Our work in schools and the community

We offer a carefully monitored service including support to schools and professional instrumental teaching, further details are shown below.

 

Instrumental Teaching

Doncaster Music Service (DMS) provide lessons that are delivered by specialist teachers of each instrument or family of instruments for which the service invoices the school directly, the school may then seek payment from parents to support the costs.  Teaching is often done in small groups, but advanced pupils and those sitting examinations, may be given an individual lesson.  Instrumental teaching is generally carried out during school hours and every effort is made to arrange times so as not to interfere with the schools internal timetables. Pupils will be invited to join Music Centre orchestras, bands and other ensembles as soon as they reach the necessary standard.  Please see the William Appleby Music Centre page for more information.  Pupils can be prepared for a variety of examinations. These include the performance part of GCSE and A-Level music as well as the syllabuses of ABRSM, Trinity College, and London College of Music.

Instruments taught

Lessons are provided on:
  • guitar (includes classical, electric and ukulele);
  • recorder;
  • piano/keyboard;
  • voice;
  • full range of orchestral, band and percussion instruments including:
    • stringed instruments - violin, viola, cello, double bass;
    • woodwind instruments - flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone;
    • brass instruments - trumpet, cornet, horn, trombone, tuba;
    • percussion - drum kit, tuned percussion, handheld percussion.

First Access at Key Stage 2

Whole class instrumental tuition is also provided, this allows all children to begin learning a musical instrument as part of their class at Primary School.  Over half of Doncaster's Primary and Special Schools currently take part in these programmes and projects include samba, recorder, woodwind, brass, guitar, ukulele and strings.

Feedback from schools

"The children make good progress over the year especially as very few have any previous experience of playing an instrument." (June 2022)

"The music sessions provide a valuable part of the schools curriculum and children respond positively to the experience." (June 2022)

Early years music

Through class music making, children will learn about turn taking, waiting, listening skills, social skills, language skills, concentrating and sharing in a group situation. Our specialist Early Music Team can support and encourage teachers, nursery nurses and classroom assistants in delivering a “Fun and Exciting” Music Makers experience by:
  • using music to enrich the topics studied in class;
  • developing the use of props and instruments to support Phase 1 from Letters and Sounds;
  • using tunes and rhythms to develop musical awareness.
For further details and to take part in future projects, please email: doncastermusicservice@doncaster.gov.uk or use the Music Service enquiry eForm 

Ensemble Leaders

Many teachers within the Music Hub have significant experience as performers and conductors, and you may wish to arrange for our staff to rehearse and direct school music and vocal ensembles during the school day, at lunch time and after school.  The specialist help of an experienced instrumental teacher from our service may be invaluable in the directing of group work in schools.

Classroom support for music

Schools, particularly those without a music specialist, may wish to buy in the services of an experienced classroom teacher to help meet the requirements of the National Curriculum in music.

Advice and support

An advisory service is available to schools on all matters concerning the delivery of music in schools.  Practical help is offered to teachers of music by the provision of CPD opportunities, either through school or centrally based courses.  Regular meetings are held for Primary Music Coordinators and also for Secondary Heads of Music to disseminate information and share best practice.

Musical events and Resources for Schools

The Music Service has created a number of tutorials for students and schools. 

The Music Hub has a wealth of resources and links to help parents, students and schools deliver music.

 Should schools need more information or would like to purchase our services then please visit: Buy Doncaster



Music Service enquiry form

Submit your enquiry to us electronically and someone will be in touch:

There are a number of Frequently Asked Questions on our About Doncaster Music Service page that may help you but please use the eForm or contact details below if you need more information.

Keep up to date with the latest information:

Last updated: 13 September 2023 11:39:20

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