Waltham Forest Music Service (WFMS) works in partnership with schools to provide high-quality instrumental and vocal music lessons for children and young people. This guide answers some of the most common questions parents and carers ask about music tuition in schools.
What is Waltham Forest Music Service (WFMS)?
WFMS provides instrumental, vocal and whole-class music teaching in schools across Waltham Forest. Lessons are delivered by specialist music teachers who are trained, experienced and fully DBS checked.
In addition to lessons, WFMS helps pupils access music groups, ensembles, workshops, scholarships and instrument loans.
What types of lessons are available?
Depending on your child's school, lessons may include:
Individual instrumental lessons
Small group instrumental lessons
Singing lessons
Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET)
Ensemble and performance opportunities
The instruments offered vary from school to school.
How are lessons paid for?
Schools choose one of two payment models:
School Billing
The school pays WFMS directly and decides whether to charge parents for some or all of the cost.
Parent Direct Billing
Parents pay WFMS directly for lessons.
Your school will let you know which model applies.
How much do lessons cost under Parent Direct Billing?
Fees depend on lesson length and the number of teaching weeks in the term.
2026-27 fees:
Lesson Type | 12-Week Term | 11-Week Term | 10-Week Term* |
10-minute individual lesson, 20-minute pair lesson, or 30-minute group of 3 | £107.30 | £98.36 | £89.42 |
20-minute individual lesson | £214.60 | £196.72 | £178.83 |
30-minute individual lesson | £321.90 | £295.08 | £268.25 |
*10-week terms are only used in exceptional circumstances and must be agreed in advance.
Will my child be in a group lesson?
If a 10-minute lesson is booked it will USUALLY be delivered in a 20-minute paired lesson or a 30-minute group lesson (for 3 pupils) as this gives more value for money and a longer learning experience.
Groupings will be with pupils learning the same instrument and of a similar age and standard, where possible.
How many lessons will my child receive each year?
WFMS normally provides:
12 weeks in the Autumn Term
11 weeks in the Spring Term
12 weeks in the Summer Term
This gives a total of 35 weeks of tuition each academic year.
Some schools may opt for a different pattern of lessons.
Will my child receive feedback on their progress?
Yes.
WFMS teachers:
Keep attendance records
Monitor pupils' progress
Maintain records of learning
Provide an annual report during the summer term for individual and small-group pupils
Parents should also speak to their school if they have questions about their child's progress.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
If a pupil is absent from school on the day of a lesson, the lesson cannot usually be rearranged and no refund or credit can be given.
Regular attendance is important to ensure pupils make good musical progress.
What happens if a teacher is absent?
If a WFMS teacher is unable to teach due to illness or authorised absence, WFMS will try to arrange cover or an alternative lesson.
Where lessons cannot be delivered or rearranged, credit for the lesson will be arranged.
Can my child borrow an instrument?
WFMS provides access to quality instruments through loan schemes for schools and families, subject to availability. For more information visit: https://www.wfmusichub.org/instrument-hire.
What support is available for children from lower-income families?
WFMS supports access to music education through:
School-funded Pupil Premium subsidies at Music School and where available through schools.
Support with applications for external scholarships and bursaries
Access to wider music-making activities and ensembles
Eligibility and funding arrangements vary between schools.
What is Pupil Premium support?
For schools using Parent Direct Billing, parents of eligible Pupil Premium pupils can apply through the WFMS registration process.
Where the school agrees to fund tuition, the school is charged for the lessons and may choose whether to ask parents to contribute towards the cost.
Please speak with your school if you think your child may be eligible.
What are scholarships and bursaries?
WFMS can help talented and committed pupils access additional financial support, including opportunities through organisations such as the London Music Fund.
These programmes may help cover the costs of tuition, instruments and wider musical development opportunities.
How will I know when lessons take place?
Lesson timetables are normally managed by your child's school.
The school will:
Inform pupils of lesson schedules
Communicate timetable changes
Share relevant WFMS information with families
For routine timetable enquiries, parents should contact the school first.
Who should I contact if I have a question?
For most day-to-day matters, please contact your child's school.
WFMS works closely with schools and can provide specialist support where required. Schools remain the main point of contact for routine communications about lessons, attendance and timetabling.
What is Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET)?
WCET allows an entire class to learn an instrument together during curriculum time.
Instruments may include:
Violin and strings
Ukulele and guitar
Brass
Recorder or flute
Drumming and samba
Music technology
Lessons are taught by specialist WFMS teachers working alongside the class teacher.
Can my child continue learning after a whole-class programme finishes?
Yes.
WFMS encourages schools and families to support progression into:
Small-group lessons
Individual tuition
School music groups
WFMS ensembles and music centres
External performance and scholarship opportunities
The aim is to provide clear progression routes for pupils who wish to continue developing their musical skills.
Why choose music lessons?
Learning an instrument or singing regularly can help children to:
Build confidence and resilience
Improve concentration and self-discipline
Develop creativity and self-expression
Work collaboratively with others
Enjoy opportunities to perform and achieve
Most importantly, music can be a rewarding and enjoyable part of your child's education.
For further information about music lessons in your school, please contact the school office or the Waltham Forest Music Service team.
Date last reviewed: 10 November 2026
