Bei der Jugendmusikschule

Bei der Jugendmusikschule is Hamburg's music school for children and young people, and this spot puts you at its door. Pupils range from six months to twenty-five years: a child can begin in a parent-and-child group and be here two decades later. Hamburg carries a rich musical heritage, and here it passes directly to the next generation.

The programme follows a child through nearly every stage of growing up. Babies and toddlers start in early musical education, and dance, rhythm and music therapy classes run alongside them. Instrument lessons begin at five, and from eleven upward students can explore composition and world music. Three choir schools take singers from age four: the Singschule St. Michaelis, the Mädchenchor Hamburg and the Neuer Knabenchor Hamburg. Music theatre starts at six, and older pupils can move on to the Youth Opera Academy or the Musical Academy for Teens. In the orchestra school, children take up a string or wind instrument early. Years later they may play in the Youth Symphony Orchestra YouMe!, the Hamburg Wind Orchestra or the Big Band 'Think Big!'. The jazz, rock and pop department runs bands in plenty of styles for those who would rather plug in. Exceptionally gifted pupils find performance and support classes, plus preparation for further musical study.

Every child and young person can enrol, and families on low incomes pay reduced fees, so money keeps nobody out. Lessons take place at sites spread across the whole of Hamburg, keeping them within reach for many families. Households that want to make music together get the Family Orchestra of the Elbphilharmonie, run in cooperation with the school.