What it is
Renfrewshire Instrumental Music Service offers no cost instrumental music lessons to primary and secondary pupils in schools.
The service is delivered by instrumental music teachers. They work in partnership with schools and music departments to deliver a curriculum that enables children and young people to be successful, confident, responsible, and an effective contributor.
The choice of instruments available will vary from school to school, but lessons are provided on:
- bagpipes
- brass
- guitar
- percussion
- pipe band drumming
- strings
- woodwind.
Learning through music provides children and young people with a wide range of opportunities and experiences that develop and prepare them for life at school and beyond.
As well as the musical benefits, learning to play a musical instrument can:
- develop self-esteem and confidence
- enhance co-ordination, memory, and social skills
- improve concentration and discipline
- positively impact health and wellbeing
- teach your child how to work as part of a team and contribute to the life of the school and wider community.
Who can get instrumental music lessons
The service offers instrumental music lessons to primary and secondary pupils in schools in Renfrewshire.
Learning a musical instrument is open to pupils from Primary 5 (strings only) and Primary 6 (depending on staff availability and resources). This may vary from school to school.
Your child will have an initial presentation from the Instrumental Music Service about what instruments are available to learn at their school.
As there is often more demand for instrumental lessons than availability, it may not be possible to offer every pupil the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.
More information
For more information about the Instrumental Music Service and how your child can learn a musical instrument read our Renfrewshire Instrumental Music Service information leaflet:
You can also contact our Music Development Officer by:
- email mark.traynor@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone 0141 487 2496
Read our Renfrewshire Instrumental Music Service guidelines:
Authority ensembles
Renfrewshire Instrumental Music Service authority ensemble programme provides opportunities for young musicians to meet, develop, and enhance their musical experiences and learning.
Our ensembles are open to children and young people up to the age of 19, who play a musical instrument at the appropriate level and:
- attend a Renfrewshire Council school
- attend the Saturday Music Centre or,
- live in Renfrewshire.
The ensembles rehearse from September to March.
Read more about how your child can participate in the authority ensemble programme with our information leaflet: