Parents resources – Cumbria Music Hub

Just starting out?

There are so many different instruments it’s often hard to know which one to choose. Some children decide to carry on with their First Access instrument, or learn an instrument that someone in the family plays. The instrument they start to play now could become a life-long interest or career, so it’s worth spending some time thinking about and discussing which one is right for them.

See if your school is having an ensemble visit from Music Services. These are a great way for children to see different instruments live. Ask your school if there is an opportunity to try the different instruments on offer. Visiting teachers are often happy to do ‘taster sessons’. Check out some of the helpful resources available online:

Lessons in School

Signing up for lessons is just the start. Whether your child has just started lessons at primary school or is adjusting to a new routine after moving to secondary school there are some simple things you can do to help.

Primary School

At the start of term you'll find out what day the lesson takes place. Not many children are good at remembering on their own so help yours by getting their instrument and music ready to take to school.
In the first week most teachers will send home letters about hiring or buying instruments. Ask your child if they have been given anything - just in case they forget.
Communication with the teacher is important and most students will be given a notebook. Teachers use this to write notes for practice and to pass on messages to parents - and hope that parents will also use it to record home practice as well as any comments or questions. You can help your child by looking at this every week.
Now and then you'll be asked to buy things like music books and instrument accessories. These extras are very important so your child can get the most out of their lessons.
Playing at home is the most important part of learning an instrument. Try to get a routine going as soon as possible - there are lots of tips and hints below ....

Secondary School

Secondary schools offer lots of new opportunities for young musicians to join choirs, bands, orchestras and groups. These are a great way to meet people and make new friends as well as improve musical skills. Encourage your child to get involved.
Find out what day the lesson is and make sure instruments, music and notebooks are ready.
Most students will have a timetable for their instrumental lesson, with a different time each week so they don't miss the same school lessons. This can be quite confusing at first so give plenty of help and support.
Find out the teachers preferred way of communicating - send a notebook to lessons and don't be afraid to ask for an email address or phone number if you have questions.
Remember to find time for practice as well as homework.

Music Shops

There are music shops around Cumbria with a wide range of musical instruments, sheet music and accessories for all sorts of instruments. There are also excellent online shops, and amazon is a great source of second hand music.

Omega Music, Brampton
Rainbow Music, Carlisle
Billy Bowmans, Cockermouth
Lakeland Music, Penrith
Penwarden Music, Milnthorpe
www.musicroom.com
www.amazon.co.uk

Supporting your child

Continued support at home is vital if you want your child to succeed and continue with their chosen instrument.

Keep an eye out for opportunities to take part in workshops, bands and orchestras. Have a look at our latest events and news to see what's going on around Cumbria

I just wanted to thank you for a fabulous evening on 26th June at the Sands Centre. It was an amazing opportunity that you created for our son Charlie in year 7 at QEGS to be a part of.

I would just like to say a huge thank you on behalf of my daughter to the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for running the workshop on Saturday at Queen Katherine School. My daughter, Hannah, had such a fantastic time and has come back so inspired and enthusiastic. It was a lovely opportunity.

Take a look at some of these links for tips on practice, and information about learning to play: