Learning to play an instrument
Find out how your child can learn to sing or to play a musical instrument, with a range of financial bursaries and instrumental loans available to support tuition.
Whether you're looking for your child to start lessons or continue learning from Classroom Instrumental Learning or previous lessons, this page provides you more information about instrumental and vocal lessons.
Children in primary schools often have their first access to instrumental tuition in whole classes through our Classroom Instrumental Learning programmes – a programme offered to all primary schools in Derby and Derbyshire.
Alongside this, regular instrumental and singing tuition is available to all primary and secondary schools on the following instruments:
- Strings − Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Woodwind − Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon
Brass − Trumpet/Cornet, Horns, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Percussion − Drum kit, tuned and untuned percussion
Guitars − Acoustic and electric guitar
Piano and keyboard
Singing
How does this work?
Tuition usually takes begins in schools, where pupils leave part of their curriculum lessons to attend (which is Ofsted approved) on a rotating timetable to avoid disruption to curriculum learning.
Most of this teaching is undertaken by self-employed teachers who have been accredited and have their work quality assured by the Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership.
The majority of lessons at beginner level are delivered in small groups (typically up to 4) where pupils start learning an instrument in a comfortable and confident environment, surrounded by their peers. This also helps spread the cost of a lesson between the pupils in the group, but one-to-one lessons are also available.
In nearly all cases, pupils will be encouraged to undertake exams on their instruments (or voice) to gain music qualifications with recognised public examination boards.
As pupils' abilities increase, lessons may need to be longer and the option of one-to-one tuition in or out of school may be considered.
Financial subsidies
Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership helps with the cost of instrumental and vocal lessons through various schemes including financial subsidies for:
- New starters
Pupils with additional needs
Families facing financial hardship
Tuition on rarer instruments
Pupils performing at higher grades
These are available to teachers accredited by Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership, who, when appropriate, accesses these subsidies on the pupil's behalf, signposting families to complete any administrative processes when necessary. The teacher then charges parent/guardian for the balance of the lesson cost.
Instrument loans
It is also usually possible for a pupil to loan an instrument when starting instrumental lessons for a one-off fee of £40.
What other activities are available?
There is a vast array of music-making activities available for pupils across Derby and Derbyshire. Whether you're a beginner or advanced performer on your instrument there is an activity for you. Follow the link below to find out more…
Join diverse ensembles, groups, and choirs across Derby and Derbyshire – welcoming all young musicians, from beginners to advanced performers
Four county-level large ensembles for higher achieving young instrumentalists and singers in Derby and Derbyshire
How do I begin making arrangements for lessons?
We suggest families approach their school and ask what opportunities are available for instrumental and/or vocal teaching, and how to get involved. Many schools have accredited teachers, but the instruments available for lessons may vary from school to school.
You can also contact us if you have any specific questions.