Music Tuition

Information for Parents

Kingdown School has a vibrant Music department with an ever-increasing number of students taking private tuition provided by the Acorn Education Trust.

Playing a musical instrument has many benefits, including enhanced co-ordination, increased memory capacity, improved concentration, and a strong sense of personal achievement.

We offer individual tuition on a variety of instruments including guitar, bass, piano, drums, ukulele, flute, clarinet, saxophone and singing.

Lessons are delivered by experienced visiting music teachers, many of whom also teach in other local schools and privately. Students develop key skills on their chosen instrument, and many work towards nationally recognised qualifications such as ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall and Rock School.

For all enquiries regarding music tuition at Kingdown, please contact Mr Barnes via email: pab@kingdown.wilts.sch.uk

Please read the information below before submitting an application form.

About Music Lessons

Lessons are delivered by experienced visiting music teachers. Most lessons are individual, although shared lessons may be available for some instruments. Lesson lengths are typically 15 or 30 minutes.

When Lessons Take Place

Lessons take place during the school day (8:30am – 3:00pm). A rotating timetable is used to minimise disruption to the same curriculum lesson each week. Some fixed lesson times may be available, particularly for examination students.

Timetables and Accessing Lessons

The most up-to-date lesson timetables are displayed outside C3 and are also available at the bottom of this page. Students should report directly to the teaching room indicated on their timetable, usually C5 or C7, and are expected to arrive punctually.

Where possible, students should bring their own instrument to lessons. If this presents a difficulty, please contact us so that we can support access to lessons where possible.

Instruments

In most cases, students are expected to provide their own instrument. We can offer advice on local suppliers if needed. A limited number of school instruments may be available on a short-term loan basis.

Starting Lessons

We aim to start lessons as soon as possible. In most cases, students will begin lessons at the start of the following term.

Fees and Payment

Lesson fees are charged in advance to secure the teacher’s time. Charges will be added to your ParentMail account, and you will receive a notification when they are available. If payment is not received by the deadline, lessons may not be scheduled for that term.

Continuing Lessons

Once enrolled, students will automatically continue into future terms unless we are notified otherwise. This ensures continuity of learning and secures lesson time with our visiting teachers.

Cancelling Lessons

If you wish to stop lessons, you must complete the online cancellation form available below. Please ensure you give notice in good time to avoid being charged for the following term. Lessons will continue, and charges will be applied, until cancellation has been formally received and processed.

Cancellation requests must be submitted via the online form; emails or informal requests cannot be accepted as confirmation. Requests received after timetabling and teacher allocations have been finalised may result in charges for the upcoming term. Parents are advised to submit cancellation requests promptly to ensure they take effect at the appropriate time.

To cancel your child's lesson, please use this online form: Cancel Music Tuition Request – Fill out form

Missed Lessons

If a student knows they will miss a lesson (for example, due to a school trip or examination), please inform the school in advance; rearrangement may be possible. Unfortunately, lessons missed due to illness cannot usually be rearranged or refunded. In cases of prolonged absence, please contact the school.

Progress and Communication

Students receive a written report once per year. A practice diary is also used to support communication between teachers, students, and parents. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have any questions or concerns.

Expectations

Students

Students are expected to attend lessons punctually, check their timetable regularly, and take responsibility for their learning. Regular practice between lessons is essential for progress.

Parents

Parents are encouraged to support regular practice at home and to contact the school if they have any questions or concerns.

Enrichment Opportunities

Students learning an instrument are encouraged to take part in school music clubs, ensembles, concerts and productions. These opportunities provide valuable performance experience and help develop confidence and musicianship.

Lesson Prices

£10.00 – 15 minute lesson
£17.50 – 30 minute lesson

Charged in advance, termly, in blocks of five lessons per term.

Applying for Lessons

To apply for music lessons, please complete the online application form: Kingdown Music Tuition Application – Fill out form

By submitting the form, you are confirming that you have read and understood the information on this page. We look forward to your child starting lessons with us.

Our Visiting Music Teachers

There are currently five visiting music teachers at Kingdown School. 

Bruce Treasure - Drums, Guitar, Bass & Ukulele

Bruce is a drum kit teacher but originally taught guitar and still performs with an international rock band ‘The Subhumans’, so has first hand experience on how the music industry works. He has also led workshops in flamenco guitar and played drums in local musicals.

Rob Moody - Piano

Rob has been teaching piano at Kingdown School and other schools in Wiltshire for the past 30+ years from beginners to grade 8 standard and above. 

Katy Horner - Violin, Viola & Cello

TBC

Carrie Farnell - Woodwind

Carrie is a woodwind teacher with over 20 years experience. She graduated with a degree in music in 2001 and went on to do a PGCE in music teaching and has worked in various forms of music education since. 

Megan Jennings - Singing

Megan is a dedicated vocal coach with 15 years of teaching experience, working with students from primary age to university level. She studied at the Guildford School of Acting, earning a Master’s in Musical Theatre. Passionate about helping singers develop their technique and confidence, Megan won the award for Inspirational Singing Leader of The Year in 2024, and brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a supportive teaching approach to her students.