Due to the kind assistance of the Governing Body, the school is able to offer instrumental tuition free of charge to a large number of students.  In addition, students receiving tuition may loan instruments from the school at no cost.

Most students begin learning an instrument in year 7 or 8. Students who have made significant progress on an instrument during their primary education (key stages 1 and 2) are “fast-tracked” onto the provision. All other students are put on a waiting list of their choice and then offered a place as soon as possible.

Students in years 10 to 13 are not offered a place on the provision, unless they are GCSE/A-Level music students or continuing learners from key stage three.

Instrumental lessons last for 25 minutes (half of a school lesson period). A-Level music students receive a 50 minute lesson during a study period. Lessons take place from 8:30am to 4:20pm (depending on the day) - this includes during standard lesson time (periods 1 to 7) and the lunch break (12:50-1:40pm). Year 11 students have their lessons at lunch time, during GCSE music lessons or after school.

We aim to provide 1 lesson per week. Typically 30 lessons are given over the course of a school year. Students may use practice rooms after school for musical work, so long as a teacher is present in the department.

Students receiving instrumental tuition agree to: 

• Attend every lesson. If 2 lessons are missed without a valid reason, then the place is offered to another student on the waiting list;
• Inform the Director of Music in advance if unable to attend a lesson;
• Practise regularly – at least 25 minutes daily;
• Work towards, prepare for, and take ABRSM practical examinations;
• Attend all rehearsals for concerts and public performances;
• Take care of and responsibility for any instrument loaned to them.

 

The department currently offers tuition in the following:

• Brass
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Violin/viola
• ‘Cello
• Guitar
• Percussion
• Piano
• Singing
• Flute
• Music theory

 

All staff are experienced and dedicated teachers, as well as very accomplished musical performers. In the last year, over 80 students successfully passed Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) andTrinity/Guildhall practical examinations, including some gaining distinction at Grade 8 level.