Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, very much so. There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that children learning an instrument do better at school. Learning an instrument allows pupils to express themselves and grow in self-confidence whilst developing other skills such as hand and eye coordination, spatial and social skills, and self-reliance.

Our intention is to average 10 lessons per term, and 30 lessons over the academic year. School terms are usually 12-13 weeks long. If a pupil misses a lesson due to a school INSET day or because the teacher is not available, then this lesson is made up later in the term. In most cases, we are able to make up any missing lessons in this way and deliver 10 lessons each term. There may be occasions when your child is unable to attend a lesson (for example sickness, school trips, other eventualities). However, as these occasions are beyond our control we cannot offer any credit or refund.

Each instrument has its own extras required to make the learning process more complete and simple. If you are a string player you may need to buy strings and rosin. For woodwind players you will need reeds for all instruments except fife, recorder and flute. Drummers and percussionists should have their own sticks. Your children will be shown how to look after their instruments and their teachers will advise on maintenance. Your child will need music books too; maybe two or three a year.

It depends on their stage of learning. In the beginning this will mean little and often, but as they make progress practice time should increase; this may be as much as an hour or more each day after a few years tuition. Parental encouragement in this area is a great boost to your child’s progress – please ask your child’s teacher for assistance with some supportive strategies.

Music Cornwall is able to hire most instruments at very reasonable rates for as long as your child has lessons with a Music Cornwall teacher. Please see Instrument Hire section for details of charges.

Of course. Wherever possible Music Cornwall teachers who teach in secondary schools will also teach in the feeder primary schools in the area. Even if it is not possible to continue with the same teacher, the team structure of Music Cornwall ensures a level of continuity in approach, objectives, costs, administration and access to ensembles.

Small group teaching is ideally suited to introducing pupils to the skills required when playing in an ensemble. The development of these skills begins from lesson one and provides the starting point for a natural progression into larger ensembles when appropriate. Your child’s instrumental teacher will be able to give you more details of a suitable ensemble for your child and advise you when s/he will be ready to join.

Your child will be taught by an experienced and suitably qualified tutor who will have passed an Enhanced Disclosure CRB check. Staff undergo regular appraisal and training.

In the first instance you should discuss any concerns you have with your child’s instrumental teacher. If necessary, contact the Team Leader for that instrument via the Music Cornwall Office on 01872 323002

We would ask that you give at least a half term’s notice in writing to the school and the instrumental teacher to stop lessons.

Lessons usually last 30 minutes based on four pupils receiving a group lesson. Duration may vary slightly depending on group numbers.

Music Cornwall recommend a charge of £4.88 per lesson, based on four children learning in a group. However, the school reserves the right to adjust this amount. Schools around the county do vary in their charging policy, so please check the precise cost and charging procedure with your school secretary.

If Music Cornwall already provide lessons in your child’s school then the school or the instrumental teacher should be able to provide you with a letter outlining details. If not, then please contact the Music Cornwall Office on 01872 323003