“Music theory represents the language from which all music can be fully understood, performed and enjoyed. Learning how a piece is created can enhance one’s enjoyment of recreating a representation in performance, and provide a full awareness of the composer’s intentions.“ Graham Bennett, YMC Head of Theory and Composition Music theory classes are recommended for all children of 7 years and above. The Theory and Composition Classes at YMC offer an exciting approach to learning music theory for ABRSM examinations providing a platform where students can develop the skills and knowledge essential for all good musicians. Within each class, students are taught how to understand theory through a wider musical context often relating aspects of the syllabus to the developments of styles, periods and composers. This additional knowledge can then be applied in more creative ways as performers and composers thus providing a more enriched experience of learning and development. At YMC, theory is taught for all grades 1-8, and special emphasis on examination techniques are provided in each class. Photo: A Hurwitz/ALH Photography About Youth Music Centre The Youth Music Centre was established in Bigwood House, Hampstead Garden Suburb in 1967 and since that time has become one of the foremost Saturday morning music schools in London. The essential aim of YMC is to welcome all children from the age of two to eighteen years into our community and to help them achieve their highest musical potential within a creative and happy environment, where they can come together to enjoy making music. YMC provides classes in musicianship skills for the very youngest children before they embark on instrumental lessons at the age of five or six. After a year of group lessons on the violin, viola, cello, double bass or recorder children are ready to have their first orchestral experience. We also provide theory classes up to grade 8 and voice/aural classes. We are proud to say that we have many children who stay with us for their entire music education.