Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Music lessons: information for young people and parents

Tees Valley Music Service offers music lessons to young people across the Tees Valley. Our music lessons are usually arranged through your school.

Learn how to play an instrument

We offer lessons using the following instruments:

• Strings - violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass
• Woodwind - flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, recorder
• Brass - trumpet, cornet, tenor horn, french horn, baritone, euphonium, trombone, tuba
• Percussion - drum kit, orchestral percussion
• Keyboards

Find out which type of instrument might be best for you. 

Learn how to sing

There are several opportunities available to young people who would like to sing well. We provide lessons in several musical genres:

• Rock and pop lessons
• Choir
• Classical
• Singing lessons for individuals

Where lessons take place

Most music lessons will take place during the normal school day at your own school but we sometimes arrange lessons for individuals at your local Tees Valley Music Centre.

Primary school lessons are usually held at the same time each week. Secondary school lesson times usually rotate so that pupils don't miss the same school lesson each week.

If we don't currently offer lessons on the instrument of your choice we will try to encourage other other pupils at your school to take up lessons using the same instrument. We are more likely to offer lessons for a particular instrument if sufficient numbers of people are interested in learning how to play it from your school.

The cost of lessons

The cost of lessons vary dependant upon the young person's personal and family circumstances and the type of lessons required.

Find information about the cost of lessons.

Pay for lessons and equipment hire online

You can pay the fees of Tees Valley Music Centre lessons and instrument hire online - 
pay for music lessons and instrument hire. 

Arrange to start your music lessons

Most primary, secondary and Sixth Form students can arrange lessons with Tees Valley Music Service. Speak to the Music Co-ordinator at your school or college who will then contact us on your behalf. 

You can also make an initial enquiry about music lessons offered by Tees Valley Music Service. 

Buy or hire an instrument?

We offer instrument hire for a small monthly fee. Hiring can be a good way to try out an instrument before making the decision to buy. 

If you decide to buy an instrument later we will guide you to help ensure that you get the best quality instrument for you. 

Get help to buy an instrument

The Assisted Purchase Scheme helps pupils/parents pay for their own instruments. Instruments bought as part of this scheme are exempt from VAT, although there is an administration charge of 5% which does attract VAT.

Apply to buy a musical instrument through the Assisted Purchase Scheme. 

Music exams

Tees Valley Music Service is a registered exam centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity Guildhall exam boards.

Music exams will be held during the following times:

• Autumn term 2012 - Trinity Guildhall exams
• Spring term 2013 - ABRSM exams
• Summer term 2013 - Trinity Guildhall exams

For additional information about starting singing or music lessons, taking exams or buying an instrument contact Tees Valley Music Service.