www.cambridgeshiremusic.org.uk

Picking up an instrument for the first time can be a magical moment

FOR: Primary and Secondary level students and Adults
COST: April 2026-2027 Prices - £8.05 - Group session (2 x students over 20 minutes or 3 to 6 x students over 30 minutes), £16.10 - 20 min individual session, £24.15 - 30 min individual session.

There are huge benefits to learning a musical instrument, or learning to sing. We are here to help you every step of the way. We offer individual or group lessons, lend instruments and provide bursaries.

Learning how to play an instrument or sing helps to improve core skills such as memory, co-ordination, motivation, confidence, discipline, creativity and imagination .

Sign up for lessons here!

Our offer

We offer music lessons in groups or for individual pupils. Lessons are usually 20 or 30 minutes long and given weekly in term time. You can take lessons at school, at home or at one of our centres, during and beyond the school day. Our progressive learning approach includes regular monitoring and access to qualification routes if desired. Our qualified and experienced tutors are fully vetted, with all appropriate disclosure and barring checks (DBS). Tutors will support student progress and help to achieve your very best.

We also offer additional services and guidance to help with the learning process, such as bands and ensembles you can join, projects and events to take part in, and advice and guidance on choosing and obtaining the right instrument.

We are a fully accountable service and we welcome feedback. We make sure it is easy for you to communicate with your tutors, and to ask our management team questions.

There are two options for requesting lessons: families can set up a booking request direct online (see 'Request a lesson' on this page). You can book as many lessons as you wish at a time, including one-off 'taster' session. Once we have received your request, we will allocate to you a tutor for your lesson and an automatic confirmation will be sent via email. Once confirmed, payment is then required so that sessions may begin. If it is not possible to provide a tutor, your booking will then be added onto our waiting list. Due to the popularity of certain instruments, please contact us if you have not heard back within a term.

Adult Lessons Offer
We are now able to offer Adult lessons at our centre in Histon & Impington. Whether you are a complete beginner or just want to dust off your childhood instrument and develop your skills, our specialist teachers are here to support and encourage you on your continuing musical journey.

You provide

We ask parents/carers and schools to provide a suitable space and encourage students to practice in-between sessions.

Costs and Financial Support

Schools can usually provide some financial support for looked-after children or those who are eligible for Free School Meals. Please check with them if you are eligible.

For individuals unable to access school support, we provide financial help to overcome barriers to taking part. For more information, please visit our Help and Support page by clicking here!

£8.05 per student per 20 minute small group lesson (2 students)
£8.05 per student per 30 minute small group lesson (3 students)
£16.10 per 20 minute individual lesson
£24.15 per 30 minute individual lesson

When charged to schools: £48.30 per hour

Instrument Loan for individual lessons is £45.00 per term.

Artsmark links

Schools supporting instrumental and vocal tuition can use this as evidence of Partnerships and Range of Offer in their Artsmark case study.

A grade exam is a professional qualification that shows progress

Taking a grade exam can be very motivating, as well being a professional qualification that shows all the hard work you have put in.

Graded music exams have provided students with a progression framework for over 100 years. All the instrumental teachers here at Cambridgeshire Music offer our students the chance to explore syllabuses from different examination boards. We allow you to choose the approach which best supports your playing style and personal musical goals.

If you are interested in taking a grade exam, speak to your teacher. They will know when you are at the right level. For a successful exam experience, it’s important to have a solid partnership between parents, student and teacher.

Most boards offer exams from Initial or Prep test through to Grades 1 to 8. These exams offer a balance of repertoire pieces which explore different musical periods or styles alongside technical developmental work, which can include scales, musicianship, aural, sight reading and improvisation. Trinity College London also offers ‘certificate exams’ at three different levels for students who want to focus on performance rather than technical development. A pass at Grade 6 and above attains UCAS points.

After exploring the repertoire in lessons, the teacher will advise the student as to when they should sit the exam. Different boards offer different enrolment mechanisms and more information can be found on their websites listed above.

