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Frequently Asked Questions

How can you learn to play and sing in schools?

Guitar player Singer

The Music Service provides instrumental and vocal tuition in most local authority maintained schools of Hertfordshire and in a small number of independent schools.
We teach all instruments in all styles, including singing, folk, rock, jazz and ethnic music.
Most schools organise group, shared or individual lessons and many of our teachers help school staff organise and direct ensembles, choirs, bands and orchestras.

String Group RAH 03 2007

Specialist teachers and musicians with expertise and experience. They have high performance standards in their specialist instruments.
They are appointed only after a rigorous process that includes full Criminal Records Bureau disclosure, medical checks and good references.
They are employed in the same way as classroom teachers.
They have professional support from the Music Service network of Managers and Instrumental Co-ordinators.
They have regular training to keep up-to-date with current developments in music and wider education matters .

Subsidies from the County Council and the government are used to keep the cost of tuition to schools as low as possible.
Schools set their own fees to pupils and parents but the Music Service recommends charges that also make use of funds that schools hold.

Current recommended fees are:

Type of lesson	Recomended Fees per term from September 2007
30 minute group lesson (3 or 4 pupils)	£56.60
30 minute shared lesson (2 pupils)	£83.00
20 minute individual lesson	£113.15
30 minute individual lesson	£163.40

There is a Remission of Fees scheme for eligible families and Looked after Children. Please read the terms and conditions for parents.

To apply please phone 01438 737370 or apply on line here:

Apply Online on the Herts Direct web site
There are programmes in some junior schools, part of a scheme called Wider Opportunities, where lessons and/or loan instruments are free. Ask your school about these
There are other programmes to support exciting instruments such as double bass, bassoon, trombones and tuba. Find out more about these instruments. Ask about them at school.

Percussion Violin

What kind of sounds do you enjoy? High, low, loud, quiet, energetic, calm ………….. ? This may be a clue, but the best way to choose is to listen to the sounds the different instruments make and decide which one you like the most.
How can you do that? We offer live music in schools with string, woodwind, brass and samba workshops, open days in music centres for you to hear and try instruments, and teachers in schools and centres can arrange taster sessions. Our instrumental faculty leaders have also written short guides to their own families of instruments – we hope these will help.

Pupils are usually expected to provide their own instruments but there are good hire schemes available from local instrument retailers so you can have a term or so of lessons before deciding to buy
We have a Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme with instruments at special educational prices that compare well with shops. Always ask your instrumental teacher for advice when deciding what to buy
We have a small number of instruments to lend and we always hope to be able to lend an instrument if you have remission of fees. We may also be able to lend a more expensive instrument e.g. oboe, ‘cello, tuba.

It’s good to start learning most instruments in groups of 3 or 4 or in shared lessons of 30 minutes each week - these are usually available. You can also have individual lessons for 20 or 30 minutes. Teachers and schools will be able to advise on the right type of lessons for you
To find out about lessons in school, please talk to your primary headteacher or secondary head of music
Starting times are usually at the beginning of term or at half term
You will usually have a bill for the lessons at the start of each term
Learning an instrument takes time and you may have ups and downs. We hope you will do really well and continue lessons for a long time, but if you do decide to stop, you will need to give half a term’s notice to the school in writing.

When you set out on the magical journey of learning to play or sing, think about how you can make the most of the opportunity
You will have a weekly lesson during term time when you and your teacher will decide how you can make a good sound, learn a new technique, give a performance, play with others, improvise, compose …………. and much more
What happens in-between lessons? Lots! You may call it practice, playing, homework …. but you will need to think about, and try to play or sing in the way you were shown in the lesson
10 minutes or so will be enough practice a day when you start, but it is really important - you won’t improve unless you do that most days!
You will need to find a place where you can stand or sit comfortably, with a space to put any printed music at the right height
As you progress, you will need to practise more, but the enjoyment will be all the greater as you, and everyone else, hear how you have improved.
What’s the best part of learning an instrument? - playing or singing with other people. If you join a band or choir, you make new friends and have a great time making music together. Lots of concerts and performances – you might even take some exams and get certificates to put on the wall

Make the first move ……………….