Removing barriers to participation and progression
School impact at a glance
- Ensures equitable access to instruments
- Supports SEND inclusion and curriculum continuity
- Cost‑effective, maintained and reliable
High‑quality instruments, equipment and digital resources are essential for sustained musical learning. Reliable access to appropriate instruments and equipment enables pupils to practise regularly, develop technique over time and participate fully in classroom, ensemble and progressive individual learning.
Hertfordshire Music Service supports schools to build affordable, inclusive and sustainable access to instruments and resources that underpin high‑quality curriculum delivery, Classroom Instrumental Learning, ensembles and SEND provision.
Instrument Hire
High‑quality instruments play a vital role in enabling children and young people to access a broad, ambitious and inclusive music curriculum, as outlined in the National Plan for Music Education (NPME).
Hertfordshire Music Service supports schools by facilitating access to musical instruments that fit the needs of each class or learning group.
The activities that HMS supports with instruments include Classroom Instrumental Learning, ensembles, projects and workshops.
HMS ensures that the type of instrument required isn't a barrier to learning by charging a set fee, no matter the instrument.
Instrument hire: From £192 per set per year.
Instrument Hire for Individual Pupils
HMS also supports individual pupils with access to an instrument through the Access to Instrument Scheme offers subsidised individual hire, ensuring no pupil is prevented from learning due to financial or practical barriers.
This supports:
- Continuation beyond whole‑class programmes
- Equality of access to instrumental pathways
- Sustained engagement and progression
Instrument hire for individual pupils: £32.00 per instrument per term.
Accessible Instruments & SEND‑Focused Resources
New and developing
Hertfordshire Music Service is committed to ensuring all children and young people can access meaningful, high‑quality music‑making opportunities, including those with SEND, complex needs, physical disabilities or barriers to traditional instruments.
In line with the National Plan for Music Education, HMS is developing a growing Accessible Instrument Library, designed to remove barriers and open up personalised musical progression pathways for every learner.
What the Accessible Instrument Library will offer
HMS is building a specialist library of digital and adaptive instruments designed specifically for pupils with SEND. These tools enable pupils to participate independently, creatively and confidently, developing a strong sense of musical identity.
Designed for Inclusion and Engagement
The instruments support pupils who may experience barriers related to:
- Fine‑motor control
- Physical access
- Sensory processing
- Traditional instrumental techniques
Technology adapts to the learner — not the other way around — enabling exploration of sound, expression and performance.
This empowers schools to embed inclusive music‑making into everyday practice, supporting sustained access rather than isolated experiences.
A full list of instruments and pricing for 2026–27 will be published as the library develops.
Why Accessible Instruments Matter
Accessible digital instruments support:
- Inclusion and participation for pupils unable to access traditional instruments
- Communication and expressive skills through sound, gesture and technology
- Independence and autonomy in music‑making
- Creativity, confidence and motivation through successful musical outcomes
- Meaningful musical progression via appropriate, personalised pathways
This aligns strongly with NPME expectations that all pupils, including those with SEND, should be able to take part in, enjoy and make progress through music.