Music

Music is a popular and highly-valued subject at our school. In addition to the music curriculum and extracurricular activities available, individual instrument, singing or music theory lessons are available.

Lessons take place during the school day and are arranged on a rota system so that students do not miss part of the same school lesson every week.  Students and parents receive advance notice of lesson date and time via the Involve Education website - please do not delete their emails without first reading them.

Fees 2025/2026: (reviewed annually and payable six weeks before the beginning of each term) 

Lessons/Fees are based on 10 lessons per term. Students are responsible for getting themselves to music lessons, which are forfeited if pupils do not attend. If lessons clash with another school commitment they can be rescheduled if notice is given.

Individual Lessons: 10 X 20 mins per week = £177 per term

Individual Lessons: 10 X 30 mins per week = £266 per term

Pupils who qualify for free school meals are eligible for FREE 20 min instrumental/singing lessons (one set of 10 lessons per term).

Please note that at least a half term’s notice must be given in writing if lessons are no longer required, otherwise a half term’s fee is payable in lieu of notice.

You must have a suitable space for practising at home and you need to make your own arrangements for use of an instrument, although there will be a small number of instruments available to hire from the Music department.

Full-sized keys are strongly recommended for piano/keyboard players to practise on at home. If you plan to buy an instrument please email Mrs Aron:

aronl@mhchs.org.ukOur specialist teachers can provide tailored recommendations of makes, models and shops.

Please ensure your instrument is fully insured as the governing body accepts no responsibility for loss or damage whilst on the school premises.

If you are interested in music tuition for your child, please complete our 

APPLICATION FORM

The Music department has a long and proud history of extra-curricular activities - including individual singing and instrumental lessons, weekly teacher and student led rehearsals and a vibrant calendar of concerts, trips and workshops.

Instrumental and Singing Lessons

Individual lessons are available on a wide range of instruments including voice; these lessons are taught by our highly experienced team of specialist visiting teachers. These teachers support their students in taking grade exams where appropriate and there is a consistently high level of success. Information and an application form for individual lessons can be found by clicking on the header above.

Weekly Enrichment

There is also an extensive programme of formal and informal weekly music opportunities including senior and junior level string ensembles and concert bands, a Big Band and three choirs. Teachers also facilitate time for students to rehearse informally in pop/rock bands and classical chamber ensembles. Further information can be found by clicking on the header. 

Concerts, Trips and Workshops

We have three big concerts a year comprising performances from our teacher-led ensembles, smaller student-run ensembles and soloists. We also have an annual collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra focusing on side-by-side composition and performance opportunities, and a full scale musical in conjunction with the Dance and Drama department. We also run an annual Music tour to a European destination where we perform three concerts. Our 2025 musical was Oliver! and our 2025 tour was to Salzburg, Austria. Our 2026 show is Legally Blonde and our July 2026 tour is to Valkenberg, the Netherlands. Click on the header for upcoming events.

Music at MHCHS endeavours to have something for everyone; please get in touch with the Music department if there is a club or ensemble you would like us to run.

Welcome to sign-ups for September Music enrichment at MHCHS

The timetable and a short guide to each of the groups is below. Please take the time to read the guide carefully and apply for the right groups for you. You do not need to pay any money to be part of any of these groups.

Timetable

Information Guide

Please apply to the group(s) of your choice by using the appropriate link below. You can sign-up to as many groups as you like. Being part of at least one Music enrichment group is compulsory for Music Place students in Years 7-9, GCSE Music students in Years 10 and 11, and A Level Music students in Years 12 and 13.

All groups will have performance opportunities in school and possibly out of school too! During the year your group may also have the chance to take part in workshops or trips. Consistent attendance at Music enrichment makes you eligible for our annual residential Music tours which take place before the end of term in July each year: recent trips include Italy 2023, Belgium 2024 and Austria 2025. There are places held for our 2026 Netherlands trip for Year 7 and 12 students; information about how to apply will be sent out in the Autumn term 2025.

Rehearsals for most ensembles will start week beginning Monday 15th September so please do your signing up as soon as possible. If you miss the first rehearsal or want to join an ensemble later in the year it is not a problem at all, new people are always welcome.

Please note that you MUST be signed into your school google account (like google classroom) for these forms to work.

Junior Choir

Senior Choir

Chamber Choir

Junior String Ensemble

Senior String Ensemble

Junior Concert Band

Senior Concert Band

Woodwind Chamber Music

Brass Ensemble

Junior Guitars

Keyboard Ensemble

Chamber Music

Band Time

Steel Pans

Big Band