Instrumental lessons are at the heart of what we do at Shropshire Music Service. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already growing in confidence, our tutors offer high quality teaching that helps every young musician progress, enjoy learning, and discover their own musical voice. From choosing an instrument to understanding how lessons work in school, parents often have a few questions before getting started.
This FAQ section brings together the answers to the things families ask most often. If you need more support, you can explore our full instrumental lesson guide on our instrumental lessons page or contact our team on our contact page.
If your child is absent due to illness or another unavoidable reason, tutors will try to offer a make-up lesson where possible, although this cannot always be guaranteed.
If your child is pulled from a lesson for a school activity (such as a trip, assembly, or sports event), the lesson may still be chargeable. Schools do their best to minimise timetable clashes, but we encourage parents to remind pupils when their lessons are scheduled.
Whenever possible, your tutor will help keep your child on track by offering practice tips or catch-up guidance.
If your child’s tutor is unavailable due to illness or training, SMS will normally schedule a make-up lesson during dedicated catch-up weeks or offer an extended session later in the term.
If this isn’t possible, you will receive a credit for the missed lesson on your account.
We’re committed to delivering the full value of every lesson paid for.
If you ever need to stop lessons, we simply require six weeks’ notice, which is roughly one half-term. This notice period is charged whether or not lessons take place, as tutors have reserved the slot for your child.
To cancel, just contact the SMS office – not the school or tutor – so we can update timetables and ensure your account is correctly managed.
Yes. Children often start in group lessons and later move to paired or individual sessions as they grow in confidence. Similarly, pupils who prefer a more social learning style may move from individual lessons to small groups.
Just get in touch and we’ll help adjust your child’s lesson type at the next available term.
Signing up is quick and simple. Just complete the online application form on our Instrumental Lessons page, where you can tell us which instrument your child would like to learn and which school they attend. Once submitted, our office team reviews your request, checks tutor availability at your child’s school, and gets in touch to confirm lesson details and start dates.
If you’re unsure which instrument to choose, you can still complete the form and select “Not sure yet” – our team will help guide you. You can also call 01743 874145 if you’d prefer to talk things through before enrolling.
Start here: Instrumental Lessons
We offer a range of lesson formats so families can choose what suits them best:
These prices reflect the high quality of tuition delivered by our experienced, specialist teachers. Full details appear on your enrolment form, and you can review typical lesson formats on the Instrumental Lessons page.
Yes. SMS is committed to making music accessible to all. If your child is eligible for free school meals, you can apply for a discount on tuition fees.
We also offer support through the Bursary Scheme, which helps families who may struggle with lesson or instrument hire costs. Visit our Bursary Information page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Yes. Beginner students receive free music booklets that take them up to around Grade 1 standard. These resources are designed to build strong foundations in reading music and technique.
Some tutors also provide online resources, recorded demonstrations, or practice tracks to help pupils build confidence at home. As your child progresses, they may need additional exam books, but your tutor will guide you when the time comes.
Absolutely – in fact, we encourage it. SMS runs 8 county-wide groups and ensembles, including choirs, wind bands, string groups, youth orchestra, percussion groups, Riffs rock and pop workshops, folk ensembles, and more.
All county groups are free to join, and rehearsals run weekly across Shropshire. Taking part helps pupils make new friends, develop teamwork skills, and enjoy the excitement of live performance.
Explore them: Music Groups, Bands and Ensembles
Yes. Our Instrument Hire Service offers affordable, well-maintained instruments so pupils can start without the pressure of buying straight away.
Hiring is simple: when you sign up for lessons, the form includes a section where you can request an instrument. We’ll then arrange collection through your child’s school or direct delivery. If your child later wants to switch instruments or upgrade, we can organise that too.
Learn more: Instrument Hire
Most pupils receive 34 lessons across the school year, split evenly into autumn, spring, and summer terms. Lessons typically happen once a week.
We do our best to accommodate school timetables, exams, and events to ensure pupils receive as many lessons as possible each term. If lessons need to be rearranged due to school closures or other unavoidable circumstances, we will communicate this clearly.
The majority of lessons take place in your child’s school during the school day, making it easy for families and convenient for pupils.
