themes, and traditional folk music, and have been featured at numerous MMF events including the Royal Albert Hall. This group would also be suitable for pianists who are looking to participate in an ensemble.
Led by Adam Cracknell in the Percussion Room.
For Grade 3 + guitarists.
Senior Guitar Ensemble is for students Grade 3 standard and above. The repertoire is varied and children are encouraged to challenge themselves.
Led by Frances Griffin.
Tuesdays
One-to-one instrumental lessons of 20 or 30 minutes with our specialist tutors.
Contact us for availability.
Piano – Matthew Dungey, Hea Ran Kim, Susan Hibbs, Josh Urben
Guitar/bass guitar – Marco Punzi,
Drum kit/orchestral percussion – Aidan Marsden
Violin/viola – Hannah Garty
Amplify is MMF rock & pop programme for young musicians! Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player, there’s a band waiting for you! Working in small groups and guided by experienced band leaders, you’ll explore a wide range of genres from funk and soul, to indie and blues.
Taking place on a Tuesday, after school are the following groups:
- Amplify Emerge, 3.30pm – 4.15pm (beginners in years 3-6)
- Amplify Rise, 4.15pm – 5.00pm (beginners in years 5-9)
- Amplify Evolve, 5.00pm – 5.45pm (intermediate players in year 5+)
Wednesdays
One-to-one instrumental lessons of 20 or 30 minutes with our specialist tutors.
Contact us for availability.
Accordion – Julie Luck
Piano – Sharon Subarro, Thomas Boulousis
Guitar – Marco Punzi, Evan Dim
Bass Guitar – Marco Punzi
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone – Lewis Daniel, Olivia Murphy, Michael Chillingworth
Violin, Viola – Julia Hart, Hannah Garty
Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone – Norma Whitson, Edward Smith
Drum Kit/Percussion – Lulu Vallejo
Merton Messengers is a selected group of MYJO’s most advanced players who want to develop their improvisation and ensemble skills further. Named after the infamous ‘Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers’, they play a variety of jazz standards and compositions with members being encouraged to bring along their own pieces to play! Membership of this ensemble is by invitation only.
Rehearsals take place in The Hall and are led by Michael Chillingworth and Olivia Murphy.
For Grade 5 + players of brass, woodwind, percussion & bass guitar.
Merton Youth Concert Band, MMF’s flagship concert band, is made up of high-school aged students at a Grade 5+ level. The repertoire is varied, ranging from traditional concert band pieces to hits from stage and screen. Performance opportunities include the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the Youth Music European Tour and MMF’s biennial Music is for Life concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
MYCB meet fortnightly, on alternate weeks to MYJO, so it is possible for pupils to attend both groups.
Rehearsals take place in The Main Hall, led by Billy Fisher, Zeb Tonkin and Lulu Vallejo.
For Grade 4+ players of all instruments.
JazzWorks is our intermediate jazz band for players of a Grade 4 and above. Members will develop their improvisation skills, improve sight-reading, discover a range of jazz genres and have fun while playing!
Rehearsals take place in The Studio and are led by Rob Brockway and Olivia Murphy.
For Grade 6+ players of all instruments, membership by invitation/audition.
Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra is a jazz big band, they explore traditional jazz big band repertoire as well as more contemporary pieces and groove/funk tunes. The emphasis is on creating a strong, tight band sound as well as developing sight-reading and aural skills with plenty of opportunities for improvisers to take solos, should they want to. There are lots of exciting performances opportunities for MYJO throughout the year including the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and the Merton Youth Music European Tour.
MYJO meet fortnightly, on alternate weeks to MYCB, so it is possible for pupils to attend both groups.
Rehearsals take place in The Main Hall, led by Michael Chillingworth and Olivia Murphy.
String Sinfonia is an exciting ensemble for our most advanced string players at Grade 4+ and who are at high school. The group enjoys a varied repertoire which includes music from stage and screen, jazz standards and classical music. Taking music-making to the next level the group focuses on developing ensemble skills, stylistic awareness and expressive playing as they explore more challenging music and discover ways to convey its emotion.
Rehearsals take place in The Studio and are led by Hannah Garty.
Thursdays
5.00pm – 6.30pm, fortnightly
Ages 14-25
All levels, abilities and instruments welcome
Resonance Ensemble is MMF’s new free, open-access group for young people aged 14–25 who live in and around Merton.
Inspired by Soundsystem Culture and Electronic Dance Music, Resonance is built on collaboration, creativity and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Expect live instruments blended with sampling, triggering and music tech. Whether you play drums, trumpet, produce at home or simply love music, you’re welcome at Resonance. No prior experience is needed.
