Music in schools

We offer school children from Primary 5 to Secondary 6 the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument.

Our team of 19 highly qualified instrumental instructors provide instrumental tuition to pupils in both primary and secondary schools. 

We offer lessons in:

• brass
• woodwind
• strings
• percussion
• guitars

All our instructors are fully Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) – mygov.scot checked and we carry out regular safeguarding training.

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What happens next

Once we receive your completed application, your child will be placed on our waiting list. When a space becomes available, we will email you with information on lessons.  

Lessons for other instruments

We may be able to signpost you to a community group or private instructor if your child is interested in playing an instrument that we do not offer, such as:

• bagpipes
• pipe band drumming
• piano
• voice

Email: musicservice@dumgal.gov.uk 

Music lesson charges

Lessons are funded by the Scottish Government. Places are limited.

We can loan orchestral instruments to pupils free of charge. Please make sure that loan instruments are covered by your household insurance.  

Instrumental staff will carry out routine repairs, but you are responsible for any repair required due to negligence by your child.  

You will need to buy:

• drum sticks
• mallets
• replacement strings
• reeds

Guitars and percussion instruments

Guitars and percussion instruments are not available for loan. However, they may be available for use in school at lessons. 

Email: musicservice@dumgal.gov.uk

Primary school lessons

Lessons for primary pupils can either take place:

• after school at a secondary school
• during the school day in the primary school

Lessons will take place either online using Microsoft Teams or in person, if the instructor can travel to the school.  

Secondary school lessons

Secondary pupils will be taught during the school day. Timetables will be on a rota basis where possible, so that your child does not regularly miss any one subject. Lessons are usually planned around groups of 4 to 5 pupils.

Lessons will follow a structured course of study which is suited to the pupil's abilities, as well as requirements from the:

• Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
• local authority
• school

Lessons support learning through to both:

• Advanced Higher level
• external music examinations