Private music lessons by peripatetic instrumental teachers

We run our own independent music service for students who would like private instrumental, singing or theory lessons from our team of peripatetic music teachers.

Individual music lessons are billed at the current rate of £21.00 per lesson. Fees are payable in advance directly to the peripatetic teacher on receipt of their invoice.

Students in Years 7-10 attend music lessons on a rotational basis throughout the day; those in Year 11-13 have their lessons in their study periods, during breaks or before/after school where possible.
All students (except pianists and drummers) must supply their own instruments.
We recommend that students who have private singing and/or instrumental lessons join a school choir or ensemble as this is an essential part of their training.
Our peripatetic teachers will usually teach around ten lessons per term, depending on the length of any term and timetabled school events. The following private music lessons are available:

Piano
Singing
Music Theory
Brass: French Horn  •  Trumpet  •  Trombone  •  Tuba
Strings: Violin  •  Viola  •  Cello
Woodwind: Flute  •  Oboe  •  Clarinet  •  Bassoon  •  Saxophone
Guitar: Bass  •  Classical  •  Electric
Percussion: Drumkit  •  Orchestral Percussion

New Year 7 students will receive information about the private music provision before they join the school. Current students or parents should contact the Music Department for further information on music@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk

Please complete the following form to apply for music lessons:

Private Music Application Form

Please read the agreement below in conjunction with completing the application form.

Private Music Lessons Agreement

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I apply for music lessons for my child?
    The online application form is available via the link above.  It is also available upon request if you contact music@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk. Please complete the application form once you have read the private music lesson agreement via the link above.

    How much do the lessons cost?
    A 30-minute individual lesson costs £21.00 currently, payable in advance directly to the peripatetic teacher. Parents will be notified half a term in advance of any increase in fees.

    Who provides the instruments?
    Pupils must provide their own instruments where these are portable. Students receiving piano or drum lessons should have access to an instrument at home for practice.

    How are the lessons timetables? Will my child miss subject lessons?
    Pupils in years 7 to 10 have music lessons during school time and will therefore come out of subject lessons to attend. Lessons are rotated throughout the school day. Pupils in years 11 to 13 have music lessons during private study periods, during breaks, or before or after school, where possible.

    How does my child find out when their music lesson take place?
    Timetables are displayed in the Music Department and will be emailed to parents by their peripatetic teachers at the beginning of each term.

    Will my child be collected to attend their music lesson?
    It is the pupil’s responsibility to ensure that they attend their music lessons at the correct time each week. They will not be collected by the peripatetic teacher.

    What happens if my child misses their music lessons?
    No action is taken for one missed lesson. If a pupil misses two lessons in a row without explanation, the peripatetic teacher or the Music Administrator will contact parents.

    Will missed lessons be rearranged or refunded?
    Lessons missed due to the peripatetic teacher’s absence will be rearranged or refunded, as determined by the teacher. Lessons missed due to the pupil’s absence (e.g. if they were ill or forgot to attend their lesson) cannot be rearranged or refunded. Lessons cancelled because of emergency school closure (e.g. due to inclement weather) will be rearranged or refunded, as determined by the teacher.

    What happens if my child has an appointment or school trip on the day of their music lesson?
    Pupils should notify the teacher and the Music Administrator as soon as possible and at least one week in advance. A swap with another pupil will be arranged where possible. If insufficient notice is given, the teacher is not obliged to make up the missed lesson.

    Can my child take an exam in school?
    The school hosts a special visit from an ABRSM examiner at the end of the summer term for instrumental grade exams. These exams will be organised by the Music Administrator. Parent’s consent will be obtained before entering a pupil for an exam.

    How do I stop my child’s music lessons?
    Half a term’s notice as per the school calendar, must be given in writing to the peripatetic teacher and copied to the Music Administrator. Notice should be given no later than the last lesson before half term in which music lessons are to stop. One more half term of lessons will then take place. If insufficient notice is given, half a term’s fees will be payable.