Choosing an instrument

The process of choosing which instrument to learn is a very exciting one. Children are encouraged to embrace the opportunities available to explore different possibilities in the process of making that choice. Learning an instrument should be a stimulating and extending experience, but of necessity it will involve daily preparation and commitment, so it is very important that children feel they have chosen something they really do like the sound of and want to play.

Many pupils start the process with piano lessons. There are good reasons for this route and the strong musical basis and mental discipline that the training affords, will be invaluable. That said, starting with the piano is certainly not the only option. Some instruments are available in quarter and half sizes and there are any number of children in Year 2 and Year 3 who are making excellent progress on the violin, the cello and the harp. Starting a wind or brass instrument at this stage is certainly not out of the question, but we would generally arrange for one of the teachers to meet the pupil to assess whether they have the stamina and tooth development required.

At various stages in the class music programme, pupils focus on aspects of instrumental awareness and for the most part, children can opt for lessons on any of these. In Year 2 all pupils have the chance to learn the recorder and the violin. 

Instruments currently being taught at the school:

Piano

Violin

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Harp

Flute

Clarinet

Oboe

Recorder

Saxophone

Trumpet

Trombone

French Horn

Orchestral percussion

Drum kit

Guitar - acoustic and electric

Voice

Bassoon

The music lesson application form is available from the School Office and on the Back Door website.