Information for parents

How do I apply for my child to receive music lessons?

Parents need to check availability of instrumental or vocal teaching at your child's school. If a place is available the teacher will give your child a letter inviting them to sign up for lessons and providing instructions of how to complete the online form.

Please use the online form below to sign up for the lessons.

You can complete the Schools Music Service - Lesson Application Form (opens in new window) entry form online.

What does the Schools' Music Service offer to its pupils?

We provide a high-quality instrumental tuition service supported by committed, well-qualified, professional staff.

The East Riding Schools' Music Service is committed to equality of opportunity and access, to enable pupils to develop their skills through music.

When and where do the lessons take place?

Lessons are delivered at East Riding Primary and Secondary schools within  small and whole class groups on a weekly basis.

Pupils are withdrawn from their timetabled lessons in order to receive Instrumental/Vocal lessons. Whenever it is practical, tuition is provided on a rota basis, to minimise disruption to the pupil's timetable.

How many instrumental lessons are there each year?

The Schools' Music Service undertakes to provide at least 30 weekly visits in each participating school per academic year.

How do we find out about our child's progress in lessons?

Annual Reports are provided for parents, which are based upon the teacher's continuous assessment of the pupil's progress. Entrance to public examinations may also be encouraged in order to provide both an incentive and a Record of Achievement for the pupil.

What do we ask of our pupils?

Our pupils are expected to attend their instrumental lessons regularly, remembering to bring both their instrument and their music and to practise regularly (on at least five occasions per week) at home between lessons.

Where can I find advice about instruments?

The Schools' Music Service teachers will provide advice on the loan, lease or purchase of instruments where applicable.

Do we have to buy an instrument before lessons can start?

Instruments are available on loan from the service or the school, but there is a  limited supply, and it may be necessary for you to hire one initially. There is a charge of £20 per term payable after the first term of tuition for music service instruments.
 
Parents are  able to purchase instruments through our instrumental purchase scheme when their child commences learning (previously you could only take advantage of the scheme after one terms tuition had been completed). Please contact your child's instrumental teacher for more information and instrumental purchase form.
 
If you borrow a loan instrument it becomes your responsibility, and you will be expected to pay for any damage caused (fair wear and tear excepted) so we advise you take out insurance.

How long will we be allowed to borrow a loan instrument?

For most instruments you should consider purchasing or hiring one of your own after the first year of learning, however, rare and more expensive instruments may be loaned for a longer period. After the initial trial period (one term) there is a hire charge of £20 per term for all instruments.

What benefits will a music student gain from instrumental lessons?

Our teachers provide their students with skills in musical performance, helping them to develop self-confidence and self-discipline, listening and coordination, problem-solving and memory.

Through these skills, students gain enjoyment from performance, teamwork and social interaction.

How do I enter a music student for a graded examination?

For details on how to enter a music student for a graded examination please see our music examinations page.