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 for all ages.
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. Charges will be per lesson, charged termly in advance. 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, at the end of the academic year.
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. 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 | Price per lesson | Number in group/length of lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Group | £6.20 |
|
| Paired | £10.20 |
|
| Individual | £18.20 |
|
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.
Remission of fees
Free lessons are available for children of families on certain benefits. Click the Apply Online button and complete a Remission of Fees application
Endangered instruments
A discount of 25 per cent on the above prices will be available to any pupils learning one of the listed instruments who is also a member of an OCMS ensemble.
Viola, French Horn, Oboe, Trombone, Double bass, Tuba, Bassoon, Bass guitar.
Instrument hire
- Violin/Viola/Guitars - £30
- All others - £50
Ensembles
Charged termly i.e. autumn, spring and summer
| Ensemble | Termly charge |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | £48 |
| 1.5 hours | £72 |
| 2 hours | £96 |
| Central Music School | £110 |
How to cancel music lessons or ensembles
How and when to give notice if you want to stop music lessons or ensemble membership.