One of the best ways of enriching your child’s education is to offer them the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.
At our Prep School, we place great emphasis on music-making and our ensembles and choirs provide a wide variety of musical experiences. In fact, we strive to be one of the top Prep/Primary schools nationally for Music, and indeed our Chamber Choir has twice got through in recent years to the Final of the National Choral Competition (2022 and 2023 – thereby being ranked in the top 14 Under 11 choirs in the UK).
Music is a means of expression and a way to develop fine motor skills and better coordination. It will give your son or daughter a deeper appreciation of the arts, a positive outlook on life, and it teaches them the importance of dedication, focus and practice. Many studies show that the abstract reasoning skills needed in Science and Mathematics are enhanced with students involved in musical activity.
Learning an instrument will give your child a sense of self-confidence that they will carry with them through life, but most importantly, they will have fun whilst participating!
About Instrumental Tuition
We can offer tuition for the following instruments:
| Cello |
Piano |
| Clarinet |
Violin |
| Electric Guitar |
Trombone |
| Drums |
Trumpet |
| Flute |
Acoustic Guitar |
Organisation of Music Lessons
Lessons of 30 minutes’ duration are given weekly on a cycle of 30 throughout the academic year, charged at 10 lessons per term. Occasionally, it may not be possible to fit in the full allocation of lessons in each individual term but the full 30 will be given during the course of the academic year or an appropriate refund given.
Each pupil will be expected to have their own practice book which also forms a way to communicate with parents. Daily practice is to be encouraged at home. For pupils in the Pre-Prep, lessons of 20 minutes may also be an option.
Termly Fees
At the start of each term you will receive an invoice direct from the visiting music tutor; which is payable before the lessons commence.
Practical and Theory Examinations
Our teachers offer to prepare and enter pupils for Grades 1/Initial through to Grade 8. The exam boards are: The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Rockschool (RSL).
Aural and Theory of Music
Teachers cover aural tests in instrumental lessons. An after-school club held for theory of music is available, currently on Fridays between 4.00 and 4.50pm in the Halliday Hall led by our Director of Music, Mr Jones, and supported by Mr Haswell, Head of Music (Prep).
Instrument Hire
The School has a small selection of instruments, which it rents to parents at a cost of £40 per term. In some cases it will be beneficial for parents to make their own hire/purchase arrangements prior to their child’s first lesson.
Need Instrument Advice?
If your child would like to play an instrument but is just not sure which one, Mr Haswell is typically available on a Monday and Tuesday during morning break to discuss options direct with your child.
Discontinuation of Lessons
If at any point you wish tuition to cease, parents must give written notice of discontinuation to the Director of Music and to the instrumental teacher no later than the Half Term break for lessons to cease at the end of a term. Lessons can only be discontinued at the end of any given term and without due notice parents are liable for the fees for the forthcoming term.
Extra-Curricular Musical Activities
Whether a pupil learns an instrument at John Lyon or outside school, we encourage all to join at least one of our numerous ensembles and choirs. Our current list of Music activities is below.
| Activity |
Day & Time |
Venue |
Activity run by: |
| Fun Choir |
Tuesdays: 4.00 – 4.50pm |
Halliday Hall |
Mr Haswell |
| Recorder Club |
Wednesdays: 4.00 – 4.50pm |
Halliday Hall |
Mr Haswell |
| Chamber Choir (Invitation only) |
Wednesdays: 12.55 – 1.25pm |
Halliday Hall |
Mr Jones and Mr Haswell |
| Orchestra (Invitation only) |
Thursdays: 4.00 – 4.50pm |
Halliday Hall |
Mr Jones and Mr Haswell |
| Music Theory |
Fridays: 4.00 – 4.50pm |
Halliday Hall |
Mr Jones and Mr Haswell |
Music Summary
There are frequent opportunities to perform throughout the year. The Music Department has a busy annual calendar including:
- Solo Concerts
- Singing Assemblies weekly
- House Music Competitions
- Easter Mash-Up Show (a celebration of music and drama at Easter time)
- Christmas Concert
- Workshops and masterclasses
- Autumn Concert
We provide a wide range of sporting activities and opportunities for all pupils.
At our Prep School we concur with educational theorists who emphasise the importance of the creative mind and ‘emotional intelligence’ and ‘wellbeing’ – the need to develop the whole personality and our pupil’s imaginations especially. Drama has the power to liberate the mind.
We encourage our pupils to become healthy, independent and responsible members of society. 
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History is taught throughout the School and pupils are encouraged to find out about events and peoples.
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English is taught using lively and creative methods through a variety of texts and resources incorporating ICT from Pre-Prep onwards.