Berkshire Maestros

Berkshire Maestros (formerly Berkshire Young Musicians' Trust) is an organisation based in Berkshire, England, that provides musical tuition at discounted rates to those in full-time education. It also organises orchestras, bands, ensembles and choirs for its students. Established in 1982, Berkshire Maestros educate at all levels regardless of background, aptitude, age or ability to pay; in their words, they are "here to help all pupils in Berkshire who want to learn to play an instrument or sing".

Berkshire Maestros offer tuition in voice, woodwind, strings, brass, percussion, guitar, keyboard and ethnic instruments, with approximately 8000 children taking weekly lessons. Tuition is usually organised in small groups but, when appropriate, individual tuition is provided. Pupils are encouraged to start learning at an early age, for which the Mini Maestros classes are provided. Mini Maestros involves children as young as six months. The main aim of Berkshire Maestros is to provide pupils with opportunities for developing their performing, creative and appraising skills, together with growing confidence, sensitivity and understanding. They believe that every child can grow through music, and that it is not the preserve of the gifted few but something to which everyone has the right.

Activities are also offered at Berkshire Maestros four main music centres which are situated in Bracknell, Newbury, Reading and Windsor. Over three hundred choirs, bands, orchestras, jazz and rock groups meet weekly after school or on Saturday mornings.

Some of the pupils have attended music college and carry on playing music at a professional level after receiving inspiration from the organisation.

The name Maestros is grammatically incorrect, with the plural of the Italian word "maestro" being "maestri".

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