Each week over 4500 pupils receive lessons on a range of instruments including: violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, cornet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, baritone, euphonium, tenor horn, French horn, saxophone, flute, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, recorder, keyboard, piano, percussion and singing.
Normally, teaching takes place in small groups of two pupils (20 minutes) or three pupils (30 minutes), although by arrangement with school, individual tuition may be available at parental request for an additional charge. Lesson fees can vary from school to school but are normally in the region of £4.86 per week.
Lessons take place on the same day each week and the service and school work together to ensure that pupils miss the smallest possible amount of curriculum time to receive their instrumental lesson.
Teachers deliver a varied curriculum which seeks to combine the necessary musical and technical development with the unique sense of fun and fulfilment gained from learning to play an instrument. Teachers are experienced in providing practical support to GCSE and A Level course examinations.
The Instrumental Teaching Service hosts its own examination sessions for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity Rock-school in order to support pupil progression through graded assessments.
To support their weekly instrumental lesson, pupils are provided with a FREE Practice Diary to record weekly progress and as well as the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher at an annual Parents’ Evening, parents receive a detailed written report in the summer term each year.
