Music at Kimbolton
The benefits of music in education are well documented. Music is central to a child’s development of a positive self image and need for self-expression.
It has a proven link with cognitive ability and memory, and is an ideal vehicle for developing self-discipline, team work and social skills as well as fine motor skills, co-ordination, analytical skills, creativity and problem solving.
Class lessons
At Kimbolton Prep School we aim to provide a firm grounding in the basics of music at Key Stages 1 and 2. Children are taught by specialist teachers as part of the school curriculum.
Music is taught in an enjoyable and practical way with the focus on performing, listening, and composing activities. All pupils learn both the xylophone and the recorder and learn how to read music.
All pupils also learn the Kodaly method of solfege (do re mi). The curriculum is extremely broad, with topics ranging from basic acoustics, to the blues, and from Indonesian Gamelan to medieval plainchant!
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.
School 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, which rehearses on Wednesday after school.
Our choirs take part in regular concerts, including the Christmas Concert, Carol Service, Summer Production and much more.
Ensemble groups
At the Prep, we are committed to offering at least one ensemble opportunity to every instrumentalist, at whatever age or stage. Currently we offer: Lower Prep Xylophone Club, Year 2 Recorders, Year 3 Recorders, Rock Band (invitation only), Saxophone Ensemble, String Ensemble, Junior Pianists’ Ensemble, Senior Pianists’ Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Junior Orchestra, Senior Orchestra and Flute Ensemble.
Music colours
Music colours, in the form of a lapel badge, are awarded to the older pupils who are not necessarily the best musicians, but meet the following criteria:
- Long-term, consistent practice
- Weekly attendance at a number of musical ensembles
- Performed regularly in public
- Clear progress made
- Good marks in examinations (at least Grade 3)
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 (for Years 5 and 6 only, unless as a second instrument). 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. These are sometimes filmed and sent to parents so you can witness your child’s improvement first hand!
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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