- Home
- Curriculum
- Instrument Lessons
Instrument Lessons
Instrument Lessons
The Music department offer instrument lessons and clubs for all ages and abilities. We currently have Rock Club, Jazz Club, String Group and Choir during lunchtimes and Steel Pans after school. Members of these groups have the opportunity to practise and play together and also perform at events such as the Carol Concert and in our annual 'Sounding Off' concert. Take a look at our Strings Group performing Skye Boat Song.
If your child is already a pupil at Bishopshalt but would like to start lessons, please complete and submit this Expression of Interest Form.
Lessons are taken during the school day as, unfortunately, it is not possible to schedule them before or after school. Instrument lessons are arranged directly with the school and are provided by our peripatetic tutors.
Instrument Lesson Pricing
This academic year (2022/23) we are making some changes to the pricing strategy for our instrumental lessons. This is to reflect a further subsidy by the school in support of the new Department for Education national agenda for increasing participation in Music. Following a consultation period with the SLT, our peripatetic teaching staff and research into what other schools offer, the new lesson charges are as follows:
- 30 minute lessons, £12 per lesson, £120 for a term of 10 lessons.
- 20 minute lessons, £9 a lesson, £90 for per term of 10 lessons.
A reduced rate is available for all pupils in receipt of free school meals - if you are not sure if you qualify for this please do contact us by email to check: hmoriarty@bishopshalt.school.
- 30 minute lessons, £6.50 per lesson. £65 for a term of 10 lessons.
- 20 minute lessons, £4.50 per lesson, £45 for a term of 10 lessons.
Instrument Lessons Policy
Instrument Lessons Policy
Full details of the School's Instrumental Lessons Policy can be found here.
Lesson Timetables
Copies of all the current lesson timetables can be found on the Google Classroom — Instrument Lessons, along with any other information relating to instrument lessons. If your child has lessons with us, they will have been invited to join this and we recommend that they accept this invitation.
Instrument Hire
Please note, we do not supply instruments for lessons.
If this is your first lesson at Bishopshalt School and you do not possess the instrument you wish to learn you may be able to borrow an instrument for your first lesson (please advise in advance). Following this you will need to purchase/hire an instrument. Please speak with your peripatetic tutor to discuss the best instrument for you and the best places to purchase the instrument.
Payment for Lessons via PARENTPAY
All payments for music tuition must be made via ParentPay. Lessons cannot be commenced without payment being made.
If you have had a lesson previously you should have the appropriate link for payment in ParentPay. If you cannot see the payment link or are new to lessons please contact Miss Moriarty who will be able to give you access to payment for these lessons. The payment system has been set up with a default of £90 however this can be changed to reflect the amount you need to pay.
Termination of lessons
If you have been receiving lessons and wish to terminate your tuition (at the end of the current term) please email the school as soon as possible at hmoriarty@bishopshalt.school as we have a waiting list. If possible please can you state your reason for cancelling, so we can take any feedback into account.
Drum and Woodwind Lessons
Our tutor for woodwind instruments and drums is Mr Mangan who is a classically trained, multi-instrumentalist with years of experience both in arranging, performing and studio work. He also studied at Bishopshalt and continues to contribute to our community by passing on his expertise in a variety of instruments including the drums, guitar, flute and saxophone.
Pupils can join our Rock Club, facilitated by Mr Mangan, on Monday lunchtimes where they have the opportunity to play and perform together.
To sign up for lessons, please complete the form in your Year 6 transition pack and return it to us. If you are a current Bishopshalt pupil, please contact hmoriarty@bishopshalt.school for more details.
Piano Lessons
We currently have three timetables running for piano lessons, our most popular instrument. Lessons are are delivered by our three very experienced piano tutors:
- Mr Dawson
- Mrs Smith
- Mr Cadden
Students do have the opportunity to be entered for grade exams but equally, many pupils are happy to learn to play for pleasure.
To sign up for lessons, please complete the form in your Year 6 transition pack and return it to us. If you are a current Bishopshalt pupil, please contact hmoriarty@bishopshalt.school for more details.
Violin/String Lessons
String (violin/viola/cello) lessons are held on Wednesday with Mr Halford.
Pupils learning strings are also expected to attend the String Group which he runs at lunchtime. This gives pupils a chance to practise together and to perform at events such as our annual concert 'Sounding Off' or the Carol Concert.
To sign up for lessons, please complete the form in your Year 6 transition pack and return it to us. If you are a current Bishopshalt pupil, please contact hmoriarty@bishopshalt.school for more details.
Vocal Coaching
Our vocal coaching sessions are delivered by Mr Turner. Mr Turner has a wealth of experience in musical theatre and can also accompany on the piano. He studied at Bishopshalt and continues to contribute to our community by passing on his knowledge.
Pupils can also join the choir (facilitated by Mr Turner at lunchtimes) and can choose to participate in our BODS show held in December (for upper school pupils) and Junior BODS held in July (for lower school pupils).
To sign up for lessons, please complete the form in your Year 6 transition pack and return it to us. If you are a current Bishopshalt pupil, please contact hmoriarty@bishopshalt.school for more details.
Guitar Lessons
Guitar lessons are held in the Music Block practice rooms by Mr Mangan who is a classically trained, multi-instrumentalist with years of experience both in arranging, performing and studio work. He also studied at Bishopshalt and continues to contribute to our community by passing on his expertise in a variety of instruments including the drums, guitar, flute and saxophone.
Pupils can join our lunchtime Rock Club, facilitated by Mr Mangan, where they have the opportunity to play and perform together.
To sign up for lessons, please complete the form in your Year 6 transition pack and return it to us. If you are a current Bishopshalt pupil, please contact hmoriarty@bishopshalt.school for more details.