Saturdays
Contact us for availability.
Piano/Keyboard – Ken Virgin, Julian Butler, HyunJeong Hwang, Zino Mancuso, Yujin Baek
Piano, Guitar, Voice – Igor Petričević
Guitar / Electric & Bass Guitar – Frances Griffin, Julian Butler, Marco Punzi, Lachezar Ivanov
Oboe, Recorder – Sara Grint
Piano & Flute – Henry Roberts
Violin – Dan Camalich, Julia Hart, Hannah Garty, Nikolas Jokesz
Cello – Rebecca Jansen, Charlotte Walker
Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone – Norma Whitson
Trumpet – Andrew Nash
Percussion / Drum Kit – Adam Cracknell, Aidan Marsden
Singing/Voice – Lena Russ
For singers aged 7-12 of all abilities.
Young Voices is MMF’s junior choir for children aged 7-12 (Years 3-7). The aim of the group is to develop general musicianship skills and ensemble experience through use of the voice and provides an ideal introduction for the young or ‘novice’ musician.
Members learn how to control and expand their vocal pitch and dynamic range, to pitch-match (sing in tune), the importance of good posture and clear diction, to sing in two or more parts and to use their voices expressively, reflecting the style and context of a wide variety of songs. General Musicianship activities help to foster an understanding of pulse, metre, rhythm, phrase, musical structure, pitch and pitch-patterns (scales) and develop ‘thinking voice’. The group performs publicly at the end of each term as part of MMF’s junior events and at many other external venues and events.
Rehearsals take place in St John’s Church, High Path (next door to Merton Abbey Primary School SW19 2JY) and led by Immy Churchill.
For singers aged 11-18 (Years 7-12) of all abilities.
VoiceBox is MMF’s senior choir for young people aged 11–18 years. Singers will continue to develop the vocal, choral, aural and ensemble skills introduced in the Young Voices junior choir, with a particular focus on singing in 3-4 parts, and successfully capturing the style and genre across a range of contemporary material, including musical theatre, gospel and jazz. Boys with changing voices are particularly welcomed, no previous choral experience is necessary and there are no auditions!
Rehearsals take place in St John’s Church, High Path (next door to Merton Abbey Primary School SW19 2JY) and led by Immy Churchill.
For drummers/percussionists who have been learning for at least a term and Grade 1 – 3 students learning other instruments are also welcome.
Junior Percussion Ensemble introduces drummers, percussionists and other instrumentalists to a wonderful world of rhythm! Players will gain the instrumental techniques needed for performing with large concert bands and orchestras whilst also learning to perform as part of a vibrant percussion ensemble in its own right. Pupils will have the opportunity to play a wide range of orchestral percussion instruments and are encouraged to stay on for the Junior Wind, Brass and Percussion Ensemble straight afterwards at 10am.
Rehearsals take place in The Hall, led by Adam Cracknell.
For beginner to approaching Grade 2 string players.
String Busters introduces young string players to the joy of playing as part of an ensemble. Children who have mostly had only individual lessons, now get to experience a new dimension of playing, where different groups of players combine their music parts to produce a multi-layered piece!
In this group, young musicians learn the basic skills of ensemble playing, through games, exercises and repertoire, which give the essential foundation for later joining their first orchestra!
Rehearsals take place in The Studio, led by Julia Hart and Charlotte Walker.
Junior Concert Band ( JCB) is for students at pre-Grade 1 up to Grade 1/2 who are at an early stage of their playing and ensemble skills. Percussionists are invited to join once they have been members of the Junior Percussion Ensemble. The group will meet as a full band and in smaller combinations, so core skills including sight-reading and general musicianship can be developed at the right pace for each member.
Students will explore a wide range of musical genres and styles in a supportive and happy environment! There will be regular opportunities to perform to family and friends and at larger-scale events over the year.
Rehearsals take place in The Hall, led by Sara Grint, Billy Fisher and Adam Cracknell.
Intermediate Concert Band (ICB) is aimed at students around Grade 2 – 4 standard, whose playing and ensemble skills are developing well, enabling them to tackle more complex arrangements. The repertoire ranges from standard concert band pieces to hits from stage and screen. As with all MMF groups, the emphasis is on learning the core skills needed to play successfully with other musicians, improving sight-reading, discovering a range of musical genres and enjoying themselves whilst playing together! ICB performs regularly at Music Centre concerts and at external events during the year.
Rehearsals take place in The Hall led by Sara Grint, Billy Fisher and Adam Cracknell.
For Grade 1 – 3 Guitarists.
