Staff Email

You can access your web-based school email account from home.

You will need your username and password to gain access.

Timetabling

Music Department Staff and Students Please enter your Network Services Username and Password.

Parents
Please enter the e-mail address and password you used to register for access to the website.

LESM IntelliNet

You can access the LESM IntelliNet from home.

You will need your username and password to gain access.

Shield

For Pupils

Music Tuition

Learning to play an instrument is a valuable skill which can be a life-long passion. Not only is there enormous musical and social enjoyment, artistic and expressive satisfaction, there is also a real sense of achievement which continues beyond school. It is a long process which requires commitment and hard work but there will be many occasions to celebrate and enjoy which make it worthwhile.

Choosing an Instrument

We are often asked to advise pupils and their parents on what instrument to learn. Alas, there is no hard and fast answer to this question. One should not underestimate the ‘gut feeling’ that children may have towards specific instruments. It is important, however, that pupils are aware of the sounds that particular instruments make and the appearance of musicians playing them as this will influence their feelings towards choosing the right instrument. Another factor to consider is the physical make-up of the pupil, e.g. some mouth shapes (embouchures) do not lend themselves well to particular instruments.

Parents can help the process of choosing an instrument by taking their son or daughter to an appropriate concert as well as encouraging him or her to take the opportunity to sit in on a rehearsal of an orchestra or band at the Music School, by prior arrangement with the teacher in charge, and to watch and listen carefully.

A joint approach between parent and child will help parents to understand and support the learning process.

Notes on Instrument Selection:

  • Following on from the Year 2 String Scheme, Year 3 pupils may have shared lessons on the violin.
  • Voice and Bassoon lessons are only available from age 9.
  • Tuition on the following instruments is subject to the child’s height, build and/ or teeth development stage: Saxophone, Double Bass, Harp, Trumpet/ Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/ Euphonium and Tuba.

Read our Individual Music Tuition Guide for Parents:  

Information Booklet for Parents