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  • Durham Music Service lessons
  1. Learning
  2. Instrumental and vocal lessons
  3. How lessons work

Durham Music Service lessons

How lessons work

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We offer lessons in most schools across County Durham and Darlington. Lessons include

  • Brass e.g. trumpet, cornet, horn, trombone
  • Woodwind e.g. flute, clarinet, saxophone
  • String Lessons e.g. violin, viola, cello
  • Percussion e.g. drum kit
  • Guitar
  • Singing

Lessons usually take place within the school day and pupils will need to leave subject lessons to attend. Lessons are usually on a rota (a different time each week) so that pupils are not missing the same subject each week. Schools support this and encourage pupils to attend music lessons.

Being able to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also:

  • Help social skills
  • Build teamwork
  • Increase self-confidence
  • Give opportunities to perform
  • Be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities
  • Give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level
Playing an instrument or singing does require commitment - it helps to build resilience and 'stickability'. Students need to bring their instrument or equipment to lessons and will need to play or sing regularly at home. Your support and encouragement will help if there are times when they will find it difficult. The early stages may not always sound wonderful but your child will be making musical progress and learning all the time! 
Our full guidance notes are here:
Standard Parental Guidance
If your child attends one of the following schools, please read the guidance notes for your school:
Durham Johnston Parental Guidance
Framwellgate School Parental Guidance
St Bedes Lanchester Parental Guidance
St Leonards Parental Guidance
Wolsingham School Parental Guidance
Please ensure you read the terms and conditions before registering for lessons.
Terms & Conditions
     

    Published: 10th July, 2018

    Updated: 2nd September, 2024

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    Lessons throughout school life

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    Lessons can carry on all through your child’s school career. Our teachers often work with children through primary, secondary and sixth form. Lessons do not stop automatically at the end of the school year or if your child moves school e.g. to secondary school.

    If you want to stop hiring an instrument e.g. if your child now has their own, please let the Music Service teacher and Durham Music Service know by emailing [email protected] 

    If you want to stop your child’s lessons, please let the Music Service teacher and Durham Music Service know by emailing [email protected] 

    You need to tell us that your child wants to stop lessons or that you no longer need to hire an instrument before we send you the invoice for the term.  You will get an invoice in September, January and April so you must let us know by the last day of the month before (i.e. August, December, March). If you don't tell us you want to stop lessons in time you might still have to pay the  fees.

    If you stop lessons/hire part way through a term you will still need to pay the normal fee for lessons for the whole term. 

    Published: 17th July, 2018

    Updated: 19th August, 2022

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    Durham Music Service
    Ushaw
    Durham
    DH7 9RH

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