We provide high-quality singing and choral tuition for young singers aged 6 - 18 at our two centres in Islington and Southwark. We work at weekends during term-time; the Islington sessions are on Saturdays and the Southwark ones on Sundays. The times of the sessions vary but broadly speaking the younger singers (11 and under) attend in the morning and the seniors in the afternoon. Most sessions are one hour long, with the four-part youth choirs having 75 or 90 minutes. The very youngest pupils have 45 minutes.
The centre has charitable status. This enables us to raise money from a range of sources and helps us to support families who can’t afford the termly subscription. No child or young person is turned away through inability to pay.
Over the past 33 years we have taught thousands of young musicians and performed at many prestigious venues, from the Royal Albert Hall to 10 Downing Street! Choirs have also sung many times on tv and radio (click here for some of our Notable Performances). Although we are very proud of our performing record, we are primarily interested in helping young singers to find and develop their voices. Many of our pupils stay with us through primary school into secondary, sustaining an extraordinary commitment over 10, 11 and even 12 years. Friendships made at MCL last well into adult life and alumni stay in close touch, meeting regularly and coming back to see us often. Some of those who have gone into the music profession continue their association with us by leading sessions of their own at the two centres.
Want to get involved?
We accept new students once a year and are auditioning for 2025. Please click on Applications 2025 to find out about the auditions and how to apply.