Classroom Instrumental Learning

High‑quality, inclusive music‑making for every child.

Delivered by Hertfordshire Music Service specialists, Classroom Instrumental Learning provides whole‑class instrumental learning that builds skills, confidence and a vibrant musical culture across the school. It strengthens Ordinarily Available Provision, ensures equitable access for all pupils, including those with SEND, establishes clear progression routes into further instrumental learning and ensembles and supports a coherent Music Development Plan.

As Music Hub grant funding is expected to remain static next year, we will not be able to subsidise the tuition fees for the Classroom Instrumental Learning programme.

From September 2026, Music Hub grant funding will be focused on maintaining a subsidised cost for musical instrument hire. This will ensure that schools can continue to access instruments at an affordable rate and that more pupils are able to take up learning a musical instrument.

Classroom Instrumental Learning is a musical entitlement that transforms learning: every child takes part, every child progresses, every child matters.

Across the programme, students develop:

1. Core skills: Timing, pulse, listening, teamwork, concentration, confidence

2. Extended skills: Blend, balance, tuning, dynamic awareness, initiative, non‑verbal communication

3. Specialist skills: Artistry, expressive performance, leadership, interpretation

Classroom Instrumental Learning provides a clear musical journey — from first access, to confidence, to progression.

What we offer

All offers are subject to staff and instrument availability.

At‑a‑glance comparison
Progression Package — Recommended
Foundation Plus Package
Foundation Package
Resource Package

At‑a‑glance comparison

Package	Learning Approach	Contact Time	Programme Length	Instrument Choice	Annual Fee
Progression ⭐	Small groups, faster progress, flexible use of class time	90 mins per week	33 sessions	Wider choice of specialist instruments	£2,674.98
Foundation Plus	Whole class basic option with extra planning time	45 mins per week	33 sessions (plus 3 additional planning weeks)	Limited choice of entry level instruments	£2,041.20
Foundation	Whole class basic option	45 mins per week	33 sessions	Limited choice of entry level instruments	£1,871.10

Progression Package — Recommended

A strategic, ambitious partnership over time

Smaller‑group learning within the timetable for personalised progress and richer feedback
In‑class flexibility: option for targeted core‑subject intervention during music time
Wider choice of instruments to broaden engagement and sustain motivation
Bonus: a ‘Have a Go’ instrument session to try other instruments available to learn
Includes: pre‑delivery planning and end‑of‑year sharing
Sessions: 33 × 90‑minute sessions

Annual fee: £2,674.98
Instrument hire: £192.00 per class set

Why schools choose the Progression Package:
More learning time, smaller groups, broader instrument choice, and a lower hourly teaching rate than Foundation options — delivering the strongest musical outcomes and best value per learning hour.

Foundation Plus Package

Foundation, with added planning and support

Everything in Foundation, plus 3 planning sessions to co‑design delivery and amplify outcomes
Maintains whole‑class model and streamlined teacher workload
Instrument choices: focused/limited selection
Includes: pre‑delivery planning, 3 additional planning sessions, end‑of‑year sharing
Sessions: 33 × 45‑minute sessions + 3 planning sessions

Annual fee: £2,041.20
Instrument hire: £192.00 per class set

Foundation Package

A strong start for whole-class instrumental learning

Whole‑class model that builds core musical skills (rhythm, pitch, pulse)
First ensemble experiences with reduced planning load through specialist delivery
Instrument choices: focused/limited selection
Includes: pre‑delivery planning meeting and end‑of‑year sharing
Sessions: 33 × 45‑minute sessions

Annual fee: £1,871.10
Instrument hire: £192.00 per class set

Resource Package

For schools with an in-house specialist teacher

Hire of a class set of instruments, subject to availability
Supports continuity within existing school-led provision
Instruments can be used with multiple classes as needed

Instrument hire: £192.00 per class set

What schools commit to

A full academic year of delivery per class
Suitable space and effective timetabling
Active teacher involvement
Promotion of progression routes into lessons and ensembles
Family engagement opportunities
Sharing relevant data with the Music Hub

How CIL strengthens foundational learning

Sustained ensemble learning supports foundational learning by:

Providing weekly, universal rehearsal of executive function skills, including attention, working memory and inhibitory control
Strengthening phonological awareness through rhythm, pulse and auditory discrimination (reading links)
Supporting early mathematical thinking through counting, rhythmic fractions, sequencing and proportional awareness
Developing fine‑motor control, timing and coordination, closely linked to handwriting fluency
Embedding routine, discipline and shared responsibility, supporting behaviour for learning and learning readiness
Modelling high‑quality pedagogy for staff through specialist delivery and co‑planning

These outcomes align directly with Ofsted’s focus on strong foundations, behaviour, readiness to learn and curriculum impact.

What CIL gives your school

A complete, high‑quality instrumental learning programme for every child, delivered by Hertfordshire Music Service specialists or approved partners.

CIL strengthens:

1. Musical Development and Progress

Builds pupils’ musical knowledge, instrumental technique and overall confidence.
Ensures that all children experience meaningful musical progression.

2. Teacher Practice and Curriculum Consistency

Supports teachers with specialist-led sessions that align closely with the National Curriculum.
Provides a consistent, practical framework for high‑quality music delivery.

3. Behaviour, Focus and Readiness to Learn

Establishes structured routines through ensemble music-making.
Enhances listening, teamwork and self‑regulation.

4. Whole-School Musical Culture

Raises the profile of music across the school.
Encourages participation, performance and celebration of musical achievement.

5. Equity and Inclusion

Strengthens Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP).
Ensures equal access for all pupils—including those with SEND.
Offers an entitlement: every child takes part, progresses and matters.

6. Clear Progression Pathways

Introduces children to instruments in a meaningful way and establishes routes into small‑group lessons, ensembles and long‑term musical engagement.

7. Strategic Alignment

Supports schools in building a coherent, ambitious Music Development Plan.
Works as a one‑year introduction or a multi‑year strategic partnership.

Whether adopted as a universal entitlement or as part of a multi‑year strategic partnership, Classroom Instrumental Learning supports schools to deliver meaningful, sustained musical development.