Music at Kimbolton
At Kimbolton Prep School, we are committed to providing pupils with a strong foundation in music throughout Key Stages 1 and 2. Music is an integral part of the curriculum and is delivered by specialist teachers in a fun, engaging, and practical manner.
Lessons focus on developing key musical skills through performing, listening, and composing. Children are introduced to rhythm and treble notation and explore composition using both traditional and contemporary techniques.
Pupils have the opportunity to play a range of instruments, including recorder, keyboard, and a variety of tuned and untuned percussion. They also study a broad spectrum of musical styles, from jazz and rap to classical and world music.
Throughout their time at the Prep School, children are encouraged to develop their musical understanding with an emphasis on the elements of music and recognition of orchestral instruments. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil is well prepared for musical life at the Senior School.
Stringlets and Mini-Strings (Years 1 and 2)
Pupils in Years 1 and Year 2 are able to enjoy our “Stringlets” and “Mini-Strings” projects as a co-curricular activity. In these group lessons, pupils learn the basics of string playing, learning either on violin or cello (loaned from the school).
There is a bespoke syllabus including videos to help practise at home. There is a small termly fee for taking part in Stringlets or Mini-Strings which includes instrument hire and music.
Choirs
There are three main choirs at the Prep Years 1 and 2 Choir, Junior Choir (Years 3-4) and Senior Choir (Years 5-6). Well over half of the pupils in Years 1-6 take part in choir and any pupil wishing to join choir may usually do so. We also have a smaller invitation-only Chamber Choir for Years 5-6 pupils.
Our choirs take part in regular concerts, including the Christmas Concert, Carol Service, Summer Production and much more. The Chamber Choir also perform Evensong with the Senior pupils at venues such as Coventry Cathedral.
Ensembles
At the Prep, we are committed to offering at least one ensemble opportunity to every instrumentalist, at whatever age or stage. Currently we offer no less than 14 instrumental ensemble opportunies: Year 2 Recorders, Year 3&4 Recorders, Year 5&6 Recorders, Samba Band, Double Reed Group, 2 x Rock Bands (invitation only); Purple Reign and Only Girls Allowed, Saxophone Ensemble, String Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble known as The Jazz Juniors, Clarinet Ensemble, Cygnet Sinfonietta and the Swan Sinfonia.
Music colours
Music colours, in the form of a lapel badge, are awarded to Year 6 pupils who are not necessarily the best musicians, but meet the following criteria:
- achieve a consistently high level of performance
- long-term consistent practice
- contribute to the wider musical life of the School
- weekly attendance to extracurricular ensembles and/or choirs
- perform and partake in assemblies and concerts
- good results in examinations (at least Grade 3)
Full colours will be awarded to those who fulfil the above criteria as well as the following:
- instrumentalists would need to partake in a school ensemble and one of the Prep choirs
- singers who do not play an instrument would be expected to be a member of the Senior and Chamber Choirs
Individual tuition
Musical activities play an important part in the life of many pupils at Kimbolton School and a large number of pupils take advantage of the expert tuition on offer from our team of visiting specialists. The learning of an instrument and the fun of making music with other people can become a joy for life.
We offer teaching on all orchestral and band instruments as well as piano, guitar, drums, percussion and voice. In addition, we offer extra aural classes for those approaching examinations and music theory classes for those at Grade 3 and above.
Are there instruments available to hire?
Yes. While we cannot guarantee availability, the Music Department has a wide range of instruments for hire for the first year of tuition. Please note that we cannot hire out some instruments, such as pianos, and guitars.
Where and when do lessons take place?
Lessons are 25 minutes long and take place weekly in one of the music practice rooms. Pupils are taught during normal lessons on a rotational basis to ensure that the same lesson is not missed each week.
Pupils note their lesson times on their Music Cards and request a countersignature from their teacher. Lesson times can be found on the music noticeboard near the Staff Room.
When can my child start lessons?
Individual lessons are offered to all children in Year 3 and above. The curriculum is designed so that by Year 3, pupils have an grounding in musical notation and the performance of basic rhythms, which stands them in excellent stead for any instrument(s) they may wish to learn.
Clearly, instrumental lessons are a considerable commitment for pupils and parents, so free “come and try” sessions are available on any instrument and there is no limit to how many different instruments you can try.
How much do music lessons cost?
How much practice will be required?
Progress in any instrument needs daily practice. The best way is to establish a disciplined and structured approach with practice each day of initially 10-15 minutes’ duration, recorded in your child’s Practice Book. This can be adjusted as your child’s stamina and ability grow.
How can I contact my child’s teacher?
Most of our teachers only visit the school on certain days. Please use your child’s Practice Book to convey any messages for your child’s teacher or contact the Music Department Administrator directly.
In certain cases the visiting music teachers are also happy to be contacted directly by email.
How will I know how my child is progressing?
Every pupil is given at least one solo performance opportunity per term, either in a concert or assembly.
You will receive two written reports from your child’s instrumental teacher, published by the end of the autumn and summer terms. This will give you information about how your child is progressing on their instrument and the things that they should try to improve.
If, at some point, you decide to discontinue lessons please confirm your intentions in writing, noting that there is a notice period.
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