Instrumental and vocal tuition in schools

Redbridge Music Service provides a wide range of instrumental and vocal tuition in schools throughout the borough. Schools throughout Redbridge have the choice as to which of these services they purchase.

In addition to instrumental and vocal tuition, schools may also purchase:

• School ensemble coaching
• Indian Music
• African Music
• South American Music

For specific information about instruments and services available at your school please contact the school directly.

Why learn a musical instrument?

There are many reasons why children should be encouraged to learn a musical instrument. Research has shown that playing an instrument improves performance in all areas of the curriculum and there is no doubt that learning is a skill for life. Music can uplift us when we are down and bring calm into our lives at the end of a stressful day. To engage in music making can be a life changing experience and it enables us to discover our creative powers and inner emotions.

There is never a right age to learn an instrument as we are all individuals however it is generally acknowledged that it takes longer to learn a string instrument. This is why string instruments come in a variety of sizes and children can move up to the next size instrument as they grow. Teachers employed by Redbridge Music Service are very experienced and can advise on the choice of instrument. It helps if children have some musical awareness and can clap simple rhythms and sing a simple song or two before taking up an instrument. With adults the main driving force for learning an instrument is a strong desire to learn and an interest in music. Adults can often make up for lost time if they have the motivation and discipline to engage in regular practice.

Learning helps pupils develop the following qualities:

• self-confidence
• self-respect
• self-reliance
• self-discipline
• listening skills
• imagination and creativity
• co-operation
• commitment
• loyalty
• communication skills
• memory skills
• team and social skills
• Co-ordination skills
• Concentration skills

Which instrument should I learn?

Which instrument a pupil would like to play is an extremely important part of deciding which is the right instrument for them. A determined pupil will overcome all kinds of obstacles. However, the choice of instrument may also be affected by physical suitability and the availability of lessons within the school. (see below)

The appropriate visiting instrumental teacher at your school will be able to help with the choice of instrument and offer expert advice regarding the physical suitability of the pupil to the instrument.

To find out more about all of the instruments that are available through Redbridge Music Service see the Instrument Centre. You can find out what kind of groups the instruments can be played in, lists of music to listen to, names of famous players, etc.
There are many instruments to choose from.



The Piano (Keyboard)
A very versatile instrument, the piano is used in jazz bands, rock and pop groups and as a solo instrument. The piano is also used to accompany any instrument. Keyboards are capable of producing many sounds and are used mainly by rock and pop groups.

The Guitar
Like the piano the guitar does not require accompaniment by other instruments. Classical musicians use acoustic guitars and electric guitars are used by rock and pop bands.

The Recorder
The recorder is an ideal instrument for children to start on and are very cheap to purchase.

The Flute
The flute has a beautiful tone and can be heard clearly over an orchestra or wind band because it is capable of playing very high. It is a refined instrument and flute choirs are now becoming very popular.

The Clarinet
The clarinet has a very mellow tone and is played in wind bands, orchestras and jazz groups. Many clarinettists learn the saxophone when they have reached a good standard.

The Saxophone
The saxophone has a very silky sound and is played by jazz, classical, pop and soul musicians. It is a very popular instrument and features in jazz bands, wind bands and saxophone ensembles.

The Oboe
The oboe is probably one of the most difficult and rewarding instruments to play. It has a beautiful tone in the hands of an experienced player and is performed in wind bands and orchestras. The oboe is a double reed instrument and has a very reedy tone when played by beginners.

The Bassoon
The bassoon is the largest and deepest sounding woodwind instrument. It is often considered to be the comedian of the orchestra because of its distinctive sound. The bassoon is played in wind bands, orchestras and wind ensembles.

The Violin
The violin has a beautiful sound and some of the World’s most wonderful melodies have been written for it. The violin leads the orchestra and string quartets use two violins. Some groups such as The Corrs use electric violins.

The Viola
The viola is a larger version of the violin and has a slightly richer, deeper sound than the violin. It is used in the orchestra and in string quartets and is occasionally used as a solo instrument.

The Cello
The cello has an enormous range of notes from deep notes in the low register to passionate singing notes in the upper register. It is used in orchestras and string quartets and has an enormous solo repertoire like the violin.

The Double Bass
The double bass is the largest instrument in the string family and makes a deep resonant sound. It is used in orchestras and jazz groups.

The Harp
The harp is often used in orchestras but is an excellent solo instrument. It is also used for accompanying choirs.

The Trumpet
The trumpet can have a very penetrating sound but can also sound very lyrical. It is a very versatile instrument and can be used in wind bands, orchestras, jazz bands and brass ensembles. The trumpet is an excellent choice for fanfares and playing at ceremonial occasions.

The Cornet
The cornet appears to be shorter than the trumpet however the tube length is the same. It has a more mellow tone quality and is preferred by brass bands.

The French Horn
The French horn is a very heroic instrument and has a very beautiful sound quality. It is used in orchestras, wind bands and chamber groups.

The Tenor Horn
The tenor horn has a different shape to the French horn and is used in brass bands. It has a mellow sound quality and is easier to play than the French horn.

The Trombone
The trombone has a slide rather than valves and is capable of producing special effects such as glissandi (sliding from one note to another). It is the most versatile brass instrument as it can be played in orchestras, wind bands, brass bands, jazz orchestras and reggae groups.

The Baritone/Euphonium
The baritone and euphonium are brass band instruments and are also used in wind bands and military bands. The euphonium has a particularly sonorous tone quality.

The Tuba
The tuba is the largest brass instrument and is used in orchestras, wind bands and brass bands. It can be a comical instrument at times and it has a wide-range of notes in the hands of a good player.

Percussion
Drum kit and tuned percussion instruments provide rhythmic excitement in any music group. The drum kit is used in rock and pop bands, jazz bands, brass bands and wind bands. Tuned percussion (glockenspiel and xylophone) is used in orchestras, brass bands and wind bands. African drumming and samba are popular areas of study especially for those who have little experience of music.

The Voice
The voice is the most versatile instrument and encompasses all musical styles.

Fee Remission
Redbridge Music School tuition fees, annual subscriptions and instrument hire fees will be remitted for those whose parents are in receipt of Income Support, Income based Job Seeker's Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or where annual family income does not exceed a specified amount (this figure is the same as free school meals entitlement).Those eligible are also entitled to have their Associated Board orTrinity Guildhall examination fees waived. Music School pupils studying AS or A level music are entitled to a free 30 minute individual weekly lesson subject to written application to the Music Service Director. Pupils facing financial hardship can apply to the'Friends'for financial assistance. Applications can be made in confidence via the Music Service Director.

Practice

Regular practice is essential if progress is to be made. A little and often is better than hours at a time followed by several days off. Daily practice as recommended by the instrumental teacher will enable pupils to achieve their best.

Who can learn an instrument?
Any child may learn an instrument provided:

· the school has a vacancy for lessons on the chosen instrument (click here to find out how schools purchase instrumental teaching from RMS)
· the instrument is available through the Music Service or privately (more)
· the child is physically suited
· the parents agree to pay fees and instrument hire charges or qualify for fee remission
· the child attends a Redbridge School or is a resident in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Note:
Some schools may restrict the number of instruments that an individual pupil may learn through the Music Service. We recommend that pupils who already receive private tuition should not apply for Music Service lessons on the same instrument.