The Junior Academy of Music (JAM) at Queen’s provides music activities for aspiring young musicians. There are four programmes within JAM each tailored to a specific age group and suitable activites.  JAM is devised and delivered by internationally recognised musicians and specialised teachers.  JAM 1, JAM 2 and JAM 3 run on Saturdays in the Music Building while JAM 4 and JAM 4+ is on Fridays in the world-renowned Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC).

Queen’s JAM bursaries supported by:

‌JAM 1 programme

JAM 1 is for children aged 4 to 7, and consists of a Music and Movement class and a Children's Choir. Music and Movement is designed to introduce young children to various ways of performing and listening to music.

The sessions involve lots of singing and rhythmic games, playing various tuned and untuned percussion instruments - all of which will, within time, improve a child’s intonation, sense of rhythm and pulse. It is a fun activity during which they learn basic musical elements.

The Children's Choir will promote further their musicianship and team-working skills. The JAM 1  programme is also of benefit for children who wish to start playing an instrument when they are more experienced. 

Term Dates 2022-23

JAM 2 programme

JAM 2 is for 5 to 8 year olds, and involves a Musicianship class, Children's Choir and optional beginner instrumental tuition.

JAM 2 is suited to those children who have completed the JAM 1 programme, or possibly other specialised music activities. It includes singing and rhythmic games, playing glockenspiel and other tuned/unturned percussion instruments which help prepare children for more advanced studies. 

The focus of the Musicianship class is to develop music literacy: to learn how to sing, write, create, read and play music. Through fun activities, children extend their musical skills and refine their listening and performing abilities. This equips them for learning how to play an instrument.

Children's choir offers more opportunities to develop, improve and enjoy singing. Instrumental tuition is optional and will be introduced through taster sessions in term 1 and developed during the second and third terms of each year.

Term Dates 2022-23

JAM 3 is for children aged 8-18. It offers individual and group instrumental tuition on various brass instruments including cornet, horn, baritone, euphonium, trombone and tuba, as well as other instruments such as guitar, flute, piano, strings and singing. Pupils are encouraged to take part in either an ensemble, junior or senior brass band, choir or other singing groups.

All JAM 3 pupils also attend Musicianship classes which combine music theory and aural skills. They are of paramount importance to pupils, as they provide the opportunity to gain, train and develop essential musical skills which complement and enhance further their instrument playing. Musicianship advances players aural abilities, trains sight-reading, and embeds knowledge of music theory and general understanding of music.

Term Dates 2022-23

JAM 4 is part of the Junior Academy of Music programme at Queen’s University Belfast. A weekly programme for secondary school children interested in Creative Music Technology, using industry standard music-making software at the world-leading Sonic Arts Research Centre. 

JAM 4 FRIDAYS

17:30-19:00 For students new to JAM 4 - a complete introduction to digital music-making with audio experiments, demonstrations and creative projects. 

JAM 4 + FRIDAYS

17:30-19:00 For previous JAM 4 students - a comprehensive course in Pro Tools audio software and a chance to work on personal music projects. Complete with Pro Tools 101 qualification.

Term Dates 2022-23

Other Links:

JAM 4 Flyer JAM 4 on Soundcloud JAM 4 on Facebook JAM 4 on Instagram

JAM 4: Tall Trees - Leave No One Behind

Created by Koichi Samuels who runs JAM 4 creative music technology course, part of Junior Academy of Music, at QUB. The voices are pupils of Junior Academy of Music and some instrumental recordings are also included in the music. The pupils engaged with the theme of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 'leave no one behind', which forms the title of the piece, and they shared their vision for how they would like to change the world beyond the pandemic. Video was created by artist Dervla Hilan.

https://youtu.be/aBP-DPWC0ME 

Koichi also received a grant from the British Music Collection towards this project - please see https://britishmusiccollection.org.uk/article/interpreting-isolation-selected-works

Apply

The online application process for JAM 1,2,3 programmes is now closed for 2022-23. 

For any opening places for 2022-23 please email jam@qub.ac.uk

There are still some places remaining for JAM 4 Music Technology programme for 2022-23. 

You can apply online for JAM 4 until 10 September 2022 using the link below.

JAM 4: https://forms.office.com/r/y44ZbRkFX8

Bursaries

The following bursaries for 2022-23 are available

JAM Access Bursary 2022-23 (Bursary is available for pupils in receipt of free school meals)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Bursary Scheme 2022-23 (Bursary is available for pupils in receipt of free school meals)

For all enquiries please contact jam@qub.ac.uk

Dr Juliana Licinic van Walstijn, Junior Academy of Music co-ordinator

jam@qub.ac.uk or phone 02890 975013