Whole-school impact in a single day
School impact at a glance
- Boosts engagement, motivation and cultural capital
- Strengthens listening, communication and collaboration
- Delivers inclusive enrichment without external trips
Overview
Hertfordshire Music Service offers a rich programme of musical experiences designed to ensure that all pupils—regardless of background, SEND needs or prior musical experience—have access to inspiring, high‑quality music‑making. These experiences support pupils’ musical development, build cultural capital and contribute positively to behaviour, wellbeing and whole‑school engagement.
Musical experiences can be delivered to whole classes, year groups, key stages or the entire school. They provide powerful opportunities for pupils to explore instruments, create music and participate in uplifting events that strengthen school identity and aspiration.
What we offer
HMS provides an extensive menu of interactive, creative and performance‑based musical experiences, including:
- Live Performance Workshops
High‑energy sessions e.g. assembly demonstrations, bringing professional live music into school, broadening pupils’ horizons and inspiring curiosity.
- Global Music Workshops
Explorations of global musical traditions using authentic instruments, promoting cultural understanding and inclusive participation. Each HMS region offers a curated menu of workshop options. Your local team will work with you to identify the most suitable approach for your school.
- Composition & Songwriting Projects
Hands‑on opportunities for pupils to develop original ideas, build creative confidence and produce their own music.
- Music Technology & Digital Music
Accessible, modern music‑making using digital tools to support composition, beat‑making and sound design.
- Whole‑School Music Events
Celebratory days that bring the school community together through singing, performance and collaborative creativity.
- Singing Days
Large‑scale singing experiences that energise pupils and teachers, strengthening vocal development and ensemble musicianship.
- Bespoke Sessions
Global percussion groups, SEND‑adapted music‑making, beginner clubs or themed projects linked to your curriculum priorities.
All sessions are led by skilled HMS practitioners with expertise in large‑group engagement, inclusive practice and high‑quality musicianship.
Session structure
All workshops take place during the school day with 1 class or group involved in each individual session.
Suggested session durations are 30 minutes for EYFS and Key Stage 1, and 45-60 minutes for Key Stage 2 and 3.
This means all pupils in a one-form intake primary school could take part in music classes in a single day. Larger schools would need to book more days to reach their whole school or sessions can be tailored to single key stages.
The cost includes:
- All instrument hire, delivery and collection.
- All specialist staff time.
- Travel costs.
- Planning and preparation of bespoke sessions.
Information:
Costs (from September 2026)
- Full day workshop: £840
- Half day workshop: £472.50
- Bespoke experiences can also be designed for your school - contact your Regional Manager for more information
What your school provides
To support effective delivery, schools are asked to provide:
- A suitable space for large‑group or whole‑school sessions
- Support with parent/carer communication where appropriate
- A schedule or calendar for planning events and workshops
- Staff presence to ensure safeguarding and maximise engagement
- Opportunities for pupils to share outcomes or celebrate achievements.
Why musical experiences matter
High‑quality musical experiences enrich the school day, bringing pupils together through shared creativity, performance and discovery. They help build confidence, communication and teamwork, while broadening pupils’ cultural understanding and supporting their personal development. These opportunities align with the National Plan for Music Education and contribute directly to Ofsted’s expectations for cultural capital, inclusion and personal development.
Foundation skills strengthened
Musical experiences delivered to whole classes, year groups or key stages help pupils to:
- Boost attention and processing speed through highly engaging, interactive sessions
- Strengthen pattern recognition and sequencing, supporting early reading, phonics and mathematical reasoning
- Build listening accuracy, auditory discrimination and cultural/linguistic awareness
- Develop communication skills through turn‑taking, collaborative performance and non‑verbal musical cues
- Enhance motivation, focus and emotional regulation
- Practise executive function strategies that teachers can embed across the wider curriculum.
Why this is cost-effective for schools
This provision offers excellent value for money by enabling schools to:
- Deliver whole‑school impact in a single day, maximising reach and reducing cost per pupil
- Increase engagement, cultural capital and classroom readiness
- Provide high‑quality enrichment on site, reducing reliance on external trips and events
- Embed inclusive participation strategies that staff can re‑use throughout the year
- Strengthen school culture through shared performances, celebrations and pupil voice.