Find Your Forte!
Starting out on a new instrument is such an exciting time for a child, but to parents it can feel uncertain and costly. Find Your Forte takes the risk out of the process, providing FREE group instrumental lessons for up to a year with FREE instrument hire to keep the costs right down.
We are grateful to the SCOPS Arts Trust for supporting the Find Your Forte Programme.
Group lessons are available for children in school year 3-6. Children mature at different rates, both physically and academically. String players often need to start playing early wheras wind and brass players need to grow into their instrument. Our teachers would be delighted to advise you and your child which instrument would suit them and when would be the right time for them to start. Your child can choose from the following instruments:
| Category | Instrumental Group Lessons | Age | Starting |
| Strings | Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass | year 3-6 | September 2023 |
| Brass: | Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, French Horn | year 4-6 | Please |
| Woodwind: | Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon | year 4-6 | apply online |
This is an AMAZING OPPORTUNITY for children taking up their first orchestral instrument. We provide a range of activities to support your child’s learning, all on a Saturday morning and included in the membership fee:
| Class | Description |
| Choirs | Singing develops pitch recognition, breath control and musicality, and is the best place to get to know the other students. The choirs are age banded by school year group. |
| Music Explorers | Teaching children the theory they need to understand music through fun and engaging musical games. Highly recommended for beginners learning to read music from scratch. |
| Recorders | Learning to read and play music, to breathe, to phrase and to play in a group. Recorder Racers is for all year 3 students and beginners from year 4-5; if your child can read music and play a D major scale, try Junior Recorders. Ask if you need advice! |
| Find Your Forte | Learn how to play your instrument in a small group with an expert teacher. |
The whole programme, including instrument hire, is included in the membership fee (£100 per term in 2023/24). Members taking up a second orchestral instrument will pay only £60 per term for lessons in addition to their membership fee. Don’t let financial pressures stop your child from learning an instrument- bursaries are available if you can’t pay.
Please contact the office to sign up for this amazing opportunity, or for more information.
Stand out from the crowd
Ever thought about trying something a bit different? Are you looking for more opportunities to play? Players who have reached a good level on their chosen instrument often add a second string to their bow for interest and diversity once they are aged 11+. Perhaps you are a flautist, singer or pianist looking for a new challenge such as playing bassoon, double bass or tuba? We have instruments available now. Has one of them got your name on it? Please contact the office for more information.