Some pupils may have lessons at our Shrewsbury Music Service Centre, particularly those preparing for exams or who need lessons outside school hours. In every case, we work with families to find the most suitable arrangement.
We understand that parents sometimes ask for a particular tutor, but because of timetabling and staffing across the county, we allocate teachers based on availability and the needs of each school.
However, all SMS tutors are experienced musicians, trained educators, DBS-checked, and passionate about helping young people thrive.
We’re confident your child will be in excellent hands, whichever tutor they work with.
After you register, we’ll send instructions for paying online through Shropshire Council’s secure payment system. Payments are made termly, in advance, to ensure your child’s lessons are fully confirmed.
You’ll receive clear information on costs, billing timelines, and any applicable subsidies. If you have multiple children learning, you’ll receive separate invoices so each pupil’s progress can be tracked individually.
If you ever need help with the payment process, our admin team is always happy to support you.
Playing music with others is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences a young musician can have. Our ensembles bring pupils together from across the county to rehearse, make friends, build confidence, and share the joy of performing. With groups such as Stompers, Riffs, Youth Orchestra, and the World Folk Ensemble, there is a welcoming space for every player.
This FAQ section answers the most common questions about joining an ensemble, choosing the right group, rehearsal expectations, and performance opportunities. To explore all our ensembles in more detail, visit our Ensembles page, or get in touch with our friendly team on our contact page.
Stompers is ideal for beginners who have started learning an instrument and can confidently play around five notes.
It is a friendly, relaxed first step into ensemble music, giving young musicians the chance to build confidence through rhythm, teamwork, and simple parts that help them feel successful quickly.
If you are unsure whether your child is ready, you can read about Stompers on our Ensembles page or speak to their tutor for guidance
Yes. If you are in your first year of lessons or still getting used to your instrument,
Stompers is the perfect place to begin. As you improve, you can move into other groups such as the World Folk Ensemble, Youth Orchestra, or Riffs.
You can explore all options on our Ensembles page and find the group that fits your level and interests.
If you enjoy pop and rock singing, RIFFS is a brilliant choice. It is full of energy and ideal for vocalists who want to perform contemporary music as part of a real band. You can also explore additional singing opportunities on our Workshops and Events page, where we host themed singing days throughout the year.
It depends on the group.
Youth Orchestra explores classical and orchestral works, Riffs focuses on rock and pop, Stompers brings percussion and rhythm to life, and the World Folk Ensemble explores global musical traditions.
Each group plays fun, varied repertoire tailored to ability level and designed to build confidence. You can see our full ensemble list here.
Yes. Every ensemble performs regularly throughout the year, with major concerts in December and May plus additional showcases and community events. Performances are supportive, exciting experiences that help young musicians grow in confidence. Each ensemble’s performance dates can be found on our Events page.
Grade 5 musicians have several great options. Youth Orchestra is ideal for orchestral instruments, while experienced players of strings, winds, and folk instruments often thrive in the World Folk Ensemble. Guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players, and confident vocalists at this level may prefer RIFFS. You can compare groups on our Ensembles page.
Not usually. We focus on matching players to the right group based on skill rather than age.
Younger beginners tend to join Stompers, while older or more advanced pupils progress into Riffs, Youth Orchestra, or the World Folk Ensemble. For guidance, speak to your tutor or contact us.
Most pupils use their own instrument or one hired through our Instrument Hire Scheme.
If you do not have an instrument yet, or you are playing something large or specialist, we can help you arrange a suitable hire.
More details are available on our instrument hire page.
You are very welcome to come along for a rehearsal and get a real sense of how the group works.
This gives you time to listen, join in, meet the conductor, and decide whether the music and pace feel right for you.
f the ensemble seems a little too advanced or not quite challenging enough, we will guide you toward a group that fits your level and interests.
Our tutors know every ensemble well and are always happy to offer personalised advice. You can explore the full range of groups and find your ideal match on our Ensembles page.
Absolutely. Ensembles are social, welcoming spaces where young musicians bond through shared creativity, teamwork, and performance. Many students make lasting friendships and gain confidence that carries into every part of their lives.
