Yehudi Menuhin School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yehudi Menuhin School |
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| Address | |
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Stoke d'Abernon
Cobham
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KT11 3QQ
England
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| Coordinates | 51°18′23″N 0°22′36″W / 51.3064°N 0.3767°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Private day and boarding school Music school |
| Established | 1963 |
| Founder | Yehudi Menuhin |
| President | Tasmin Little |
| Head | Robin Harskin |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Age | 9 to 19 |
| Enrolment | 81 |
| Houses | Harris House Music House |
The Yehudi Menuhin School is a special music school in Stoke d'Abernon, England. It was started in 1963 by the famous violinist and conductor, Yehudi Menuhin. The school helps young, talented musicians from all over the world. They learn to play string instruments, piano, and classical guitar.
The school is one of the top five music schools for kids in the United Kingdom. It teaches students aged 9 to 19. Most students live at the school, but some younger ones attend during the day. The school wants to accept students based on their talent, not how much money their family has. Many students get financial help from a government program or school scholarships. The current music director is Ashley Wass. The school is also a registered charity.
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What is the Yehudi Menuhin School?
The Yehudi Menuhin School is a place where young musicians can grow. It offers a full musical and academic education. Students get special lessons on instruments like the violin, cello, and piano. They also study regular school subjects. The goal is to help each student reach their full potential.
How is the School Funded?
The school gets money from different places. A big part comes from the Department for Education's Music and Dance Scheme. This is a government program that supports young artists. The school also receives help from charities and donations. People who love music give money to support the students. The "Friends of the Yehudi Menuhin School" also provide regular support.
The Menuhin Hall: A Special Concert Venue
The school has its own concert hall called The Menuhin Hall. It's a modern building with great sound. Students often perform here in "Showcase Concerts." Famous musicians also visit to give concerts and master classes. Recording companies like to use the hall because of its excellent acoustics.
History of the Yehudi Menuhin School
Yehudi Menuhin was a very famous musician. He wanted to create a special place for young, gifted musicians. He started the school in London in 1963. A year later, it moved to its current home in Stoke d'Abernon. This main building is an old Victorian house. It is surrounded by 15 acres of parkland.
Why Did Yehudi Menuhin Start the School?
Menuhin was inspired by other music schools. He wanted his school to be different. It started with only 15 students. His goal was to train "musical all-rounders." This meant students who could do many things in music. They could become teachers, play in orchestras, or perform solo. He wanted them to have great teachers and lots of practice time. He also wanted them to perform often and learn with other talented kids.
Menuhin believed that gifted children should live and study together. This helps them learn from each other. In 1972, the government recognized the school as a "Centre of Excellence." This meant it could get support from the education ministry.
Leaders and Supporters of the School
After Yehudi Menuhin passed away in 1999, the school built The Menuhin Hall. It opened in 2006. The famous cellist Mstislav Rostropovich became the school's president. After he passed away, Daniel Barenboim took over. Today, the president of the school is Tasmin Little, a well-known violinist.
The "Friends of the Yehudi Menuhin School" group was started in 1971. It has over 750 supporters from around the world. They help the school financially. They also cheer on the students at their concerts. The school continues to improve its facilities and offer more scholarships. This helps more young musicians attend.
Famous Former Students
Many talented musicians have studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School. Here are some of them:
- Nicola Benedetti, violinist
- Colin Carr, cellist
- Daniel Hope, violinist
- Alina Ibragimova, violinist
- Nigel Kennedy, violinist
- Tasmin Little, violinist
- Kathryn Stott, pianist
- Paul Watkins, cellist
Images for kids
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The Music House at the Yehudi Menuhin School.
