On Monday night we were happy to welcome a huge turnout of new Year 7 students and parents for the music information evening! Through instrument tasters and demonstrations, the new cohort got a taste of the wide variety of extracurricular music at Latymer.

Ms Greally, Head of Music, emphasised how extracurricular activities contribute towards the holistic approach for student development and wellbeing. Music has been at the heart of Latymer tradition as it inspires creativity, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging for all students. Through performing and making music together, students build their confidence and learn lifelong skills!

With over 350 music lessons, various ensembles and choirs for students at every age and level, there is something for everyone, at every level! We can’t wait to see the new Year 7 students perform at the first big concert of the year, Music at Latymer, on Thursday 22^nd October.

In the meantime, please find below some key information about music lessons and musical hire.   you have further questions about music lessons, please email Ms Jouan, Music Administrator at musicadmin@latymer.co.uk

How do I start instrumental or singing lessons? 
Before we can allocate you a teacher and add you to our lesson timetables, we need a completed consent form, signed by a parent/carer. Most pupils can start at the beginning of any term, although there is occasionally a waiting list. Typically, over 350 instrumental and singing lessons are timetabled each week.

How will I know when and where my first lesson is due to take place?
You and your parent/carer will receive an email in September to tell you the date and time of your first lesson. Lessons will start in the second full week of the Autumn term on 14th September. Lessons usually take place in practice rooms in the Music Department. Please do not contact the Music Office following up a completed Consent Form, as an email notification will be sent.

Where can I find out the time of my next lesson?
Pupils can view the lesson timetables on the notice board in the Music Department (outside the Music Office) several days in advance or by logging into Edulink > Noticeboard > Music Timetables.

Can I always have my lesson at the same time each week?
Lessons are organised on a rolling timetable so that you usually miss a different subject lesson each week. You are responsible for catching up with the work you missed and finding out about any homework set.

Do I have to ask my subject teacher's permission to go to a music lesson?
Please notify your subject teacher by email in advance as a matter of courtesy if your music lesson is due to clash with their subject lesson.

What happens if I miss a lesson?
For music lessons missed in school, we email an absence letter home as a matter of course. Sometimes you may have been absent from school; or perhaps you were at school but simply forgot. It is a good idea to contact your instrumental teacher as soon as you can after missing a lesson, as a matter of courtesy.

When and how do I pay for the lessons?
The teacher will email an invoice to parents/carers on or before the first lesson. The hourly rate for 2026-27 is £48.96 per hour and payment is made directly to the teacher, by bank transfer and usually for a set of 10 lessons.

How long will my lesson be?
Most pupils have 30-minute lessons (£244.80 per term). Sometimes beginners start with 20 minutes; some advanced pupils have 40-minute lessons.

What if I want to stop having instrumental lessons?
Full details of the Cancellation Policy are given on the Consent Form and on each invoice, although we hope that you will see instrumental lessons as a long-term commitment!

Where should I keep my instrument in school?
When in school, your instrument must be stored in a music locker and the case must be clearly marked with your name and locker number. You will be allocated a shared music locker and four-digit code in September if you bring an instrument to school. Do ask your parent/carer to check that the instrument is insured. Pupils will be emailed a link to sign up to a music locker in September.

Can I use practice rooms in the Music Department?
Our nine practice rooms are used for instrumental and singing lessons and for group work in music lessons. Before and after school you are welcome to use any available rooms for individual practice, whether or not you learn at Latymer; there is no booking system. Please do not bring food or drink into the Music Department.

The pictures are of Year 7 students trying out new instruments during the event.