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Classroom Instrumental Learning

Classroom Instrumental Learning (CIL) brings high‑quality, inclusive music-making to every pupil. Delivered by Hertfordshire Music Service specialists, CIL provides whole‑class instrumental teaching 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 the development of a coherent Music Development Plan.

CIL 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

CIL provides a clear musical journey — from first access, to confidence, to progression.

What we offer

All offers are subject to staff and instrument availability.
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Foundation Package

A strong foundation for whole-class instrumental learning

  • Whole‑class model
  • Builds core musical skills: rhythm, pitch, pulse
  • First ensemble experiences
  • Reduced planning load through specialist delivery
  • 33 × 45‑minute sessions (including pre‑delivery meeting and end‑of‑year presentation)

Annual fee: £1,853.28
Instrument hire: £168.48 per class set

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Progression Package - Recommended

Deeper learning, stronger progress, greater flexibility

  • Small-group model for personalised learning
  • Higher musical outcomes through increased contact time
  • Faster progress and richer feedback
  • Enables targeted classroom support elsewhere
  • Minimum 33 x 90-minute scheduled sessions (including pre-delivery meeting and end-of-year presentation)

Annual fee: £2,572.02
Instrument hire: £168.48 per class set

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Plus Package

A strategic, ambitious partnership over time

  • Extended small-group model
  • Multi-year curriculum planning
  • Additional performance opportunities
  • Strengthens subject leadership and long-term impact
  • Minimum 36 x 90-minute scheduled sessions (including 3 delivery meetings and 2 presentations)

Annual fee: £2,805.84
Instrument hire: £168.48 per class set

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Resource Package

For schools with an in-house instrumental specialist

  • Online resources and/or instrument hire
  • Supports continuity within existing school-led provision

Instrument hire: £168.48 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
  • 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.