Whole-class music instrument teaching

We offer a 30-week programme of whole-class instrumental teaching to key stage 2 pupils (aimed primarily at year 4). Lessons are given by specially trained teachers.

After doing the 30-week whole-class programme, young musicians have the option to continue learning in years 5 and 6. 

Offering whole-class instrumental lessons helps your school meet the Department for Education's pledge that 'all pupils will have the opportunity to play a musical instrument’.

It also helps you achieve the goals set out in GOV.UK's National Plan for Music Education which school inspectors use as a benchmark.

Download our Whole Class Instrumental Teaching – Teaching Programme 2023-2024 (pdf, 8 page(s), 5.73 MB)

Instruments 

We give sessions on the following instruments: 

• flute 
• guitar 
• recorder 
• strings − violin, viola and cello
• trumpet and clarinet
• world percussion − djembe (African drums) 

Lesson information

Lessons are given 30 weeks per year – normally 10 sessions per term.

Each session normally runs for up to 3 hours and includes: 

• year 4 whole class lesson of up to 45 minutes – music teachers need 15 minutes to set up each week 
• year 4 backup support sessions to focus on individual technique for up to 30 minutes each – about 5 children per group 
• year 5 and 6 continued ‘band’ lessons – up to 2 classes lasting 30 minutes 

We provide 2 teachers for the whole session. 

Days and times

Schools that already have whole class instrumental teaching will continue with their usual day and time unless we're asked otherwise.

We'll agree a day and time with schools new to whole class instrumental teaching. The day and time depends on teacher availability 

Apply

To apply, complete the application form and return by post or email. 

Whole-class instrumental teaching application form (pdf, 1 page(s), 85.38 KB)

Alexandra Palace concert

Watch our video about 5 concerts given at Alexandra Palace over 3 days. The concert involved 20 schools all doing the whole-class instrumental programme. Hear from teachers about the positive impact it had on the students.