Exam boards

There are several different examination boards, and they are all regulated by OFQUAL to ensure consistency between boards and instruments. The leading examination boards that we support are:

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Trinity College London
Registry of Guitar Tutors
Rock School - RSL Awards

A choice of exam centres

Exams can take place in a number of different venues – schools, concert venues, music shops or at one of our centres.

We have worked in partnership with Trinity College London since 2002 to provide a public exam centre at our centre in Histon & Impington. We are the largest percussion exam centre in the country, also accommodating grade, certificate and diploma exams in all instruments.

Cambridgeshire Music has established an exciting new music provision aiming to provide all young musicians with a full package of activities designed to give them a comprehensive musical education. Through 3 stages of progression, students will gain skill development in their chosen instrument alongside complementary classes including musicianship, theory and aural as well as the opportunity to play in weekly meeting ensembles. At the early stages the cost of instrument hire is also included in the convenient monthly subscription package. All activities take place on a weekly basis throughout the academic year at our new centre in Histon.

For students studying through lessons in settings, there is the option to continue with tuition in school and access the additional activities via the centre within the same package.

For further information on each of the stages and to see the dates for the full academic year, please click the links below:

Stage 1 info

Stage 2 info

Stage 3 info

Sign up for the Academy here!

What's included in the Academy?

This provision is supported by the Arts Council England Music Education Hub funding and limited spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis.

A monthly subscription of £75 per month with a commitment of 12 months

Included:
- Instrument Hire (Stages 1 & 2)
- 34 Weekly individual instrumental lessons with a specialist teacher
- Weekly complementary classes appropriate to your area of study
- Weekly ensemble activities

Booking is available now!

Sign up for the Academy here!

Bursary Scheme

We recognise that affording this type of activity can be a barrier and our objective is to ensure any child or young person can have the chance to explore the musical creativity regardless of barriers.

If you are eligible for pupil premium support in school or free school meals, it should be possible to obtain support if you are having your lesson in school and join our academy separately.

If the cost of academy participation is difficult to afford, we provide scaled support depending on family finances which reduces the cost per month of taking part. We know how difficult supporting young people to have these opportunities can be and encourage you to get in touch in confidence with us so that we can help ensure they do not miss out.

In addition, if your child has additional needs or there are barriers to engaging with musical activities we can help to obtain equipment or design academy packages to remove these barriers to participation. Please contact us to discuss requirements that will enable your child to take part.

Bursary Information Here!

FAQs

- What if I only want a single instrumental lesson?
It will still be possible to book a single lesson but we would encourage you to take full opportunity of the complete package as we believe this will make you a more rounded and confident musician.

- What if I only want to join the music centre ensembles or bands at the Stage 2 level?
It will be possible to just join the Stage 2 ensembles (Cambridge Music Centre) at a cost of £79 per term. Spaces are limited.

-What happened to the County Youth Orchestra and County Chamber Ensembles?
CCYO still exists and continues to meet 3 times a year at intensive end of term courses culminating in a performance at a professional venue. The Stage 3 Level ensembles (Senior Music Centre) offers a further opportunity for advanced level musicians to meet more regularly and to explore different repertoire which will include full orchestra playing as well as in smaller Chamber sized ensembles designed to develop ensemble skills. Musicians of this level are encouraged to attend both CCYO and the Senior Music Centre for a regular opportunity to play with others of a similar level.

- What if Histon is too far for us to travel on a weekly basis?
It will be possible to incorporate a hybrid approach to your lessons if that suits you better, instrumental lessons and classes can be delivered online but not the ensembles. We ask that you attend the ensemble in person at least once a month in order to get the most benefit from the package.

- I have my lessons through Cambridgeshire Music at my school, can I still be an Academy member?
Absolutely you can, you can still attend the classes and ensembles at the centre to get the full benefit of the package.

- Is an instrument provided at Stage 3?
We envisage that most students at a higher level will want to invest in their own instrument. However, we can assist with this purchase or offer a CM instrument (of a higher quality and value) at an additional monthly fee which will be added to your subscription package.

