About us
West Sussex Music Service - making music happen
Our service has been teaching people to make music for over 50
years.
With 150 bands, orchestras and choirs at every level of ability
and age range there is music for all.
Every week over 15,000 people use our service to make music.
From 1:1 tuition, to small groups, large orchestras and choirs,
there is music to suit everyone's needs and abilities.
A wide range of instruments and vocal sessions are on offer and
costs can be just a few pounds a week.
In May 2011 we were judged by the Federation of Music Services
(FMS) to have an 'outstanding Music Service'. This rating is the
highest the FMS can award. It means West Sussex is recognised as
providing top quality tuition.
Whatever your needs, local Music
Centres and tuition are available throughout West
Sussex.
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Expert tuition
Unlock the musician in you!
With our specially designed tuition programmes everyone - whether they are toddlers,
teenagers or adults - can progress and have fun making music.
Tuition is designed to be both enjoyable and meet students’
needs.
Certificates are awarded to celebrate each level of achievement
as students learn new skills and techniques. There are exams in
classical, rock and jazz styles. Or tuition can be just for
fun!
Our instruments
We teach a huge range of instruments. Even if your instrument is not on
our list we may still teach it, so please ask.
We also offer lessons in aural and music theory.
Low cost instrument hire
To make it easier for young people to start learning an
instrument they can be hired through the West Sussex Music
Service.
The cost is just £15.00 a term, subject to availability, for
those having instrumental or vocal tuition with us.
Tutors can also offer sound professional advice on buying the
best and most suitable instruments.
Tuition for children and young people
Most tuition takes place at school during term time. It is
usually in small groups of up to four students for 30 minutes. This
provides the most effective, affordable and enjoyable way to learn
- especially in the early stages.
Where it’s not possible to have lessons in schools, we aim to
provide the lessons locally at a nearby venue or Music Centre. In certain cases, there is a
scheme to help families with the fees. You can find details in
point 4 of our regulations and conditions document for group
tuition, available on this page.
Early years - Ages 3-6
Children are encouraged to experience music through the use of
visual aids, action songs, simple percussion instruments, games,
nursery rhymes and more.
Primary - Ages 5-11
There is a wide range of instruments to choose from. You can
join group lessons or enjoy individual tuition.
Secondary - Ages 11-18
There are lessons to suit all levels. They range from classes
for beginners through to more experienced musicians.
Rock and pop
If you want to play rock or pop we have courses and workshops
where you can experience playing in a rock or pop band.
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Awards
We have awards for students who show a high level of
commitment.
An award entitles the student to an individual lesson and
membership of as many bands, orchestra or choirs as they want.
(This excludes courses or course-based ensembles.)
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Adult tuition
Adult tuition is provided on a 1:1 basis.
Tutors can make arrangements to attend a variety of locations.
Lessons are aimed at giving the direction and support needed to
develop and enjoy music.
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Music Centres
With Music Centres based in Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, and
Worthing and several smaller local centres, you never have far to
travel.
Every week during term time there are a number of ensembles
taking place. Depending on your level of ability you can join as
many as you wish.
Over 150 bands, orchestras and choirs
The West Sussex Music Service offers an unrivalled number of
bands, orchestras, ensembles, choirs and other chances to
perform.
We cater for every level of ability, ranging from those taking
their first musical steps all the way through to advanced musicians
ready to step on to the concert stage.
From rock bands and jazz big bands through to classical
orchestras and flute ensembles, there is something for everyone. We
also cater for early years groups for children aged 3-7.
To see the full list of activities, please visit our
Music
Centres section to see what is available.
Performances
Performances take place locally for all levels of ability.
Performances take place locally for all levels of ability. Past
venues have included:
- Chichester and Arundel Cathedrals
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Worthing Assembly Hall
- band stands
- Crawley Festival
- Bognor Carnival
- many other colourful and varied locations.
Some groups regularly tour abroad, playing in major venues. They
have achieved national recognition.
Low fees
Our fees are low and payable each term.
A Music Centre member can join as many
orchestras, bands or choirs as they like.
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County music groups
Our county music groups consist
of the most dedicated, talented and committed young players
from West Sussex.
Membership is by audition. Many players have
gone on to music colleges and to pursue successful careers in
music.
The county groups rehearse in Billingshurst. The groups are:
- County Youth Orchestra
- County Youth Wind Orchestra
- County Big Band
- County Youth Choir County
- Youth String Orchestra.
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Courses
Over the years, many thousands of students have attended our
music courses and workshops. They are run for
all ages and abilities. They cover all styles of music from rock
and classical through to jazz.
Courses vary in length from 1-5 days, and some are
residential.
The tutors
We have over 170 tutors who are only appointed after a rigorous
audition. Their teaching is observed by senior staff each year as
part of our quality assurance measures to ensure a high standard of
tuition.
They are professional musicians, educators and performers and
hold degrees or similar qualifications from universities, music
colleges and rock academies. Many have also played on stages all
over the world with top names from radio and TV.
All of our tutors have undergone the necessary Criminal Records
Bureau (CRB) checks.
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West Sussex Music Service for schools
The service also offers schools 'whole class' music lessons and
'large group' music lessons.
We provide expert tuition in whole class groups in primary
schools. This is part of the Key 2 Music national programme (also
called Wider Opportunities). It offers the chance for every pupil
to learn an instrument.
We currently teach about 6,000 children on the programme with
60% of schools participating.
It is a natural progression from the whole class teaching to
large group teaching, which we also provide in schools. We welcome
enquiries from schools to discuss ways to make music happen.
Music projects and world music
African djembe drums, gamelan, steel pans, samba and tabla are
some of the world music instruments that we can
provide for use in schools for workshops and projects.
We have organised different types of vocal and other projects.
Some are 1-day workshops, some are longer.
They include projects for the gifted and talented and Healthy
Schools. We are always looking to 'make music happen' in
schools.
Please
contact us for further information to get more music
happening in your school.
Supporting documents
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