Learning an instrument
How to apply online and pay for music tuition.
Most tuition is offered by our visiting teachers in schools around the county during the school day. However, there are also out-of-school opportunities.
Not all instrument tuition is available in every school. You will be able to see which instruments are offered in your child’s school during the online application process.
We offer tuition in:
- strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass
- woodwind: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
- brass: trumpet, cornet, trombone, baritone, euphonium, horn (French and tenor), tuba
- percussion: drum kit, tuned percussion
- guitar: classical, electric, and bass
- keyboard
- vocal/singing
If your child doesn't have an instrument you can hire one in most cases.
Lessons
35 lessons are offered in the academic year. The Music Service works on the three-term school year. Refunds will be made, if necessary, in line with our terms and conditions.
Your child will receive an annual report in the summer term, written by their teacher which explains what they have achieved during the academic year.
About our teachers
All staff who work with your child or have access to their personal information have a current DBS certificate and receive regular Safeguarding training. All our teaching staff follow relevant schemes of work to deliver high-quality lessons and we offer ongoing support and training to all staff during the year.
Charges
| Lesson | Current price per lesson (from Sept 2025) | Number in group/length of lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Group | £7 |
|
| Group | £10 |
|
| Paired | £12 |
|
| Paired | £18 |
|
| Individual | £20 |
|
Instrument hire (per term, Autumn / Spring / Summer)
Violin/Viola/Guitars - £33
All others - £55
Key information
If only one pupil applies for a group lesson, they will stay on the waiting list until a group can be formed. Applicants can opt for an individual lesson.
Help with payment
Free lessons are available for children of families on certain benefits. Click the Apply Online button above and complete a Help with payment application.
Ensembles
The Central Music School and Saturday ensembles will have 30 sessions per year; all other ensembles will have 35 sessions per year.
| Ensemble type | Duration | Session charge |
|---|---|---|
| Ensembles 1 hour | 1 hour | £5.50 |
| Ensembles 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours | £8.20 |
| Ensembles 2 hours | 2 hours | £11 |
| Central Music School | 3.5 hours | £15.20 |
The Music Service works on the three-term school year.
How to cancel music lessons or ensembles
How and when to give notice if you want to stop music lessons or ensemble membership.