Instrumental lessons

If you are keen to take up an instrument but not sure which one, perhaps have a look at the list of ensembles that take place at Aston and see if there are any you aspire to be a part of. You can then choose an instrument to enable you to do this.

We may be able to arrange trial lessons for any of the above instruments before you commit to lessons. Learning any kind of instrument has huge benefits, especially when applying to university and providing information for a UCAS application. You can gain extra UCAS points for Grade 6 and above, with the points equating up to the value of an AS Level.

Most pupils tend to acquire their own instruments. However, there are a small number of school violins, saxophones, cellos, clarinets, bassoons, flutes, trumpets and trombones, given out on a first come, first served basis. Please note that we do not have any guitars, bass guitars, pianos or drums available for loan. The cost of replacement or any insurance excess and/or the cost of repairing any damage will, if deemed appropriate by the school, be charged to parents. Strings, reeds, any other accessories and music will also be provided by parents. If a pupil brings their own instrument to school, it must be insured privately and the school will not be responsible for any loss or damage. Please speak to your teacher regarding recommendations for insuring your instrument.

We have several options regarding instruments if you do not already own one:

Borrow from school: we have a number of used instruments to hire through school. This is a temporary agreement for two years unless otherwise agreed with the school. However, instruments are limited in number and given out on a first come, first served basis.

Rent from a music shop: you can rent a brand-new instrument with all accessories needed from most music shops for a monthly cost. You get the option to return the instrument after three months if you are unhappy, but if you are happy with the instrument, you can keep it at the end of the rental period. 

Purchase new: this is the most popular option as purchasing an instrument brand new through school means you get a reduction in price as the instrument is VAT-free. Please speak to the school to purchase your instrument VAT-free.

Yes, and lots of pupils do!

Those in years 7 – 11 have lessons during the school day. This is on a rotation, meaning the same subject lesson is not missed more than twice per term. Those in years 12 – 13 have their lessons outside academic commitments. If you learn more than one instrument in school, one of your lessons will be placed during break or lunch or before school so as not to miss any more academic lessons than necessary.

There is no obligation, but often pupils find these a good way to focus their learning. It is entirely up to you, in consultation with your teacher.

As much as possible! It’s always best to practise for short periods regularly, rather than one long session a week. To make sufficient progress to pass instrumental music exams it is advisable to practice five times each week for 15 – 20 min per session. If you are studying for a higher grade exam this would require far longer practice sessions. The music department is open throughout the school day, and pupils can book a practice room with the mucic department if they wish to practice inside school hours.

Please complete the online Music Lesson Request form. In the case of some instruments, there may be a waiting list for lessons. Once the form has been received, the school will be in touch with further details (e.g. teacher, lesson time, room etc.).

We offer one-to-one tuition for either twenty or thirty minutes per week with one of our skilled and professional specialist teachers. Pupils receive thirty lessons per year in total.  The flexibility of the timetable depends on the individual teacher; some are here two days per week, others perhaps just one day. We endeavour to work around the pupil’s other commitments as far as we are able.

Students can find their timetable on the homepage of the school SharePoint. The link to this timetable will be emailed to them by their teacher. It is important for students to check the timetable regularly, as lesson times can change

Should the pupil be confused about the timing of their lessons, they can contact their instrumental teacher or any member of the music department. 

If a student knows they are going to be absent for a lesson they must give the teacher 24 hours' notice via email. The teacher will not claim for lessons where advance notice has been given. If the teacher does not receive advance notice of student absence, they are entitled to claim for their time. In the event of teacher absence, the missed lesson will not be claimed for and will roll over to a later date. 

Lessons may be terminated by parents via email to the school. Lessons are delivered in non-refundable blocks of 10, and the teacher will continue to offer any remaining lessons from the point of cancellation. Please note that once started, lessons will continue each year until notice is given. Lessons may be terminated by the school if a pupil ceases to show aptitude or application, evidence of which is given in written reports.

Parents and guardians will receive a report on their child’s progress in instrumental lessons at the end of each term. Please e-mail the relevant teacher should you wish to make contact between these reporting times.

There is no compulsion for any pupil to take music exams – many pupils prefer to progress without jumping these hurdles – but for many they can provide a useful motivational goal.

Should the teacher and pupil feel that the time is right to sit an exam, the pupil will receive a letter to take home. Parents are required to pay for all music examinations except those in receipt of Pupil Premium or Albion Trust.

We aim to offer all of our pupils a range  of performance opportunities, from informal concerts to larger evening events. Our ensembles perform regularly, both in school and at external events.

If you are in receipt of Pupil Premium, this fund can be used to purchase instrumental lessons in full or part. Financial support is also available for those wishing to take lessons and not eligible for pupil premium funding, but might struggle to pay the full amount. It is our desire at Aston for anyone wishing to play a musical instrument to be able to do so. School is very concerned not to deter any pupil from learning how to play a musical instrument. Therefore, for financial assistance please contact the Ms R Pierce (r.pierce@ast.kevibham.org).

If your son receives support from the Albion Trust, you should write to Mrs Leah (Student Services & Support) explaining that you would like the Fund to support his exam. Mrs Leah will confirm in writing if, in this instance, support from the Trust will be available.

Tuition fees are for a minimum of ten lessons per term or thirty lessons over the academic year.  The following options are available:

A1: ten, twenty-minute lessons: £126

A2: thirty, twenty-minute lessons: £378

B1: ten, thirty-minute lessons: £189

B2: thirty, thirty-minute lessons: £567

GCSE and A-Level students are subsidised for 50% more teaching time. You can either pay for twenty-minute lessons and receive thirty-minute lessons or pay for thirty-minute lessons and receive forty-five minutes.

Pupils also receive the following free of charge:

• Free ensemble and orchestra rehearsal time with the appropriate music tutor for at least thirty minutes each week for each ensemble and orchestra that the student performs with.
• Free piano accompaniment by a music tutor for all grade exams, GCSE and A-Level performance examinations.

Please note that music lessons cannot commence until either fees or funding have been received up front.