Agreement to allow your child to have instrumental/vocal tuition in school

Doncaster's Music Service provides music to all ages and all backgrounds and believes that the opportunity to play a musical instrument should be available to every child, regardless of financial or social circumstances. This page contains information about your agreement to allow your child to have instrumental/vocal tuition in school.

We are pleased to learn that your child is interested in receiving lessons from Doncaster Music Service in their school. This information should explain our commitment to you and your part in helping your child to have a successful start. Your support is a vital factor in their progress, so please make sure you understand the agreement before submitting the form to allow tuition to begin. Please do not hesitate to contact Doncaster Music Service directly with any queries as outlined below.

Doncaster Music Service has an agreement with schools to deliver 35 lessons in each school year and other than in exceptional circumstances, these are spread evenly throughout the three school terms.

Doncaster Music Service makes no charge to parents for the lessons but does charge schools, therefore some schools may make a charge to parents themselves; if this applies to your child’s school they should have made you aware of this.

Most pupils will require a musical instrument, which they are expected to take home between lessons for regular practice. Arrangements for the provision of an instrument vary, depending on the particular instrument (only some are stocked) and availability. The options are (please ask your school/Doncaster Music Service tutor which is applicable):

The instrument will be provided by school, but will need to be returned when your child moves to another school.
The instrument will be provided through Doncaster Music Service Loans Scheme and you will be sent a link explaining the conditions with costs attached. The instrument will normally move with your child to their next school. (see loan terms and conditions page). Please note: we do not hire recorders, percussion or keyboards. *Unless the lessons are part of the "Let's make music" programme, if in doubt please ask your school.
You will need to purchase or hire an instrument before lessons can begin.
Either none is required (vocal lessons) or an instrument will be used at school but will not be taken home (e.g. double bass, keyboard, percussion, piano, steel pans - in these cases arrangements will need to be made for practice to take place at school if an instrument is not available at home).

It is an expectation that parents provide the recommended tuition books and sheet music required for lessons (beginner music is very reasonably priced) and to also provide items of upkeep (see terms and conditions). Your child’s teacher will advise as necessary.

Pupil’s progress is constantly reviewed and when your child has shown progress their teacher may recommend them for a place in an ensemble at the William Appleby Music Centre. By joining, your child will be able to play in carefully graded ensembles, progressing to more advanced groups as their playing improves (and improvement will almost certainly be more noticeable). They will meet new friends and develop confidence. The well-attended concerts at the end of each term give pupils a chance to gain a real sense of team achievement and for you to feel proud of them, therefore your encouragement for your child to attend will be expected.

To register your child on our database and to enable communication directly between yourself and your child’s tutor together with applying/registering for instrument hire, please create a Schooble account using the link below (Apply for...).

Create a schooble account for lessons in your child's school here:

Apply for your child's Music Tuition in school

Once an account has been created please follow the link above again and sign in to provide your child's details. You will then be able to apply to hire an instrument. Please note that this is a secure database and all information is securely held. If you have any questions or queries about this please don't hesitate to contact us via the eform below.

** We feel it appropriate to point out that some of the more affordable instruments (e.g. Beginner violins) are available to buy from around £55 and Doncaster Music Service runs an instrument purchase scheme approved by Customs and Excise, where instruments may be bought at a discount and free of VAT, provided certain conditions are met, savings are considerable. Further details can be obtained via Instrument purchase scheme

Further information:

There are a number of Frequently Asked Questions on our About Doncaster Music Service page that may help you, should you need more information please complete the Music Service enquiry eForm below.