Instrumental Lessons at Aston School

King Edward VI School Aston is passionate about Music, and has a long tradition of excellent music-making. We offer a variety of individual instrumental lessons and extra-curricular ensembles. As your child begins a new chapter in their life, I would encourage them to get involved in the musical activities here at Aston. If they already play an instrument and would like to continue their lessons in school, or if it is something they have thought about starting, we can accommodate them.

Learning to play a musical instrument has huge benefits; it has the ability to improve focus and concentration in academic lessons, develop the skills required to be a team player, increases self-confidence and self-expression but more importantly, can contribute enormously to improved mental health and wellbeing. At Aston we are proud of the many extra-curricular opportunities there are, and music is a big part of this. Oxbridge and Russell group universities expect applicants to have a well-rounded education and to be able to demonstrate they have a variety of skills that underpin their work ethic.

Instrumental Lessons

We currently offer 20 or 30-minute lessons in the following instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Trumpet, French Horn, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Drumkit, Tuned Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Singing and Piano We aim to deliver 30 lessons per year.

You do not need to own your own instrument to begin lessons, we have some school instruments to hire for a fee of £50 per year. This does not include Piano or Guitar. I would strongly encourage you to purchase one making full use of the VAT-free scheme once your son is making good progress.

Many of our boys play more than one instrument!

Students in years 7-11 have lessons during the school day on a rotation, meaning the same subject is not missed each week. Students in years 12-13 have their lessons outside of their academic commitments. All timetables are displayed on the noticeboard in the music department and the instrumental teachers will also email timetables directly to students. If students know they are not able to attend their lesson and they give their teachers enough notice, it may be possible to rearrange their lesson. At the end of each term our instrumental teachers provide a report on progress and in the spring term you have the opportunity to discuss this with them during a parents evening.

Paying for Lessons

Tuition Fees are paid in advance: 10 x 20-minute lessons £126, 10 x 30-minute lessons £189. GCSE and A level students are offered a 33% reduction, or fully funded if you receive any kind of funding.

If you are in receipt of pupil premium, this fund can be used for instrumental lessons in full or in part. It is our desire at Aston for anyone wishing to pay a musical instrument to be able to do so. Financial support may be available at the discretion of the Headteacher.

How to apply for Instrumental Lessons

If you already play an instrument and would like to continue your lessons at School please fill in Form A.

If you are interested in learning to play an instrument and would like to find out more please speak to your music teacher in September.

Musical Extra-Curricular Activities

Your son is welcome to participate fully in all appropriate extra-curricular activities, whether they receive lessons in school or private lessons. Our Ensembles have opportunities to perform regularly in our termly concerts. We currently have the following weekly ensembles to choose from:

Junior Choir – Key Stage 3, open to all

Senior Choir – Key Stage 4/5 and year 9 by invitation

Rock Band – Key Stage 3 – by invitation

School Orchestra – grade 3+ or by invitation

Training Orchestra – any level

String Ensemble – grade 2+

Trumpet Ensemble – any level

Brass Group – any level

Percussion Ensemble – any level

Senior Guitar Ensemble – grade 3+

Jazz Ensemble – by invitation

String Quartet – by invitation

Electric Guitar Ensemble – any level

Recorder Ensemble – any level

Most of the ensembles take place before school, some rehearse during lunchtimes and are all free to enjoy weekly.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any more information or have any questions.

Mrs S Mackereth

Director of Music                  s.mackereth@keaston.bham.sch.uk