The British BMG Federation Logo
 
ABOUT THE BMG FEDERATION
 
 
 
Promoting performance and education
 
Registered Charity SC038957
 
  
   

The aim of the British BMG Federation is to promote the performance and education of banjo, mandolin and guitar. It is committed to creating educational opportunities for players of all ages to learn and improve on their chosen instruments through running workshops and courses and advertising courses run by other individuals and organisations.

 

The Rally is one of the main events in the BMG Federation's calendar and takes place every other year. It is a weekend event with a social and friendly atmosphere and is an exciting opportunity to meet other players, attend workshops, enter competitions and browse traders’ stalls.

The Summer School is the other main event that the BMG Federation organises. This is an annual residential weekend, usually in June, offering courses for banjo, mandolin and guitar.

   
Vice President Dorothy Oram “In 47 years of marriage to Ron Oram, plectrum banjoist with the Aston Banjo Club, I became very familiar with fretted instruments and this brought a new dimension to my appreciation of music. Because it was so important to Ron, I was involved in the many social activities of the Club and we both felt the social side of things was extremely important. Ron believed that playing a fretted instrument brought longevity! After Ron’s death I didn’t want to lose my association with the BMG Federation. I know what effort goes into making musical arrangements and am overjoyed when people are learning to play these instruments. During my time as governor of a school, I was able to ensure money went into extra music activities for the pupils. I am so pleased that the BMG Federation has a growing, committed, vibrant membership and my good wishes go to the committee for their continued hard work. I urge members not to leave everything to the committee and to volunteer when help is needed.
  President: Louis de Bernières        

Summer School 2011
Knuston Hall, Irchester in Northamptonshire has been booked for the weekend 10th to 12th June 2011. 

Click here for more information

Last Years Summer School was held at the    Benslow Music Trust. Click here for a review

The BMG Federation Summer School held at Urchfont Manor in Wiltshire in 2009 was a great success.Click here for a review

Also you might like to see pictures of the 2008 Summer School click here.

Facts Sheets
The committee has put together some fact sheets with tips about running classes and setting up fretted instrument groups.
Click here to download.

Mandolin Teachers Diploma Course
The British BMG Federation second Course for Mandolin Teachers has ended. If you are interested in finding out about a further course please contact Barbara Pommerenke-Steel.

Youth Fund
The BMG Federation has a Youth Fund made up of donations from members. Grants are available to junior members or for a project run by an adult member to benefit one or more fretted instrumentalists under 18 years of age.
Click here for more information

 

 

Graded Exams
Victoria College of Music is now publishing their syllabus for mandolin. The exams are open to anyone and starts from "First Steps" progressing to Grade 8. Graded exams are widely used in orchestral instruments and the piano. It helps students to gauge their progress and gives them a recognised certificate. Victoria College already publish a guitar syllabus.

 For Details go to www.vcmexams.com

Banjo syllabus
Danielle Saxon Reeves and David Wade have been working hard to put together a banjo syllabus and several composers have written new compositions towards it. Now nearing completion, it will be published through Victoria College once finalised.