All lessons are held at Gracewood Academy on Saturday mornings, between 8.30am to 1.00pm.
All our students (except for piano) are strongly encouraged to join an ensemble once they are ready. Watch a sample of our students from our latest chamber concert:
Typically, there are 33 sessions (Saturdays) each academic year – 11 per term.
- Lessons are £46/hr and pro-rata for shorter durations. We follow Musicans’ Union minimum rates.
- Most pupils receive 30 minute lessons.
- Minimum starting age is school year 2 plus, depending on the instrument.
- Parents will be invoiced termly. Payment should be made within the first half term.
- In normal circumstances, half a term’s written notice is required to discontinue lessons. Fees will be charged till the end of the notice period.
- Any children in receipt of free school meals or are in receipt of pupil premium are eligible for free or discounted lessons, subject to agreement of trustees. Complete the form below.
What instrument?
We, at the PBCMS, recommend that your child learns about the different instruments by watching concerts and listening to music. A great start is Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf”, a musical story introducing children to the instruments of the orchestra.
Bowed Strings
All bowed strings lessons offered: our teachers are available to teach children from the very start aged 6+, up to post grade 8. We discourage buying instruments without our advice. Please email admin@pbcms.org.uk for cost and availability of lesson times. All lessons will be between 8.30 and 1.00 on Saturdays.
Our violin teacher Kayla Nicol is a graduate of Owen’s School and The Guildhall. Our Cello teacher is Haris Khodabux and our Double bass teacher is Huw Williams. Some of our other teachers may offer lessons off-site locally.
Brass Instruments
Our brass teachers are Michael Veazey and Jordan Wilson. Please email admin@pbcms.org.uk for cost and availability of lesson times. All lessons will be between 8.30 and 1 o’clock on Saturdays.
Wind Instruments
Clarinet, saxophone, flute oboe and bassoon lessons are currently offered, taught by Benjamin Adams and Jessie-May Wilson. Please email admin@pbcms.org.uk for cost and availability of lesson times. All lessons will be between 8.30 and 1 o’clock on Saturdays.
Piano and Harp
Our piano teachers are Manav Paul, Michael Veazey, Jordan Wilson and Emily Chapman. Our harp teacher is Jessie-May Wilson. Please email admin@pbcms.org.uk for cost and availability of lesson times. All lessons will be between 8.30 and 1 o’clock on Saturdays.
Singing
Our singing tutors are Emily Chapman and Jordan Wilson. We also believe it is important for all musicians to sing. Meinir Wyn Thomas includes choral singing for all members of the orchestras inbetween rehearsals for free. Please email admin@pbcms.org.uk for cost and availability of lesson times. All individual lessons will be between 8.30 and 1 o’clock on Saturdays.
Music Theory
Theory lessons are available off-site, subject to a waiting list. Pupils have individual half hour lessons and take grade 5 ABRSM exam when they are ready.