Instrumental and Vocal Lessons in Schools

Key questions answered:

Who organises the lessons?

Your child's school. You should address any questions about lesson payments or scheduling to your child's school.

Brent Music Service (BMS) supplies the tutor to teach the lesson.

What equipment is my child expected to have?

• an instrument

• a music tutor book

• a music stand

• a BMS Practice Journal (the first one will be provided by the BMS tutor free of charge)

• a pencil.

Other specific equipment, depending on instrument being learnt

• Flute: large cotton handkerchief

• Clarinet: 1½ strength B-flat Clarinet reeds made by Rico or Vandoren, cork grease

• Saxophone: 1½ strength E-flat Alto Sax reeds made by Rico or Vandoren, cork grease

• Bowed String Instruments: replacement strings and rosin will be needed from time to time. A shoulder rest for violins and violas may need to be bought separately as well. Cellists are recommended to get a cello stop/ spike holder. Please seek advice from your child’s tutor before purchasing.

• Guitar: replacement strings and equipment (will be needed from time to time, seek advice from your child’s tutor before purchasing)

• Brass: valve oil or trombone slide cream (will be needed from time to time, seek advice from your child’s tutor before purchasing)

• Piano/keyboards: a piano or keyboard needs to be available for home practice

Can I hire an instrument?

BMS hires instruments directly to parents. We have a wide range of instruments, but do not hire guitars, keyboards, drum kits or Indian instruments. These must be purchased.

What will my child be doing in lessons if they are waiting to receive their hired or purchased instrument at the start of the school year?

The BMS tutor will show your child how to set up and look after the instrument. The tutor will also teach some basic music theory, aural skills and co-ordination skills in preparation for having the instrument.

What music books will I need to purchase?

The BMS tutor will write in your child's practice journal any books that you need to purchase and may suggest where you can purchase them from.

How can I communicate with the BMS tutor?

Your child will be issued with a practice notebook in which the tutor will record homework to be completed. Please use this book to communicate with the BMS tutor.

How will I know how my child is progressing?

Each term, the BMS tutor will assess your child and either award a certificate at the end of term if your child has completed a BMS Level, or give your child a letter explaining why they have not reached the standard. Towards the end of the year, you will also receive a full report from BMS on your child’s progress.

Will my child take grade examinations?

On average, it takes one year for most instruments, or two years for a string pupil (in group lessons) to reach Grade 1 level.

If the tutor thinks your child is ready to enter an exam, you will receive a letter which will explain the entry process and will ask you if you wish your child to be entered. Please note that grade examinations carry an entry fee of £36 upwards. Extra music will also need to be purchased for the examination.

What should I do if there is a problem with the instrument?

If there is a problem with your child’s instrument, such as broken strings or sticking valves or keys, it is best ask your child’s tutor for advice rather than try to repair the instrument yourself. If your instrument is hired from BMS, we will undertake repairs for you.