Lessons normally start in the second or third week of term and take place in school during the school day.
Teachers contact schools and parents or carers to let them know when lessons are. If pupils are unsure when their lesson is, they can check with the school. Many schools have notice boards giving lesson details.
Length of lessons
The length of a lesson is normally 30-minutes and shared with 1 other child. This could be changed to 15 minutes for 1 child if the teacher thinks this works better or there's no one to share with.
We also offer 20- and 30-minute individual lessons. Contact us if you want to change lesson length.
If you miss a lesson
You must give a teacher 3 weeks' notice if your child will not be at school on the day of their lesson. The teacher will then make up the missed lesson or you will be credited and this credit will show on your next invoice.
If your child misses a lesson due to illness, the teacher will do their best to make up the missed lesson.
If any school trips or exams are scheduled for the same time as a music lesson, let us know as soon as possible.
Pupil progress book
Every child is given a pupil progress book. Parents or carers and teachers write notes and messages in the book and communicate with each other. It helps parents check their child’s attendance and practise.
Your child’s teacher will complete an assessment page in the book at the end of each term.
Exams
The teacher will let you know if your child is ready to take a graded music exam.
Practise outside of lessons
Regular, short practise sessions are the best way for your child to learn their instrument or train their voice, especially at the beginning. The physical and mental demands of learning an instrument can be a lot, especially for younger children.
Five practise sessions of 10 to 15 minutes each week is better than 2 practise sessions of 30 minutes.
Supporting your child
Your encouragement and support, even if you have no musical training, is vital.
Being with your child and offering positive comments while they practise is invaluable.
Always try to attend any musical activity your child takes part in.