At Finham Primary we offer a variety of music lessons to children in Years 1-6. Our Music Teacher, Mrs. Farrall originally began her musical training on the violin and piano, and later took up the French horn when free lessons were offered for instruments considered to be “endangered species” at her secondary school. She went on to study music at Bangor University, and completed her MA in performance on the French horn in 2013. Following this she completed an Early Years PGCE at Warwick University and was awarded a distinction in her ABRSM French horn teaching diploma. Music has always been an incredibly important part of her life and now she is passionate about passing on her love of music to the children of Finham Primary School.

Why should I consider music lessons?

Learning to play a musical instrument has many benefits. In addition to the obvious enjoyment, creativity and sense of achievement, research shows that learning to play can have a positive effect on children’s academic progress generally, enhancing reasoning skills which are essential for maths and science, and improving memory and the ability to learn. Children can also benefit socially, interacting with others as they learn to play as part of a group. Personal qualities of confidence, patience and self-discipline are also fostered, so learning to play a musical instrument can be a very rewarding and positive experience for your child!

Music Lessons Available​​​​​​ at Finham:

• Violin
• Piano
• Guitar
• Ukulele
• Trumpet/Pbuzz (introductory plastic instrument)
• Flute/Toot (introductory plastic instrument)
• Recorder
• Singing

How do we know which instrument to choose?

In the summer term Mrs. Farrall leads a whole school assembly where she demonstrates all of the different instruments that are on offer so that the children can begin to get a sense of which instruments they like best. A video is also sent home so that you can consider the choices together with your children.

How long are the lessons?
Lessons are 20 minutes in length and the cost is £80 a term for 10 lessons in groups of 3 to 5 children. The children are put into groups based on age and ability. On the whole they will be with other children from the same year group, but occasionally this is not possible (if children in the same year group have all been playing for a different number of years for example).

How do I sign my child up for lessons?

A letter is sent out in the summer term each year with a link to a Google Form for parents and carers to complete. Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Once all of the places are full, children can then be added to the waiting list. 

How do I know what my child needs to practise?

Children are expected to practise at home between lessons and this is always much more successful with parental support. The children will have access to an online practice diary on Frog which will be updated every week. This is interactive so if you or your child have any questions you will be able to post them on the wall.

Does my child need to have their own instrument?

Your child will need to have an instrument to practise on at home. If they do not already have their own instrument, we offer the option of borrowing an instrument from school with a small rental charge each term. Alternatively, you can supply your own instrument, or buy one through the school.

Do the children get the opportunity to show what they have learnt?

Yes! Performing and sharing music with other is a huge part of learning an instrument so we give the children the opportunity to perform in assembly to an audience made up of their classmates, teachers, TAs, parents and grandparents.