Instrumental & Singing Lessons

In addition to the music lessons students receive in school, our Music department also offers instrumental and singing tuition in connection with West of England Music & Arts (WEMA).

Lessons

The Academy has 4 practice rooms and a small teaching room which can be used for individuals and small groups to practice. Lessons are offered in violin, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, brass, guitar (electric, acoustic and bass), piano, keyboard, drums and singing. Lessons take place during the school day and will mean students miss part of their normal timetabled lessons. Parents pay WEMA directly for lessons and can choose from small group, paired, 20-minute individual or 30-minute individual lessons. Students taking instrument lessons can work towards graded music exams including Trinity, Rock School and Musical Theatre. 

Instrument lessons are booked directly through the WEMA Music Hub Portal. You can find out more about WEMA and the services, programmes and events they offer here. The portal remains open all year round but will close at the end of June for lessons starting in September.

You will need to indicate your preference for the type of lesson you would prefer, the options are:

Once you have stated your preference you will be placed on a waiting list and will be invoiced for the lessons requested. Timetables will be organised in September just before the lessons start.

In addition to instrument lessons, school can support your child’s musical learning through a programme of extracurricular activities. Details of these are circulated each September.

Students in receipt of Free School Meals and families entitled to Working Tax Credits may be eligible for financial support with the cost of lessons. Please see here for more information.

Instrument hire and purchase

If you wish to hire an instrument, this can be done through the WEMA Music Hub Portal. There is also an assisted purchase scheme available to students taking lessons within in school which allows students participating in instrumental lessons in school to save the VAT when buying an instrument. If you wish to take advantage of this scheme please contact Mrs Gittoes, Head of Music, at Rachel.Gittoes@olympustrust.co.uk. 

More information

Read more about our 2024-25 Music Development Plan here.

Please contact our Music department via enquiries@winterbourneacademy.org.uk if you have any questions on instrumental or singing lessons.