Glastonbury Public Schools Music

Beginning Instrument Lessons

Instrument Selection

In the Spring of 2025 current third graders will be able to choose a musical instrument to learn next school year. In addition, current fourth graders who are not yet learning a musical instrument can opt into the program.

Parents of current third graders will receive information about the process via email at the end of April. Those fourth graders who are not yet learning a musical instrument will receive information directly from their music teacher.

Our Process for Instrument Selection

In late April, parents will receive an instrument enrollment form via ParentSquare. On the form, students will select 3 instruments to try. On the form, parents can also indicate if 1) their child is already receiving instrument lessons, or 2) the cost of instrument rental/supplies would keep them from participating in the program.
Our instrument teachers will then give the students a chance to check out their selected 3 instruments in-person during the month of May. This test-run can be a valuable experience for students. After that, students will bring a feedback form to parents. This will help students/parents to select their final instrument.
Instrument teachers will then contact students to welcome them to the program.
At the end of August, students should rent an instrument to begin lessons in September.
Students should plan to practice a minimum of 5 days a week for 20 minutes a day for success!

Benefits of Playing an Instrument

Playing an instrument offers many benefits:

Individual levels of challenge
Small group instruction
Improved concentration and learning skills

In addition, participating in a musical ensemble is valuable way for your child to learn skills that he or she will carry throughout life.

Studies show that students who participate in instrumental music are both more engaged in school and score better on standardized tests. They also display more self confidence, are better able to express their ideas, and possess better memory skills than those who do not participate in music.

Beginning Instrument Program Overview

Timing

During the spring your child will learn about the instrumental program and have the opportunity to sign up for a variety of band and string orchestra instruments.

Students newly enrolled in grades 4 & 5 in Glastonbury Public Schools are offered the opportunity to elect an instrument to study only at the beginning of the school year.

How it Works

In the fall, students will receive a lesson schedule for a 30-minute group lesson which is held once a week during the class day. These lessons will be on a rotating schedule so students do not miss mathematics or language arts.
In addition to small group lessons once a week, beginning orchestra and band students will also meet once a week before school starting in January. Instrumental teachers will determine the schedules.
Beginning instrumental students will perform in one or two concerts per year.

What You Need

Students will provide their own instrument and lesson book. A music stand is also needed for home practice.
We recommend you initially rent, rather than purchase an instrument. This can be done at any local music store. At the start, most rentals are for 4 months and then continue on a month-to-month basis for cost.
Please click on the Beginning Instrument Supplies page to view supplies to purchase for each instrument.

Our Elementary Instrumental Music Teachers

Band

Orchestra

Please contact Director of Music, Leslie Lopez with any questions about this program. She can be reached at LopezL@Glastonburyus.org.

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