Music

There are many opportunities for students to enjoy music, whatever their experience or ability. There are a wide variety of performing groups, which are regularly adjusted to suit the needs of those wishing to take part. The rehearsal details for these groups are published on the co-curricular section of My School Portal and are advertised widely within school. There are normally three or four major concerts throughout the year, as well as a large number of other opportunities to perform, including lunchtime concerts, the annual House Music competition and regular music tours overseas. 

Instrumental tuition 

Instrumental tuition is arranged by the School, but bills are raised directly by the visiting instrumental teachers. Students are encouraged to take up an instrument; we can cater for virtually every taste and the Music Department staff are happy to advise parents on suitable instruments for their children. Music theory lessons (a requirement for those hoping to go beyond Associated Board Grade 5 on any instrument) are available on the same basis as instrumental lessons. We have a stock of the most popular instruments for loan to beginners in their first term playing and are able to rent out instruments at preferential rates thereafter.  

Tuition can be arranged for the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, French Horn, Oboe, Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Singing (both classical and musical theatre), Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Drums & Music Theory. 

N.B. All students having music lessons at school are expected to participate in at least one co-curricular group. 

Cost of music lessons and loan/hire of an instrument  

Extra-curricular music lessons are available at the additional cost of £250.00 per term.  Theory lessons are available at the additional cost of £250.00 per term for individual tuition or £125.00 per term for shared lessons. Payments are made direct to the peripatetic music teacher concerned.  Subject to availability, a range of school instruments are available for hire, free for the student’s first term then £40.00 per term thereafter. 

If you would like to sign up for music tuition, please complete the Microsoft Form here by Friday 16 May.

Number of lessons per term/year 

• A total of 30 lessons of 30 minutes are given in a school year. 

• The number of lessons given each term will vary according to the availability of the teacher and/or the different lengths of the three school terms. 

Timing of lessons 

• In First to Fourth Year, lessons are given during school lesson time on a rota timetable, and care is taken to ensure that students do not miss the same academic lesson each week. 

• From the Fifth Year upwards, teachers will try to ensure that lessons are given during break/lunchtime/before or after school or during free periods (in Sixth Form) to avoid disruption of academic lessons. 

Fees 

• Fees are payable directly to the music teacher, and you will be invoiced directly by them. Fees are then payable via bank transfer. 

• Fees will be reviewed before the beginning of each school year. 

• Fees for exams and exam accompaniment will be charged separately. 

• Sheet music must be purchased by the student, as suggested by the teacher. 

Notice 

• At least one full term’s written notice must be given to the teacher and the Director of Music if you intend to terminate lessons. If notice is not received, you will be charged for the following term. 

• If a change or termination of lessons is desired in the first term of tuition ONLY, notice must be received by both the teacher and the Director of Music before the start of the half-term holiday of that term, and lessons can then be changed or terminated at the end of that term. 

Missed lessons/extra lessons 

• Lessons missed by a student will be charged for unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

• A lesson may be cancelled by the teacher at any time, but the teacher will then carry the lesson forward. 

• Extra lessons may be given at the teacher’s discretion, by prior arrangement. 

Instruments 

• Instruments are loaned for one term and then hired for a further two terms. After that, a student will be expected to possess his or her own instrument. Liability for the instrument’s insurance during the period of loan and hire remains with the parent/guardian. 

• Specialist insurers include: Musicians Insurance Services (01629 760101) www.musiciansinsurance.co.uk and Allianz (0344 3914051) www.allianz.co.uk