- Do we have to do Grade exams?
Absolutely not. Grade exams are not a compulsory part of learning an instrument. However, this can be arranged at the centre and we offer exam opportunities with the major external exam boards. Music exams can be a useful goal and Grade 6-8 qualifications are awarded with UCAS points. Please note that an additional charge will be payable directly to the appropriate exam board.

- I’m a Rock & Pop musician, what is there for me?
You can take full advantage of this package with a weekly instrumental lesson, popular music theory, musicianship and aural classes are also provided. During the ensemble time, you’ll be working with other musicians to create your own band working on covers and original work (if you choose), they are also a couple of gig opportunities throughout the year. We will also help you to promote your original music through our YouTube and social media channels.

- Do you offer lessons in creative music technology?
Yes, we offer spaces for music technology lessons (in Garageband or Logic Pro X) at all 3 stages. You can build your theoretical and musical understanding in the classes and learn how to produce with confidence and score to picture. At Stage 3 you will also have the opportunity of taking your project from DAW to score to be played by our County Youth Orchestra or Chamber Ensembles.

Sign up for the Academy here!

Our policies ensure that our work is carried out in a safe, fair and clear manner

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Download Cambridgeshire Music Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Home Visits, Studio Visits and Blended Learning/Therapy policy

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Privacy Notice

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Download Cambridgeshire Music's SLA & MOU

Inclusion Strategy 2021-24

Cambridgeshire-Music-Inclusion-Strategy-2021-25.pdf

Use of Mobile Devices Policy

Download Use of Mobile Devices Policy

This document outlines our terms and conditions of business.

If anything is unclear, please contact us before submitting a request for services.

This document (the “Agreement”) is a legal contract between you and Cambridgeshire Music (“CM”) for any services provided including online accounts.

If you have placed an order or request at a distance (online, by email, post, or over the phone):
- you can cancel this within 14 working days without charge.
- After 14 working days from the date of the request, if we have confirmed we will provide a service or you have started using it or we have supplied a product then these terms and conditions apply.

Download Terms and Conditions Here!

Purchase a new instrument VAT-free and save money

FOR: Eligible applicants (see below)

The Government currently allows the purchase of new musical instruments VAT-free under the six conditions listed below. If you meet these, please complete and return the form below by emailing it to us at: cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk .

To download the form, please click here: VAT-free Instrument Parent Purchase Form

If you are unsure about any of these conditions, please contact us on 0345 0345 1371, where we can offer guidance and support.

Eligibility, terms and conditions:
1. Where you are learning?
a. You currently receive instrumental tuition in a local authority maintained school (this tuition can be from Cambridgeshire Music or a visiting tutor organised by the school) or
b. you are studying for a national curriculum music qualification (e.g. GCSE/A level) and are a member of school ensembles but are learning your instrument outside of school or
c. you are a member of a local authority-organised music group meeting regularly outside of school (e.g. county orchestras, area ensembles).
If you are attending school at an Academy not maintained by the local authority then your Academy may offer a similar scheme and you should approach your school music/finance department. If you are attending an independent school you cannot use this scheme.

2. The instrument needs to be new.
You cannot use this scheme to purchase second hand or ex-hire instruments. You can choose the supplier yourself, but we recommend that you are wary of websites that may or may not quote ex-VAT prices, and also of cheap instruments that may be of poor quality. We recommend that you consult with your music tutor and bear in mind the importance of good local servicing of your instrument from year to year.

3. The instrument needs to be 'portable' e.g. it can be transported/carried by the student themselves from their place of learning to home if required
This usually rules out the purchase under this scheme of most large instruments such as pianos, drum kits, timpani, full size double basses and harps. It is worth checking with us for larger instruments available through our county instrument bank on a loan basis.

4. The instrument is 'appropriate' for the child’s needs
It should be an appropriate instrument for the level of study and size of instrument should be correct. Your music tutor will be able to advise on a appropriate instruments.

