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 with two invoices per term (six per academic 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. 

Apply online

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 2024) Number in group/length of lesson
Group £6.80
  • Group of 10 or more pupils for 50 minutes
  • Group of 7 to 9 pupils for 40 minutes
  • Group of 5 or 6 pupils for 30 minutes
  • Group of 3 or 4 pupils for 20 minutes
Group £9.80
  • Group of 3 or 4 for 30 minutes
Paired £11.50
  • Shared lesson (two pupils) for 20 minutes
Paired £17
  • Shared lesson (two pupils) for 30 minutes
Individual £19.50
  • Individual 20 minute lesson
  • Longer lessons are charged pro rata

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

These charges are per term - Autumn, Spring and Summer - based on 30 sessions per year, unless otherwise shown below.

Ensemble type Termly charge  Length of ensemble
Primary choirs (OYS & WOYS) (based on 33 sessions) £57.20 1 hour
Secondary choirs £78 1.5 hours
Saturday Music Centres £78 1.5 hours
Ensembles £78 1.5 hours
For senior students at the Centre for Music                     
Central Music School only £145 3.5 hours
County-level ensemble - groups of 10+ £104 2 hours
County ensembles - groups of 10+ £64.80 up to 1.5 hours

The Music Service works on the three-term school year with two invoices per term (six per academic year).

How to cancel music lessons or ensembles

How and when to give notice if you want to stop music lessons or ensemble membership.

More information