GUIDANCE NOTES
Please ensure that ALL sections of the application form are complete and legible. Your application may be delayed
if the form is incomplete.
SECTION A
You must complete all fields in Section A and attach a passport photograph named on the back. Please provide an
accurate email address which is used regularly.
This section must be signed by the person who will be paying the fees. In the case of families, it would assist us if the
same parent/guardian signs all application forms so that there is one payer for students in the same family.
Please do NOT include payment with the application form.
SECTION B
Please give details of your most recent examination results. If you are waiting for results and/or are taking an exam
in the near future, indicate this by ‘results pending’. Please give an accurate indication of the grade(s) you are
working towards in practical and theory.
SECTION C
Main Course
The Main Course consists of four different elements. Students enrolled for this fully inclusive package are expected
to attend all parts of the course.
 Individual weekly lesson of 30 minutes
 Aural class
 Theory class (Grades 1-5)*
 Group: Band/Orchestra/Ensemble (not applicable to piano students)
*Students who have passed Grade 5 Theory are exempt from theory classes. (Please note there is no price
reduction). If a student wishes to continue with theory he/she may apply for an advanced theory class for which
there is an additional fee.
Advanced Course
Students who wish to apply for the advanced course must have passed Grade 5 Theory and be working towards
Grade 6 or above on their instrument/voice. The advanced course includes a 45 minute lesson each week, aural class
and group activity. Students who wish to transfer from a main course to an advanced course during the year may do
so at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Additional instrument/voice lessons
These are available to students enrolled on a Main/Advanced Course who wish to study voice or an additional
instrument. This constitutes a 30 minute or 45 minute weekly lesson depending on standard.
Groups/Ensembles
Heads of Department will assign students to an appropriate group for their age and level of attainment.
Students who have instrumental/vocal lessons elsewhere may apply for a group or ensemble. Students on a main or
advanced course may also apply for a supplementary group/ensemble in addition to their main group, eg Big Band,
Flute/Clarinet Ensemble, Cantanti Chamber Choir, Symphonic Brass.
City of Belfast Youth Orchestra
Applications to the CBYO are welcome from advanced students, Grade 6 and above. Please refer to the CBYO
Admission Policy 2013-14 which is available on the website or from the CBSM office. Specific criteria apply and there
is a separate audition process.
Further information is available from our website www.cbsm.org.uk
GENERAL INFORMATION
Admissions
New applicants will be called for an aural awareness test and an audition/interview at which they will be expected to
perform a prepared piece and play some scales and arpeggios and an un-prepared piece (sight-reading) on their
instrument or voice. All candidates will be informed of the results of the audition at a later date.
Courses
Lessons are available on most orchestral and band instruments, piano, voice, classical guitar, classical harp and folk
harp. Most students have a weekly individual lesson (30 mins) while some students may have shared lessons.
Students who have passed Grade 5 Theory and are working towards Grade 6 or above may apply for an advanced
course with an extended individual lesson (45 mins) for which there is a higher fee.
Aural and Theory Classes
Most of our courses include Aural and Theory classes because we believe that developing skills in aural and theory
are essential to a good musical training. Students who have their instrument/voice lesson elsewhere may apply for
theory and/or aural lessons only. Please note:
 There is an aural element in all Associated Board practical exams
 A pass in Grade 5 theory is a pre-requisite for Associated Board practical exams, Grade 6 and above
 Students who wish to continue with theory Grades 6-8 must apply for an advanced theory class, for which
there is an additional charge. Students wishing to transfer to an advanced class during the year may do so
subject to spaces being available.
Groups
There are around 20 bands, orchestras, choirs and other ensembles at CBSM. All students enrolled for one of our
instrumental courses are expected to attend a group or ensemble. Other students, who have lessons elsewhere, may
apply for group only. A high level of commitment is expected.
Fees for the Academic Year 2013-14 (subject to approval by BELB)
Main Courses (All inclusive)
Instrumental (30 min lesson/group activity/ aural/ theory classes)
Piano (30 min lesson/aural/theory classes)
Folk Harp (45 min group lesson/ensemble)
Advanced Courses (All inclusive)
Instrumental (45 min lesson/ group activity/ aural class)
Piano (45 min lesson/aural class)
Additional Lessons/Classes
Individual lesson (30 mins)
Individual lesson (45 mins)
Shared lesson (30 mins)
Aural Class Grade 1-8 (30 mins)
Theory Class Grade 1-5 (30 mins)
Theory Class Grade 6-8 (40 mins)
Groups/Ensembles
Orchestras/Bands
Cantanti Chamber Choir; Flute/Clarinet Ensemble; Symphonic Brass
Big Band
There is a remission scheme for families with children who are entitled to free school meals.
Accounts may be paid in full or by standing order.
City of Belfast School of Music, Fortwilliam Centre, Fortwilliam Park, BT15 4AR
[T] 028 9077 2266 [F] 028 9077 5656 [E] cbsm.info@belb.co.uk [W] www.cbsm.org.uk
Per annum
£490
£430
£250
£620
£555
£350
£525
£175
£80
£80
£100
£180
£105
£45