5. The instrument is collected from us at our main office in Huntingdon.
The instrument cannot be supplied direct to your home address or for collection from the supplier as it has to be purchase by the local authority first and then 'sold' to you.

6. Payment is made at the point of ordering and the instrument will not be released until payment has cleared into our account.
This service is offered as a non-profit making service and clients will appreciate that we as a public body we have to ensure that financial transactions are completed before we can make delivery. In addition to the ex-VAT price of the instrument you will need to pay for the processing of your order and payment and any delivery required (see below).

What to do next?
If you think you are eligible to make use of this scheme please follow the following steps:

1. Identify the instrument you wish to purchase and obtain the model information.

2. Identify your preferred supplier, their contact address and details and check that they are able to obtain the item within the timescale you are seeking.

3. Obtain the ex-VAT price from them that they are offering.

4. Complete the form attached and return it, using the instructions on the form, with a cheque or postal order for the full amount required including any delivery/invoicing costs.

We will then order your instrument and contact you when it is ready for collection or being dispatched to your school. If there is a problem with your request we may contact you for further information/clarification.

Octave

FOR: Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1
DATES: term time
COST: £48.30 per one hour session, can be booked by term or a 36 week academic year.

If pupils can get a taste for music at a young age this can spark a life-long interest – as well as developing other important skills. Primary schools have a vital role to play here, and our Octave programme is designed to support your school to provide the best opportunities to all your pupils.

Octave is an ideal introduction to music making and understanding music that develops a variety of transferable skills. It introduces pupils to singing, creative music and making music on the violin and is delivered through child-centred, fun lessons.

Our Offer

Small group teaching within a whole class setting, with all pupils joining together to rehearse and perform later in the school year on the violin.

Pedagogy developed from the educational concepts of Zoltan Kodaly (based on unaccompanied song, and relative sol-fa) and Emile Jacques Dalcroze (based on physical movement) and Colourstrings.

Pupils first experience a variety of activities that will help to develop their basic musical skills without being hindered by the technical problems of holding or playing an instrument e.g. games, singing, movement (walking, marching, dancing) and body percussion.

As the pupils make progress in their basic musical skills, these can then be applied first to basic rhythm instruments e.g. shakers, and to a more traditional instrument – the violin.

Pupils are encouraged to work together and develop their social skills throughout the sessions and in end-of-term performances.

Advice and information to meet a school’s individual needs.

Can be booked by term or 36 week academic year.

Outcomes

Introduction to singing, creative music and instrumental music making (on the violin).

Understanding of the basic musical elements of beat (fast and slow) and pitch (high and low).

Introduction to additional musical elements such as rhythm, melody, dynamics, tempo, and character.

Development of a variety of transferable skills including social, creative, co-ordination and motor skills.

Benefits pupils throughout their musical and general education.

You Provide

Overture

FOR: Primary and Secondary level Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8 only). There is a minimum of 7 and maximum of 10 pupils per 30-minute session.

COST: £45.80 per hour, per week, over 10-week terms. This includes the loan of a fully maintained instrument for each pupil. Minimum booking of 1 hour is required.

What are the benefits of this programme?

There are many benefits to learning a musical instrument. As well as developing instrumental and vocal skills, learning how to play an instrument can:
. develop a range of transferable musicianship skills, including reading notation
. develop ensemble playing skills
. fun and engaging sessions with peers
. signposted progression routes
. core skills such as memory, co-ordination, self-discipline, motivation, time management, teamwork, confidence, creativity and imagination.

Current Availability
Strings
Woodwind
Percussion
Voice/Singing
Bookings can be placed via your Cambridgeshire Music account. Please contact our Business Team via cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk for help and support.

Overture is a great way to evidence 'Range of Offer' in a school's Artsmark submission.

Schools/Settings Provide

Aria

For pupils who have completed the one-year Overture programme, we offer a continuation scheme.

Group size is reduced to between 4 and 6 pupils to allow greater focus on individual learning journeys. By the end of the year most pupils will have achieved a level between prep test and Grade 1.

