Instruments at St Johns
There are many opportunities for children to learn instruments at St Johns School. We have a wide range of private lessons that take place throughout the week provided by Harrow Music Service. These lessons are normally taught in groups of 4.
The instruments available to learn, at present are: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, cello, drums and guitar. These lessons are led by peripatetic teachers supplied by Harrow Music Service. The cost of lessons is subsidised by the school and currently stands at £75 per term. There is an option to hire an instrument from us, dependant on availability, for £15 per term.
At the discretion of the instrumental teacher, the pupils have the opportunity to be entered for Trinity/Guildhall graded exams. Many of our pupils have gained distinction and merits in these exams. Further financial help can be obtained if your child is entitled to free School meals or other forms of funding.
For children interested in learning an instrument, a short taster sessions is held in April/May each year. Successful pupils are asked to practice regularly, and attend lessons punctually. A tutor book may be required to purchase for use in lessons. Importantly, we need to stress that any instrument hired or owned, must be insured. Neither the school nor the borough can be held responsible for any change to, or loss of, property brought onto the school premises.
We believe that it is important that every child gets the opportunity to learn an instrument. In Year 2 the children all begin learning the recorder. This is an excellent instrument that only is not only accessible for everyone to play at this age, but also introduces them to standard notation. They continue this throughout years 3 and 4. In years 5 and 6 the children learn how to play the Ukulele.
The children also have access to a wide range of percussive instruments throughout their classroom music lessons, including glockenspiels, keyboards and djembe drums.