Music Lessons

Instrumental/Singing Lessons

Students at the school have the opportunity to take individual music lessons through The Math Music Academy.

14 qualified and experienced peripatetic music teachers visit the school each week offering lessons on a wide variety of instruments to students of all abilities from beginner to advanced. Singing lessons are also offered.

Weekly lessons last either 20 or 30 minutes and take place during the school day. Lessons will predominantly be on the same day each week but the time varies, to avoid the same subjects regularly being missed. Lesson times are displayed on a notice board at the entrance to the Music Department. A limited number of lesson slots are available after school on some instruments.

The Music Department is well-equipped with 10 purpose-built practice rooms, maintained to a high standard, 3 professional Yamaha pianos, a dedicated drum room, secure guitar store, instrument store cupboard, recording studio, 3 large teaching classrooms used for ensemble work and a dedicated music administration office.

The Music Academy has a wide range of instruments for hire at reasonable rates for those who do not have their own instrument. Instruments are regularly maintained and kept in good playing condition.

Music Lessons for Family and Friends

Through our Outreach Scheme, family and friends and students at other schools are able to enjoy the same excellent facilities and take lessons with the Math Music Academy. This can be a great opportunity to learn a musical instrument for the first time or resume tuition on an instrument you used to play. These lessons take place after school hours. Please complete the Outreach form.

Some of our teachers also visit Tunbury Primary School and St. Andrew’s School, where a range of instrumental lessons are offered.

Please use the menu on the left to download application forms and to view the list of current teachers.

If you have any queries, please look at the FAQ section (menu on the left).

APPLICATION FORMS

Tunbury School and St. Andrew’s School have separate application forms for instrumental and singing lessons.

For all other locations, there is a single form to cover both instrumental and singing lessons.

Application forms should be filled in, signed and returned to the Music Office.

Alternatively, forms may be scanned and returned by email to musicacademy@sjwms.org.uk or posted to Mr P Hyde, Music Office, Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3EL.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much do lessons cost?

Our latest prices can be found on the application forms which can be accessed from the menu on the left.

Do we need to hire an instrument?

If you do not have an instrument at home, you will need to hire one to practise on. The exception is drum kit, which we do not hire out but students may talk to the drum teacher about practising on the school drum kits. For lessons on piano, drums, cello and double bass, lessons can take place on the school instruments with no extra charge. For other instruments, students will need to bring their own instrument in each week. If this is difficult it is possible to hire a school instrument to leave at school and use for lessons.

How do we pay for the lessons?

Payments for the lessons are made directly to the instrumental teacher. The teacher will invoice you when payments are due and give you details of how the payments can be made. It is important that payments are made promptly. Otherwise lessons may be discontinued.

How do we pay for Instrument hire?

Payments for hire are made to the school. We will invoice you at the start of each term. These payments must be made on Wisepay. Go to ‘Shop’ and then to Instrument Hire. You will then need to enter the invoice number and payment amount yourself.

What if my son/daughter cannot make the lesson?

If a student is unable to attend a lesson, please contact the teacher directly as soon as you know about the absence. If the teacher is informed in advance, they may be able to reschedule the lesson but this cannot be guaranteed. Although we try to keep teachers informed of school trips as far as possible, please note that it is your son’s responsibility to tell his instrumental teacher the week before if he has a trip on the same day as his lesson. If your son has a long-term absence, please ensure that the teacher is informed.

What if the teacher is absent from the lesson?

If the teacher is absent, you will not be charged for the lesson. The teacher will keep a record of the number of lessons received and will ensure that the full 10 lessons are given before the next invoice is sent out. As there are more than 30 weeks in the school year, it is nearly always possible to complete the 30 lessons in the year, even if the teacher is occasionally absent. In the event of long term absence, you will be informed of the situation and a refund will be made, or an alternative teacher provided.

How do I contact the teacher?

You will normally be given contact details for the teacher when the lessons begin. If you do need to contact the teacher and do not have access to their contact details, please contact the Music Office.

How do I cancel the lessons?

You must give 5 lessons notice of cancellation. You must notify the teacher directly if you wish to cancel. They will then confirm when the cancellation can take effect and how much is owing.

How do I cancel the hire?

The instrument must be returned to the Music Office. Please ensure that the student informs a member of the music staff when they return the instrument.

How does my son get a music card?

He should ask at the music office.

What about music exams?

Students have the option to take Grade exams on their instrument. The teacher will discuss this with you when he or she feels the student is ready. You can then make the decision whether to enter the exam. Exam fees and accompanist fees must be paid by the student or parent.

Do I get any feedback on how my son’s lessons are going?

All teachers will give some feedback about the lessons. This may take the form of an annual report, availability at school parents’ evenings or regular emails informing you of the student’s progress. If you have any concerns, please contact the teacher directly.