Suitable spaces for each type of activity being delivered.

Smartboard and audio technology.

Commitment that the class teacher will be actively involved as part of the delivery team.

Regular planning and evaluation sessions with the Octave tutor.

Performance opportunities for the pupils.

A suitable learning environment.

Working with Cambridgeshire Music tutors, you will identify pupils and invite them to take advantage of the opportunity, celebrating their progress in school where possible.

Support for learning, particularly practice in-between sessions.

Instrument consumables e.g. strings, reeds, oils.

Commitment to the whole opportunity including associated activities such as ensembles and events.

How to book

To register your interest and to have an informal chat with our Business Team, please email cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or give us a call on 0345 045 1371

FOR: Settings
DATES: Term Time - Various

At Cambridgeshire Music, we offer a high-quality CPD programme for teachers and school staff across the county, aiming to upskill staff and boost their confidence in teaching music. In addition to bespoke training options for your school or setting, we will host several training events across the county throughout the upcoming academic year.

Special Promotional Offer! Schools that have completed our Schools Assessment Survey will receive free membership to our network meetings and 50% off selected training events and courses (discount will be applied by our business team after the booking is made). All our courses can be booked via your Cambridgeshire Music account. For support, please contact cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Sign up for CPD now!

School Training Options (All prices are per school or setting)

Option 1: School Curriculum Support (£380 per setting)
• A 90-minute twilight CPD session at your setting with your staff.
• Three 1-hour curriculum development meetings across the academic year with your music subject leader.
• Free attendance for one member of staff at one of our CPD events or webinars.

Option 2: Twilight/INSET Training (£150 or £75 for survey participants)
• A 90-minute CPD session delivered to your staff on a topic of your choice.
• A preliminary meeting to discuss your school's needs prior to delivery.
• Past topics have included an introduction to Charanga and approaches to composition and improvisation in the classroom.

Courses and Events (All prices are per attendee)

Primary Network Meetings (free for survey participants)
Termly meetings to discuss current updates in music education, share ideas, and meet fellow music leaders. Meetings will be held on Microsoft Teams between 4:00pm and 5:00pm on the following dates:
• Monday, 10th November 2025
• Monday, 9th March 2026
• Monday, 22nd June 2026

Becoming a Music Coordinator (£180 or £90 for survey participants)
A 3-part course covering everything you need to know to run a successful music department. Content includes curriculum design, progression and assessment, and extra-curricular provision. The course will be delivered on Microsoft Teams from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm on the following dates:
• Wednesday, 15th October 2025
• Wednesday, 4th February 2026
• Wednesday, 10th June 2026

Getting the Most Out of Your Instrument Trolley Workshop (£60 or £30 for survey participants)
A hands-on and practical workshop where you learn how to get more out of the mixture of instruments that you have in your schools. The course will be held at Nene Infants & Nursery School, Norwich Rd, Wisbech PE13 2AP between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm on Tuesday, 19th May 2026.

Music Technology in the Primary Classroom Webinar (£40 or £20 for survey participants)
A webinar on different approaches to using music technology in the classroom. Thursday, 19th March 2026 on Microsoft Teams from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Planning and Progression in Primary Music Webinar (£40 or £20 for survey participants)
A webinar on designing a music curriculum and building progression into it. Wednesday, 1st July 2026 on Microsoft Teams from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

How to book your CPD session

Our CPD supports schools to achieve Artsmark (particularly evidence of CPD, Curriculum Design and Values and Ethos).

For all CPD queries, please email cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or give us a call on 0345 045 1371

If you have an account with Cambridgeshire Music or would like to register, visit our website by clicking on the green button below.

Sign up for CPD now!

Schools Self-Assessment

Have you completed Cambridgeshire Music’s School Self-Assessment Survey?

This enables you to share more about your school’s music provision with the Cambridgeshire Music Education Hub. Your completed surveys also help us to build a clearer picture of music across the county and identify areas for future projects, support, and development.

