Learning to play
We offer specialist instruction in a variety of musical instrument families, including Brass, Strings, Woodwind, Percussion and Guitar.
Lessons take place weekly as part of the school day. Pupils attending instrumental lessons will miss their normal class. In secondary schools, timetables are planned on rotation to make sure pupils don't always miss the same lesson every week. Pupils will receive regular feedback from their instrumental instructor. Feedback will be available via Microsoft Teams and the school digital platform, Showbie. This will replace annual progress reports.
There may also be the opportunity to attend “playdays” or ensemble days, join bands and other instrumental groups within schools. Schools will be able to provide further information.
How much does it cost?
The First Minister reaffirmed in Parliament in May 2021 the initiative to abolish fees for instrumental music tuition in schools.
Therefore, families in Scottish Borders will not receive a charge associated with any part of their child's music tuition.
We hope this initiative continues to encourage new students to consider playing an instrument.
Instrument loan
We may be able to provide an instrument on loan for pupils who join the instrumental timetable. Please contact the music service for further details.
Assisted Instrument Purchase
As lessons progress you may wish to purchase an instrument for your child. Discounted prices are available through the music service.
Certain conditions apply. Pupils must:
- attend a Scottish Borders school
- receive music instruction from one of our instructors
We recommend pupils discuss with their music instructor first before ordering an instrument.
Continuing Instrumental music lessons
Pupils who move from primary to secondary school will automatically be given a space on the school's instrumental timetable by the instructor. Should a pupil chose to discontinue, this should be arranged in discussion with their instructor and school music teacher, followed by a signed note from the pupil's parent/carer.