We offer a 30-week programme of whole-class instrumental teaching (WCIT) 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
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.
This is our suggested curriculum for each instrument:
- WCIT: guitar scheme of learning – September 2024
- WCIT: strings scheme of learning – September 2024
- WCIT: woodwind and brass scheme of learning – September 2024
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 will 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
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.