A Professional Workforce – Our specialised instrumental teachers all have an enhanced CRB and receive rigorous Quality Assurance. Staff attend regular CPD and are kept up to date with the latest methodology, repertoire and resources. The service also covers all related administration costs, staff travel expenses and related staff on-costs.
Our membership of Music Mark ensures that we adopt a recognised common approach, have input into formulating national policies and are fully aware of all national issues.
Flexible Approaches to Tuition and Musical Opportunities – Weekly lessons can be delivered in a variety of ways and at various time of the day, including before and after school, with the aim of addressing the needs of the Academy and students. Individual, small group or large group lessons and other valuable musical opportunities such as bands, ensembles, choirs, GCSE and music ICT support can be built into the SLA. Successful activity in other Schools and Academies has included;
- Larger half hour groups for up to 15 pupils on instruments such as guitar, keyboard and violin. This is an exciting and ideal way for young people to begin playing, reaching more pupils and significantly reduces any cost that may be passed on to parents
- Longer individual lessons for more advanced or GCSE students. A way of targeting and supporting the musical progression of the more talented and dedicated student.
- Music ICT Support – This highly specialised area has also proved to be a great aid to teachers and pupils in helping raise standards through mentoring students and recording of GCSE and BTEC compositions.
- After school/lunchtime bands such as Samba Drumming, African drumming, Guitar Groups, Orchestra, Pop Choir. A great way to extend and support extra-curricular musical opportunities for a larger number of pupils
- Breakfast Music Clubs – Fun musical clubs before school starts that engage and motivate the student, getting them warmed up for the school day!
Instrument Loan – We can provide the loan of an instrument to a pupil who is receiving tuition wherever possible for a small termly charge. In addition we to aim provide the free loan of class/ensemble sets for classes, bands and groups directed by WMS. We are also able to loan other full class instrument sets at a much reduced rate for the class teacher to use such as samba drums and ukuleles.
Assessment, Recording and Progression – Continuous assessment and recording takes place throughout the year with an annual written reports for parents/carers. Assessment clearly links into our own staged certification, NC levels and also that of national external bodies such as ABRSM, Music Medals and Rock School. A young persons instrumental musical journey can often start as early as Key Stage 1 and take them right through college and beyond! The instrumental teacher is often the key link throughout this journey, monitoring and mentoring their progression through each Key Stage and educational establishment. This consistency has shown to improve continuation levels and be an important factor in encouraging the young musician to embrace the wider musical world.
Access and Direct Links to Music Centres and Ensembles – Access and direct links to over 60 progressive groups and ensembles from beginner to advanced. Many of these take place in one of our Music Centres and include Wind bands, Folk, Jazz and Rock Groups, String Ensembles and Guitar Groups. The WMS instrumental teacher is a crucial link between tuition in school and the Music Centre providing support and a friendly face! These groups also provide numerous performance and concert opportunities for the hundreds of young people that attend.
Established Examination Centre – Access to an established examination centre for ABRSM /Trinity Guildhall and theory lessons for students who wish to progress past Grade 5.
Access to CPD, Support and Free Advice – Wakefield Music Services has a wealth of experience in supporting schools to develop their music curriculum and provision. Many courses and network meeting run throughout the year at Manygates that address current local Music Hub priorities, national initiatives and share new and exciting resources. We also design and deliver highly effective bespoke CPD and support for Schools and Academies.
In addition, as the Lead Organisation for Wakefield Music Education Hub we have very strong links with a variety of music specialist partners and community groups. Please see the Partners link for further information
In a nutshell, we are always here on the other end of an email or phone to offer advice, make links with other organisations or point people in the right direction.
Music Performances and Workshops – Opportunities for live music performances, demonstrations and workshops by our instrumental staff. Live music performances are generally part of a rolling programme throughout the District.
