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Learn a musical instrument at school
Our Instrumental Music Service offers pupils tuition in brass, woodwind and bowed strings. A team of professional instrumental instructors teaches over 500 pupils weekly across our schools.
Orkney is one of the few Scottish local authorities that doesn't charge for instrumental instruction or instrument hire. On average, we teach around 25% of the P4 to S6 age range, the highest proportion among Scottish local authorities. Demand always exceeds available places.
Applications for bowed string, woodwind and brass tuition open each year for pupils in P4 to P7 in mainland primaries, and in Rousay, North Walls and Shapinsay. Check with your school or the Instrumental Music Service for current application dates.
Use the application form for your child's school:
- Small schools - Burray, Evie, Hope, North Walls, Orphir, Rousay, Shapinsay and Stenness Primary
- Large schools - Dounby, Firth, Glaitness, Papdale and Stromness Primary
Application forms
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IMS application form - St Andrews
This document contains an application form and information for Primary 4 to Primary 7 pupils seeking free instrumental music tuition through Orkney Schools Instrumental Music Service. Pupils can apply for bowed strings, brass or woodwind instruments and will attend a taster session before places are offered. Lessons begin by 30 October 2023, with weekly practice expected at home. Applications must be returned by email or to the child’s school office by 25 August 2023.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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IMS application form - Large schools
This document contains information and an application form for free instrumental music tuition for Primary 4 to Primary 7 pupils through Orkney Schools Instrumental Music Service. Pupils will attend a taster session before instructors recommend a suitable instrument, with selected pupils receiving a trial and weekly lessons during term time. Applications must be emailed to ims@orkney.gov.uk or returned to the child’s school by 25 August 2023.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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IMS application form - Small schools
This document contains an application and information for Primary 4 to Primary 7 pupils seeking free instrumental music tuition through Orkney Schools Instrumental Music Service. Pupils take part in a taster session before instructors recommend a suitable instrument, with successful applicants receiving a one- to two-term trial and weekly lessons. Applications must be returned by email or to the child’s school office by 25 August 2023.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme
Instruments are available to borrow free of charge while your child is learning. At a later stage, pupils are encouraged to buy their own instrument, following consultation with their instructor. The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme lets you buy a new instrument VAT-free, helping bring the cost down.
Frequently asked questions
How does my child get involved?
How does my child get involved?
From P4 upwards, every interested child gets the opportunity to be considered for lessons.
Instrumental Music Instructors carry out simple pitch and rhythmic tests, such as keeping a pulse or clapping a rhythm. They'll also look at a child's physical suitability for an instrument, and general skills including:
- listening to and following instructions
- getting distracted easily, or distracting others
- coping with being out of class and catching up with work
- taking turns
- behaviour
The school is also consulted as part of the selection process.
When are the lessons?
When are the lessons?
Lessons are normally taught during the school day, and pupils are released from class to attend. Where possible, secondary pupils are timetabled on a rotation basis to avoid missing the same subject every week.
What happens when lessons start?
What happens when lessons start?
There's a trial period of a few months at the start, to help both pupil and teacher decide if progress is satisfactory. There may be weekly comments in your child's homework diary, and after the trial period you'll receive feedback on progress. You can also get in touch about your child's progress via the school at any time.
Are there any costs?
Are there any costs?
Lessons are free, but there are some additional costs, including music books and consumables such as reeds, rosin and replacement strings.
How can I support my child's learning?
How can I support my child's learning?
You don't need a musical background to be encouraging and supportive. Always be positive during the early stages of learning. You can:
- encourage regular practice at home, and help establish a routine and a suitable space for it
- help your child remember to attend lessons, bringing their instrument and music each week
- encourage attendance at ensembles when appropriate, contributing to school and the wider community
- check your child's homework diary, noting any comments or recommendations
- be aware of lesson times and days, and help your child be prepared
Which instruments aren't taught through the Instrumental Music Service?
Which instruments aren't taught through the Instrumental Music Service?
Acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, drum kit, keyboard and tuned percussion are taught through class music teachers and Creative Scotland's Youth Music Initiative.
Why learn an instrument?
Why learn an instrument?
Learning to play a musical instrument has many benefits, including enhanced coordination, developing social skills, and building confidence. Studies have linked instrumental playing to improvements in mathematical and reading and comprehension skills, along with increased memory and reduced stress levels.
Most importantly, it's fun!