How lessons work Expand We offer lessons in most schools across County Durham and Darlington. Lessons include Brass e.g. trumpet, cornet, horn, trombone Woodwind e.g. flute, clarinet, saxophone String Lessons e.g. violin, viola, cello Percussion e.g. drum kit Guitar Singing Lessons usually take place within the school day and pupils will need to leave subject lessons to attend. Lessons are usually on a rota (a different time each week) so that pupils are not missing the same subject each week. Schools support this and encourage pupils to attend music lessons. Being able to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also: Help social skills Build teamwork Increase self-confidence Give opportunities to perform Be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities Give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level Playing an instrument or singing does require commitment. Pupils need to bring their instrument or equipment to every lesson and will need to play or sing regularly at home. They will need support and encouragement and there may be times when they will find it difficult. Remember that they will not be able to play tunes straight away and that the early stages may not sound wonderful. Our full guidance notes are here: Standard Parental Guidance September 2021 If your child attends one of the following schools, please read the guidance notes for your school: Durham Johnston Parental Guidance September 2021 Framwellgate School Parental Guidance September 2021 St Bedes Lanchester Parental Guidance September 2021 St.Leonards Parental Guidance September 2021 Wolsingham School Parental Guidance September 2021 Please ensure you read the terms and conditions before registering for lessons. Terms and Conditions for new registrations
Lessons throughout school life Expand Lessons can carry on all through your child’s school career. Our teachers often work with children through primary, secondary and sixth form. Lessons do not stop automatically at the end of the school year or if your child moves school e.g. to secondary school. If you want to stop hiring an instrument e.g. if your child now has their own, please let the Music Service teacher and Durham Music Service know by emailing [email protected] If you want to stop your child’s lessons, please let the Music Service teacher and Durham Music Service know by emailing [email protected] You need to tell us that your child wants to stop lessons or that you no longer need to hire an instrument before we send you the invoice for the term. You will get an invoice in September, December and April so you must let us know by the last day of the month before (i.e. August, November, March). If you don't tell us you want to stop lessons in time you might still have to pay the fees. If you stop lessons/hire part way through a term you will still need to pay the normal fee for lessons for the whole term.