Learning an Instrument
Welcome to Music at Blenheim
Here at Blenheim, we are very proud to offer some fantastic Music Services. In addition to our growing school choir who have featured at local events, borough-wide recitals and perform regularly for members of our wider community, pupils at Blenheim also have the opportunity to learn an instrument.
Working very closely with the Bexley Music Education Hub, children at Blenheim have the opportunity to begin learning an instrument from Year 3. The instruments we offer include: cello, violin, viola, trumpet, trombone, flute, oboe, clarinet, piano and percussion. We are currently planning on increasing the number of instruments we offer, so do keep checking here for further updates!
Research has shown that learning a musical instrument not only improves study skills such as dedication, practice and commitment, but that it also has impact on learning generally across all curriculum areas. Furthermore, learning a musical instrument gives learners an opportunity to be creative, to perform and to be confident and is proven to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. At Blenheim, we recognise this and thanks to the government’s First Access programme and working collaboratively with Bexley Music Education, before leaving our school, all pupils will have the opportunity to learn an instrument as part of their curriculum studies as a whole-class.
If your child is interested in learning to play an instrument and is currently studying at Blenheim in Years 3 – 6, please speak with Ms Musgrave, our Music co-ordinator after school, or alternatively email her at admin@blenheim.info
Please note however, our specialist music teachers do get booked up very quickly at the beginning of the Autumn Term; in the event where we have too much interest in a particular instrument, your child will be added to the waiting list and you will be informed should a space become available. However whilst waiting, where possible, your child will be offered an alternative instrument within the same orchestral family.
Costings and Payments
First Access Whole-Class Teaching – no fee to parents.
Small Group Instrumental Tuition: £5* per week (for approximately a 20 minute lesson) for a period of 25 weeks. (Please note however if you are learning the drums or piano, the cost is £7.50 per week due to limited group numbers).
Instrument Hire: Instruments can be hired from Bird College at £60 (for violas and violins) and £69 for all other instruments. This includes a £20 refundable deposit on the safe return of the instrument in the same state it was leased. Unfortunately, the school and Bird College are unable to lease Drums, Pianos or Guitars. However we can refer you to alternative providers to purchase guitars, practice keyboards and drum pads.
What if we as a family cannot afford the lessons?
As we are committed to ensuring equal access to these opportunities for all of our pupils, for any pupils who have been eligible for Free School Meals whilst in KS2, with the exception of Piano and Drums, the school will pay for the small group instrumental tuition meaning that only the instrument hire costs will be charged to parents/families. Due to the increased costs of Piano and Drum tuition, we as a school will contribute £5 per week towards these sessions meaning the cost is reduced to £2.50
