Information for Parents

Applying for Music Lessons

To apply for music lessons, check if instrumental or vocal teaching is available at your child’s school. If a place is available, the teacher will send a letter inviting your child to sign up using the online form.

You can sign up here:  Eepos

What the Schools' Music Service Offers

The East Riding Schools' Music Service provides high-quality instrumental tuition through professional, well-qualified staff. The service promotes equal access and helps pupils develop their musical skills.

Lesson Schedule and Format

Lessons are held weekly at East Riding primary and secondary schools. They are delivered in small groups or whole classes. Pupils leave their regular lessons to attend, and a rota system is used when possible to minimize disruption.

Number of Lessons Per Year

Each school receives at least 30 weekly visits per academic year from the Schools' Music Service.

Monitoring Progress

Parents receive regular progress updates via Eepos. Pupils may be encouraged to take formal music exams, which serve as motivation and a record of achievement.

Pupil Expectations

Pupils are expected to:

  • Attend lessons regularly
  • Bring their instrument and music
  • Practise at home at least five times per week

Instrument Advice and Access

Teachers can advise on borrowing, leasing, or purchasing instruments. Instruments may be available to loan from the school or music service, though supply is limited.

  • Hire Charge: £35 per term
  • Instrumental Purchase Scheme: Available from the start of learning
  • Responsibility: Loaned instruments must be cared for; damage beyond fair wear and tear must be paid for. Insurance is recommended.

Duration of Instrument Loans

Most instruments are loaned for up to one year. After that, families are encouraged to purchase or hire their own. Rare or expensive instruments may be loaned for longer. The hire charge is £35 per term.

Benefits of Music Lessons

Music lessons help students develop skills in performance, self-confidence, discipline, listening, coordination, problem-solving, and memory. These skills also promote enjoyment, teamwork, and social interaction.

Available Instruments

Lessons are offered for a wide range of instruments, including:

  • Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass
  • Guitar & ukulele
  • Woodwinds: oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
  • Brass: trumpet, cornet, French horn, tenor horn, trombone, euphonium, baritone, tuba
  • Keyboard and voice
  • Percussion: kit percussion, tuned percussion, world music percussion instruments

Lesson Timing

Lessons usually take place during the school day. Pupils leave their regular classes to attend and are scheduled at different times each week to avoid missing the same lesson repeatedly. Pupils are expected to catch up on any missed work.

Making Music with Others

As pupils progress, they are encouraged to join school ensembles, which may involve rehearsals and performances during lunch or after school. Advanced pupils can join bands and orchestras run by the Schools' Music Service.