Instrumental Music Service

Beyond musical skills, learning to play an instrument offers a wide range of developmental benefits. It enhances listening and concentration, builds discipline and coordination, and supports language development and memory. It also nurtures social skills, helping children work as part of a team, respect others, and grow in confidence. Participation in instrumental music encourages a sense of belonging and active involvement in both school life and the wider community.

Instrumental music lessons are currently free for school pupils in Scotland. On 14 July 2021, the Scottish Government announced that councils would be provided with funding for instrumental music tuition during the 2021/22 academic year and has continued for every academic year since. This policy remains in place as of 2025.

While instrumental lessons are provided free of charge, there may be additional costs for essential materials. These can include music books and consumable items such as reeds, valve oil, rosin, and replacement strings, depending on the instrument your child is learning. If cost is a barrier, additional financial support may be available. Please contact your child's instrumental music instructor or school for further information and guidance on accessing assistance.

Our specialist instrumental music teachers provide tuition across a broad range of disciplines, including strings, brass, woodwind, piano, guitar, bagpipes, and percussion. When spaces become available, the instrumental music teacher assigned to your child's school will visit classes to identify pupils who are interested in learning the instrument they teach. In some cases, an ergonomic assessment may be carried out to help determine the most suitable instrument for each pupil.

Please note that the availability of specific instruments can vary by school and local area. Due to high demand and limited spaces, your child may be placed on a waiting list. Pupils remain on this list for up to two years in case a place becomes available before the next recruitment phase.

An instrument will be provided on loan, free of charge, for the duration of your child's participation in the Instrumental Music Service. As your child progresses, you may wish to consider purchasing their own instrument. This can be done through the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS), which allows you to buy a musical instrument through your child's school without paying VAT, making it a more affordable option for families.

Instruments provided on loan remain the property of East Lothian Council and must be handled with care at all times. Any damage resulting from normal wear and tear will be repaired at no cost to families.

However, in instances where loss or damage occurs due to neglect or other avoidable circumstances, we expect parents or carers to cover the cost of repair or replacement. We recommend checking your household insurance policy, as many policies offer cover for musical instruments. Please ensure that the policy includes protection for the instrument while it is outside the home, as an additional premium may be required.

Instrumental lessons are delivered weekly during the school day and typically last between 25 to 30 minutes. In primary schools, lesson times are generally fixed each week. In secondary schools, lessons are scheduled on a rotational basis to minimise disruption to academic learning.

Each school and instrumental discipline has a dedicated Google Classroom, where lesson schedules are posted and regularly updated. This platform is also the primary channel for communication between instrumental music teachers, pupils, and parents. We strongly encourage both students and parents to check Google Classroom frequently for updates, messages, and important information. Lesson records and progress updates are also maintained on this platform.

Your involvement in your child's musical journey plays a vital role in their progress and enjoyment. You can help by:

• encouraging regular practice and take time to listen to them play
• offer positive reinforcement, especially during the early stages of learning
• support consistent attendance at lessons
• don't hesitate to contact your child's instrumental music teacher if you have any questions or need guidance
• motivate your child to participate in group performances, ensembles, or bands whenever opportunities arise - we offer a wide range of musical events throughout the year in which your child may have the opportunity to participate. In addition, many schools host bands and ensembles that students can join to further develop their musical skills and experience the joy of group performance. We encourage you to speak with your child's instrumental music teacher for guidance on which groups or activities would be most suitable for their level and interests.

We are always disappointed to see students discontinue their lessons, and we aim to explore the reasons behind their decision so that appropriate support can be offered to help them continue their musical journey with us. Please contact your child’s instructor if you would like assistance with this.

If your child still wishes to discontinue lessons, please contact us at ims@eastlothian.gov.uk and/or inform their music instructor. Once we receive confirmation that lessons are to cease, and any loaned instrument has been returned (where applicable), your child will be removed from the instructor’s register.

When returning a loaned instrument, please ensure it is handed directly to the instructor wherever possible. If this is not feasible, the instrument may be given to a member of the school office or a class teacher in Primary Schools, or to a music teacher in Secondary Schools. Please then email us to confirm that the instrument has been returned.