As a part of BMT's commitment to this Core Role of the National Music Plan, our Whole Class Practical Musicianship (WCPM) programme is designed to supplement a school’s music curriculum by teaching children musical skills through each of them playing a musical instrument.

This programme can be delivered to classes of children at KS1, KS2 and KS3, with sessions delivered to a maximum of 30 children per session.  Each session is delivered by one of our tutors with support from another teacher from within the school.

The programme is subsidised using the Arts Council grant to ensure value for money, with commitment to a minimum of one term’s delivery through completion of an application form

Schools and parents are encouraged to support children to progress from Whole Class Practical Musicianship into school or Music Centre-based ensemble learning and/or further instrumental tuition as exemplified here:

During these lessons, children experience a wide range of musical activities including singing, improvisation, composition, and performance with the aim of inspiring a deeper interest in music in an exciting and enjoyable way.

For many children this experience will spark an interest in learning an instrument (even if it isn’t the same one they have been using in the lessons). If so, BMT offer a range of options to continue learning the same instrument they have already started or to begin lessons on a different instrument of their choice.

BMT offers tuition on all instruments:

Strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, voice and guitars.

Lessons can take place at school or at one of our Music Centres and the different options are priced in the table below:

 

Individual lessons (fee per term)				Group lessons (fee per term)
Length	Tuition only rate	Music Centre members	50% subsidy rate	All group lessons are 30 mins
20 mins	£186	£160	£93	Small Group	£124
30 mins	£278	£246	£139	Large Group	£93

• BMT will continue to use Pupil Premium eligibility for our 50% subsidy.This will not therefore exclude anyone currently getting a subsidy or who would be currently eligible. We are fully committed to continuing with existing subsidies if there is no change to circumstances. This will also mean that we will continue to ask schools to contribute 50% for these families who are on the lowest incomes.
• Those becoming eligible for the enhanced FSM under the new rules (but not then eligible for PP to be claimed by the school) can apply to us for a 50% subsidy using the existing  discretionary system as it is almost certain that they will fall within our criteria for that. We will not be able to ask the school to contribute as they will only receive additional ‘meal-provision’ funding for these pupils.
• Our criteria for this is the accepted measure of 60% of median household income for a family (used by The Resolution Foundation) and so is approximately £28,000 pa including all benefits. However, we do exercise some discretion where circumstances are such that it is warranted and support is justified and so anyone can apply using the BMT Subsidy Form and sending it directly and confidentially to the Director.
• If your financial situation is such that you are not eligible for FSM but find that the headline fees are challenging, we have other bursaries available on application of up to 50%. Our assessment process is confidential and focused on our mission to make sure that all music is available to all children
• Parents are billed directly whether lessons are in Music Centres or schools, except where a school has agreed to subsidise pupils using Pupil Premium.
• We also offer instrument hire and Music Centre activities for members.
• If your child has been enjoying playing as part of a large group, they should also join a group/ensemble at one of our Music Centres in Amersham, Aylesbury and High Wycombe.
• For further information and to book lessons, join a Music Centre or hire an instrument, please ask your school for an application form or visit our website at bucksmusic.org

For more information about WCPM in your school, please contact your local music centre here.