Schools Self-Assessment Survey

The Cambridgeshire County Youth Orchestra offers an orchestral experience on a termly basis for those playing their orchestral instruments at Grade 6 standard and above.

We believe playing in a group with others is at the heart of developing young musicians. Our objective is to provide aspiring musicians of all abilities and backgrounds, exceptional and inspirational ensemble activities which foster musical and technical development, open new musical landscapes and create quality performance opportunities of all kinds.

Throughout the term, our team of tutors work with students to explore a variety of repertoire and embark on a collaborative creative projects as well to allowing students to explore composition and improvisation within a group context.

The cost of the Christmas course is £120.
The cost of the Easter/Summer course is £240.

Annual CCYO membership, inclusive of the above courses, is £296.

If you are a member of our Academies or Ely Music Centre, you will be offered a 50% discount on any CCYO membership.

If you are a Grade 6-8+ instrumental player who is interested in joining the orchestra, sign up in via your Cambridgeshire Music account or click the purple button below.

Looking for a weekly activity at this level? Join our Music Academy 3 on Friday evenings. For more information, click here!

Repertoire

CCYO Christmas Repertoire and Taster Day
CM Histon November 1st
An opportunity to join CCYO for a taster session and play through some of the Christmas Course Repertoire alongside music from movie favourites. Free to CCYO members.

Repertoire & Dates

Christmas Course "Dreams"
Repertoire to include Coleridge Taylor Christmas Overture, Tchaikovsky Symphony No 1 (Movements 1 & 2) and Leroy Anderson Forgotten Dreams

Rehearsals CM Histon 12th & 13th December
Concert West Road Concert Hall 18th December

Easter/Summer Course "Around the World"
Repertoire to include Dvorak Symphony No 9 and Britten Soirees Musicales

Repertoire Day CM Histon – April 11th
Rehearsals CM Histon – July 4th, 10th & 11th
Concert West Road Concert Hall - July 17th

Rehearsal Venue
Cambridgeshire Music, Histon, CB24 9LL

Sign Up Here!

Effective and engaging classroom music lessons at primary or secondary level

Our whole class music team comprises experienced staff that have worked with both primary and secondary pupils across a range of key stages. They are experienced classroom practitioners who love teaching music and deliver fun and engaging lessons to all classes.

FOR: All primary and secondary schools
DATES: School term time

We provide:

• Qualified and DBS-checked whole class teaching staff.
• A well-structured and planned music curriculum with long, medium, and short-term planning covering all aspects of the Music National Curriculum.
• A progressive learning process with regular monitoring and formative/summative assessment, including end of year reports.

In addition:

• ‘First Access’ instrumental programmes (large group tuition/wider opportunities) can be delivered within our curriculum teaching.
• Support for school concerts and parents' evenings.
• Class teachers can be booked for a term or 38-week academic year.
• Primary schools can buy in Cambridgeshire Music curriculum music teachers as PPA cover.
• Secondary schools can use our service for cover for extended teacher absence.

You Provide:

• A suitable learning environment for the lesson.
• Access to working smartboard technology and speakers.
• Provision of any teaching assistant normally attached to the class.
• Class sets of instruments (can be loaned from Cambridgeshire Music. Please ask for more information)
• Liaison about any specific requirements connected with your curriculum.
• Liaison about any situation that may affect lesson delivery, e.g. school trips.
• Liaison about any pupils with special education or additional needs.

£61.00 per hour, can be booked for up to 38 week (full academic year).
Our recommended length of music lesson is: 60 minutes per week.

Arts Award and Artsmark links

Our music curriculum lessons can be used to support pupils to achieve Arts Award. Discover and Explore (KS1/2), Bronze (KS3) and Gold (KS4/5). Our lessons also provide evidence of Curriculum Design, Partnerships and Pupil Engagement, supporting schools to achieve Artsmark.

Included in the Cost

Schools may collaborate and buy in time as a Cluster. In these cases, a curriculum to meet the needs of a cluster can be planned and delivered with performance opportunities for schools involved.

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