Learning to play an instrument is one of the best ways for children to grow, learn, and express themselves.
It helps build confidence, focus, and patience, skills that support every part of their education.
Playing music also develops teamwork and communication, as pupils listen to others, keep in time, and create something together.
Most of all, it’s fun. It gives children a real break from screens and schoolwork, while giving them something to feel proud of and excited about.
Once lessons begin, your child will learn with one of our skilled and friendly tutors, usually during the school day. Lessons can be one-to-one or in small groups, with a focus on learning at their own pace and enjoying every step.
Every child is different, and part of the fun is finding the instrument that feels right for them.
Some love the sound of strings or woodwind; others prefer brass, guitar, percussion, or piano.
Our tutors teach a wide range of instruments, so there’s something for everyone.
If your child isn’t sure what to pick, we can help. Our team can guide you towards instruments that match their age, size, and interests.
You can also hire an instrument through Shropshire Music Service at a low cost, so there’s no need to buy one straight away.
Once lessons begin, your child will be taught by one of our skilled and friendly tutors, usually during the school day. Lessons can be one-to-one or in small groups, and each session is designed to be fun, supportive, and paced to the individual.
Children quickly grow in confidence as they learn new notes, rhythms, and songs, seeing their progress week by week.
Our tutors encourage children to enjoy every moment of their learning, from that first sound to their first full performance. Parents often notice big changes too: more focus, self-belief, and pride in what their child can do.
As pupils gain confidence, they can take part in concerts, join school or county music groups, and play alongside other young musicians.
Performing helps them feel part of something bigger, work as a team, and celebrate their hard work.
For those who want to go further, our tutors can also prepare pupils for graded music exams or support them as they explore different styles.
Whether your child dreams of joining a band or simply loves playing for fun, learning an instrument through Shropshire Music Service is a journey full of creativity, confidence, and joy.
From beginners to confident young performers, our instrumental lessons offer a clear path for musical development.
Shropshire Music Service supports beginner instrumentalists by teaching a range of resources designed by our specialist staff.
Our four step beginner programme is designed to help students incrementally build their technique and understanding of music and is benchmarked to Music Mark’s – A Common Approach.
Our tutors are skilled musicians and experience teachers who bring enthusiasm, creativity and patience to every session as they guide your children through our four beginner levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.
Once our beginner programme is complete, your child is ready to progress to formal grades. As they grow in confidence, they can join small group sessions, school ensembles, and county bands, choirs, and orchestras.
Our tutors guide each pupil in building strong technique while inspiring creativity, confidence, and a lifelong enjoyment of making music.
Of course you may have questions that you would prefer to talk to us about.
Please call 01743 874145 to have a chat with our friendly team who can help guide you.
We know parents often have lots of practical questions before getting started.
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common ones, from what age children can begin, to how lessons work in school and how to keep them motivated at home.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help – just get in touch through our contact page.
Most children can start learning from around the age of seven, when they’ve developed enough coordination and concentration to manage regular lessons. However, some instruments – like violin, recorder, or ukulele – can be introduced earlier. Our tutors are experienced in helping younger pupils learn through games, songs, and creative activities that build essential skills before moving on to formal tuition.
For each child, we consider age and interest when recommending an instrument. The most important thing is that your child feels curious and excited to learn: there’s no such thing as starting too early or too late.
Lessons typically last between 10 and 30 minutes and take place weekly during the school day. We work closely with schools to make sure pupils don’t miss the same lesson or subject each week: most operate on a rotating timetable.
Some pupils have individual lessons, while others learn in small groups, which can make lessons more sociable and cost-effective. Your child’s tutor will help decide the best approach based on their age, level, and goals.
No – you can hire an instrument through Shropshire Music Service at an affordable cost. All instruments are well maintained, cleaned, and ready to play, allowing your child to start lessons quickly without a big upfront purchase.
Hiring also gives pupils the chance to try out different instruments before deciding which one they want to stick with. If your child later decides to switch or needs a different size (for example, moving from a half-size to a full-size violin), we’ll help arrange that smoothly.
A little practice goes a long way. For beginners, 10–15 minutes a few times a week (preferably every day) is enough to make steady progress. The key is consistency: short, regular practice sessions help children remember what they’ve learned and builds confidence.
Tutors often provide simple guidance for parents on how to support practice at home, even if you don’t play an instrument yourself. Encouraging your child to share what they’ve learned or play along to backing tracks can make practice fun and rewarding.
Yes! Performing is a key part of learning music. Pupils are encouraged to take part in school concerts, informal performances, and county-wide events organised by Shropshire Music Service.
Performing helps children build confidence, develop stage presence, and experience the excitement of sharing their music with others. Whether it’s their first small classroom performance or playing in a large concert hall, every opportunity helps them grow as musicians, and as individuals.
