Which instruments do you teach?
Cello, trumpet, trombone, tuba, flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, double bass, vocals, drum kit.
How much are the lessons?
They are free! We are one of the few secondary schools nationwide still offering an opportunity to take an instrument lesson for no extra charge. Due to demand guitar, drum, and piano lessons are held in group format for new students. Guitars and drums are limited to one term of lessons.
Which Instruments Have Spaces Left?
We currently have spaces for trumpet, trombone, and cello lessons.
Other instrument timetables are full at the moment so we have set up waiting lists. Get in touch if you wish to be added to one of those lists. You can email us at info@fhsmusic.org.uk or speak to Mr. coggle in room 252.
How do I sign up?
Email Mr. Coggle and he will let you know which spaces are available – info@fhsmusic.org.uk or come and see him in room 252. Lessons are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For popular instruments like piano, guitar, and drums we start students with group lessons (clubs) so that we can respond to the high demand.
What happens next?
If there is a space available you will be put onto the lesson timetable straight away. Some instruments do get filled quite quickly, so you will be put on a waiting list and informed as soon as a space is available. Committed and interested students from the clubs can progress to individual lessons if space permits.
How long are the lessons?
Instrument lessons that are 30 minutes long and are timetabled throughout the school day on a rotation basis. Timetables are posted in the music department each half term.
Guitar and drums start in group lessons first to meet demand.
What music enrichment do you offer?
We run the following clubs:
Mon lunchtime L1 – Year 7 Choir (open to all year 7s, see Mr. Coggle/ Ms. Luzi)
Mon lunchtime L2 – Woodwind ensemble (invite only from Ms. Viola/Mr. Coggle)
Mon lunchtime L2 – Guitar club Y8,9 (open to all – see Mr. Coggle/Ms. Dirsyte)
Mon after school – FHS Electric Ensemble (open to all – see Mr. Coggle/Ms. Dirsyte)
Mon after school – Jazz Collective (invite only – see Mr. Lowe/Mr. Coggle)
Thurs lunchtime L1 – Guitar club Y7 (open to all see Mr. Coggle/ Ms. Dirsyte)
Friday lunchtime – Drum Club Y7 (open to all see Mr. Coggle)
How many lessons can you take?
Every student at Forest Hill School is given the opportunity to study at least one instrument, where space permits. This applies to KS3 students and those in KS4 who have chosen music as an option. After-school and lunchtime enrichment clubs are not restricted so you can sign up for as many as space and time allows.
Can I borrow an instrument?
We have a limited number of instruments that are available to borrow for free/donation. Your son will be given an instrument contract and once that is signed and returned the instrument loan can be arranged. This applies to woodwind, brass, and cello. We don’t lend out guitars, drums, or keyboards.
My son is in year 10 but didn’t take music. Can he still have his instrument lesson?
Once a student decides on their Key Stage 4 options, only those choosing music can continue to access timetabled 1-to-1 instrument lessons. Extra-curricular groups and after-school lessons are still accessible.
What if I have a clash with another timetabled lesson?
Sometimes an instrument lesson clashes with an assessment lesson or with off-site PE. In these cases, we would look to reschedule the time or else try and find a slot during break or lunchtime if possible. Talk to your instrument tutor or Mr. Coggle to let them know about the clash and they will try to arrange something as soon as possible.
Can you help me arrange for private lessons outside of school?
The links will help you connect with local teachers offering a range of instrument tuition options.
Can I get help to buy an instrument?
See this list for funds available for young musicians.