Instrumental and Vocal Tuition

At Bingley Grammar School, students can take part in external music lessons if they wish.

Any queries please email the tuition team direct: bgsthecabin@gmail.com

These lessons are delivered by qualified, DBS checked professional musicians, who are there to ensure that your musical learning is challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.

Who is eligible for lessons?

Any student at Bingley Grammar School is eligible for instrumental and/or vocal tuition.

You do not need to have already undertaken music lessons elsewhere, or be particularly gifted at music to take part. Our emphasis is on providing quality tuition for all year groups and for all standards of students at Bingley Grammar School.

We offer individual tuition, which allows your teacher to give you the best and most attentive experience for the whole of the session to make sure that you build technique and progress at your own pace.

We also offer shared lessons / small groups on some instruments to improve accessibility where this might be more appropriate, particularly when first starting lessons.

Where do the lessons take place?

The majority of lessons (30 minute sessions) take place between 08.50 until 14.50 during the school day. Students in year 12/13 and or those studying for a UCAS points qualification may be able to arrange lessons in fixed free periods and/or at other times, subject to availability and agreement with the tutor / School.

Where possible, the tuition will be timetabled on a rotational basis so that minimal disruption is caused to the normal school timetable. In most circumstances the same school lesson will not be missed, (at the same time), more than twice during the same term.

When do the lessons take place?

The majority of lessons (30 minute sessions) take place between 08.50 until 15.50 during the school day. Students in year 12/13 and or those studying for a UCAS points qualification may be able to arrange lessons in fixed free periods and/or at other times, subject to availability and agreement with the tutor / School.

How do I know that I will enjoy it?

All our music tutors will demonstrate the instruments and will give you the opportunity to have a go! Learning an instrument can bring many all-round benefits to your school life and improve your learning in other subjects. Music lessons help with reading, problem solving and teamwork.

If you want to try instrumental or vocal tuition for a short time to make up your mind, it may be possible to sign up for a ‘taster period’ of 6 weeks with no obligation to continue. In such cases, it will be assumed that ‘notice has been given’ at the time of sign up.

Generally, 6 weeks notice (or half a term) is required to terminate lessons however parents are reminded that this may depend on the specific arrangement that they have agreed with their tutor. Bingley Grammar School will seek to support all parents and tutors for mutual benefit but may be unable to arbitrate in financial or legal disputes.

How much do lessons cost?

Individual lessons are on average £18 per 30 min lesson.

Shared lessons are on average £12 per 30 minute lesson.

Other lesson options may be available by arrangement on certain instruments.

Are there any discounted lessons available?

Pupil Premium: Pupil Premium students, at the time of application, will be entitled to receive one free, shared lesson per music teaching week.

Looked After Children and Post-Looked After Children: Students in this group are entitled to receive one free lesson per music teaching week.

How is it paid for?

As the tuition is delivered by external, professional musicians, all fees and arrangements need to be made directly between parents and these tutors. The majority of tutors use standardised contracts and agreements recommended by the musician union for use in schools. The school undertakes no role in the agreement and collection of fees.

Parents are advised to consider (and can seek advice from The Cabin) on all the associated costs of learning an instrument. Primarily, there is the cost (or hire) of the instrument itself, books, repairs, exam fees and also very importantly, time.

Students who are receiving fee / subsidised tuition may also be eligible for assistance with additional costs.

What if I do not have my own instrument?

Bingley Grammar School has some instruments that are available ‘to loan’ for students who are having tuition at school. Please ask for more details on the availability of specific instruments, and associated hire fees (if applicable).

Loan periods may need to be capped to allow more students to start particular instruments.

In the case that you might like to buy your own instrument, the instrumental teachers would be able to recommend supplies of both new and hire instruments.

If you are considering buying your own instrument, please feel free to ask your instrumental teacher’s advice. The Cabin has some storage facilities available for instruments brought into school for tuition purposes, but please ensure that they are adequately covered by your own insurance. Dedicated Musical Instrument insurance is recommended as household policies might not be sufficient in some circumstances.

Who are the lessons with?

We have selected a group of talented professional musicians and tutors to work in partnership with us.

Our visiting tutors are highly experienced teachers and additionally, often have credentials in both performing, composing and music examining both in the UK and internationally. This allows Bingley Grammar School to be confident of the high quality of music tuition and it is important to take this level of expertise into account when comparing the costs of lessons.

Inline with Bingley Grammar School Safeguarding Policy, all tutors are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Disclosure check.

Which instruments may be offered?

We are able to offer tuition on the following instrument groups in school:

Vocals

Piano/Keyboard/Synth
Electric Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Drums / Tuned Percussion
Bass
Ukulele
Percussion
Woodwind (Flute, Sax, Clarinet etc)
Brass (Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone etc)

Some instruments may require students to be placed, temporarily, on a waiting list due to demand / tutor availability. In such cases, it may be possible to consider a different instrument in the short term so the musical learning process can begin. In the event that it may not be possible to fulfil instrument requirements in school, the Cabin may be able to recommend a private tutor without obligation (please note, if private tutor lessons are undertaken, Bingley Grammar School would be unable to offer financial support).

When can I start?

Students can start lessons at any point of the school year.

What do I do next?

Please send an email to bgsthecabin@gmail.com

Please give details of Parent contact name / phone number, Student Name / Form and instrument(s) interested in.

Emails will usually be responded to very quickly but please allow up to 8 school days during term time. This may be longer if requests are made during holiday periods.

You can keep up to date with the school here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BingleyGrammarSchool/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bingleygrammar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingleygrammarschool/