Music Lessons
Our team of 25 dedicated Visiting Music Teachers provide instrumental and vocal tuition for pupils in the Prep and Senior Schools. Many of our visiting teachers perform professionally, and our lively and friendly department makes for an exciting and inspiring environment for musical development.
From September 2024, the cost of individual music lessons of 40 minutes is in the region of £32. Charges from different Visiting Music Teachers (VMT) may therefore differ. All of our VMTs are highly qualified professionals who undergo the same rigorous interview and induction process- differences in charges are not a reflection of varying standards of teaching.
For pupils in receipt of a music scholarship, the school will contribute financially towards lessons, at the guide rate of £32 per lesson. Across the academic year, it is expected that 30 music lessons will be taught. Therefore, for the 2024/25 academic year, the scholarship contribution per pupil per term will be £320.
Music lessons are conducted on a weekly basis with an average of 10 lessons per term. You will be invoiced directly by the VMT concerned and payment should go directly to them and not to Caterham School. Pupils are withdrawn from their normal timetabled class on a rotational basis, missing the same subject no more than twice each half term. Sixth formers, any pupils learning more than one instrument, or pupils already missing class time for study support will have their lessons in free periods, lunchtimes, or before/after school. These fixed lesson slots are limited and therefore cannot be offered to pupils unless they meet these criteria. It is the pupil’s responsibility to make up any work missed and to give adequate notice (48hrs at least) to the classroom teacher whose lesson will be missed.
All examination fees and sundries (replacement reeds, music books etc) are charged to pupils’ termly accounts.
Music lessons require commitment, dedication, and regular practice. There is an expectation to participate in relevant ensembles and choirs, and to perform at concerts and other whole-school events.
We offer tuition in the following areas/instruments:
STRINGS
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
WOODWIND
Flute/Piccolo
Oboe
Clarinet
Saxophone
Bassoon
BRASS
French Horn
Trumpet/Cornet
Baritone/Euphonium
Trombone
Tuba
PERCUSSION & GUITAR
Drum Kit
Orchestral Percussion
Guitars (classical, acoustic, electric)
Bass Guitar
VOICE
Classical and Musical Theatre
KEYBOARD
Piano
Organ
MUSIC THEORY
We run a music theory class on Friday mornings before school to prepare students for music theory exams. These sessions are free of charge.
If preferred, students can have individual or group lessons with a Visiting Music Teacher on a private basis.
EXAMINATION BOARDS AND MASTERCLASSES
We work with the following examination boards for graded exams:
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Trinity Guildhall
Our record of attainment is outstanding and we are very proud of the record number of passes with merit and distinction achieved. Exams are held internally on a termly basis and accompaniment is provided at additional cost.
In addition to this, we offer masterclasses to any students who we feel would benefit from general guidance about performance style and etiquette.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Practice – Regular practice, both during term time and holidays, is essential for satisfactory progress to be made on any instrument and therefore a suitable instrument should be available at home for use during the holidays. Practice should consist initially of a minimum of five practices of at least 20 minutes each week, increasing as the pupil progresses.
One instrument or two? – We advise pupils to learn one orchestral instrument only in the first instance. It is quite normal for pupils to learn one orchestral instrument and one non-orchestral instrument (e.g. piano). Pupils aspiring to take music up to at least GCSE should be aware of the advantages of having at least some keyboard skills (e.g. piano as a second instrument).
Instrument Hire – We have a selection of instruments available for hire. Please contact the music department if you require further information.
Tuition outside of school – We would like to know about all our musicians, even if they have lessons outside of school.