Students are introduced to more complex part-playing. Varied styles of music are introduced including blues, jazz, classical music. Emphasis is on improving ensemble skills whilst having fun playing.
All guitar groups are invited to play at the Royal Albert Hall in a massed guitar ensemble, last year they performed Pirates of the Caribbean.
Rehearsals take place in Priory Room, led by Frances Griffin.
For Grade 1 – 3 players of all instruments.
Jazz Jumpers is the perfect introduction to jazz for young instrumentalists of around Grade 1 to 3. The emphasis is on playing by ear, interacting and listening while playing together in a group, making up tunes, improvising together and having fun playing together.
JazzJumpers welcomes players of all instruments.
Rehearsals will take place in the Hall, led by Marco Punzi.
Online
Grade 1 & 2 Music Theory. Included in Full Membership or available individually (see our fees).
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81848762212
Meeting ID: 818 4876 2212
(The meeting password will be emailed to you, please call: 07966001059 if you are having trouble joining the meeting).
Grade 3 Music Theory. Included in Full Membership or available individually (see our fees).
Join Zoom Meeting:
5.30pm Grades 2 and 3
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87047230525
Meeting ID: 870 4723 0525
Grade 4 Music Theory. Included in Full Membership or available individually (see our fees).
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84430735326
Meeting ID: 844 3073 5326
(The meeting password will be emailed to you, please call: 07966001059 if you are having trouble joining the meeting)
Fridays: 9.30pm – 5.30pm
Saturdays: 8.30am – 2.30pm
Grade 5 Music Theory. Included in Full Membership or available individually (see our fees).
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81315445895
Meeting ID: 813 1544 5895
(The meeting password will be emailed to you, please call: 07966001059 if you are having trouble joining the meeting).
FAQs
Merton Abbey Primary School, High Path, London, SW19 2JY.
Our South Wimbledon Music Centre is at Merton Abbey Primary School, next to Harris Academy Wimbledon and between South Wimbledon tube station (4-min walk) and the Tandem Centre (4-min drive).
Drop-off/parking:
We kindly request that where possible pupils are dropped-off outside of the school and make their own way in via the pedestrian entrance adjacent to the car park. Follow the path to access the building via the glass door – please look out for staff and signage to direct you.
There is limited on-site parking available on Saturdays and weekday evenings, and there is a Blue Badge bay in the staff car park. Please click here for more information on parking.
Parent/guardian parking is in the playground, accessible via the staff car park gates (please do not park in the staff car park).
Everyone who uses sheet music – a pencil
Brass players – a towel for their water keys
Guitarists – a footrest
Percussionists – drum sticks
NB. On Saturday mornings, the Friends of Merton’s Young Musicians run a pop-up cafe so your child may want to bring some money for a snack/drink.
(Term time only)
Mondays: 9.30am – 8.30pm
Tuesdays: 9.30am – 7pm
Wednesdays: 9.30am – 9pm
Thursdays: – please call on the day to check, as staffing varies
Fridays: 9.30pm – 5.30pm
Saturdays: 8.30am – 2.30pm
Local music shop discount
Our local Music shop, Sutton Music Centre, has introduced a scheme giving our South Wimbledon Music Centre pupils extra discount on orders placed via their website – items are delivered directly to the Music Centre and for every order MMF gets credit to spend on upgrading and maintaining its instruments!
Our local Music shop, Sutton Music Centre, has introduced a scheme giving our South Wimbledon Music Centre pupils extra discount on orders placed via their website.
The great thing about the scheme is that for every order placed, Merton Music Foundation gets credit to spend on upgrading and maintaining our instruments. Orders are delivered to Merton Music Centre South Wimbledon every few days and can be collected on your next visit – so it couldn’t be easier.
We think this a great way to support music making and your local music shop that provides many things that the internet can’t!
Claim Your Discount
Use this discount link to visit the Sutton Music website
www.suttonmusic.co.uk/discount/MMFPUPIL
Add your products (sheet music books, accessories, instruments) to the cart and get 5% discount (use discount code MMFPUPIL if the discount isn’t automatically applied). Items up to £300 are eligible.
Select Local Delivery (orders over £5)
Enter the School Address and Pupil name in the Shipping Address section (Merton Abbey Primary School, High Path SW19 2JY)
Enter your payment details
You will be emailed when your order has been delivered to the school.
MMF will get a report each month of the credit allocated from pupil orders.
If you need to order an item that is out of stock on the Sutton Music website please email them for more information info@suttonmusic.co.uk
Sheet music
Click below to find and download the sheet music for your child’s ensemble(s).
