Co-Curricular Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles

To support the Department for Education requirement for all schools to have a School Music Development Plan, which includes developing a weekly instrumental or vocal ensemble, Inspiring Music offers a wide range of co-curricular music groups.

These ensembles can take place:

  • during lunchtimes

  • before school

  • after school

They provide students with a practical opportunity to apply the musical skills they develop through instrumental and singing lessons, helping to reinforce learning and build confidence.

Depending on the ensembles chosen, groups can be open to all students. Inspiring Music tutors select appropriate repertoire and arrangements to suit the age, experience and needs of the learners.

Inspiring Music library

This provision is supported by the Inspiring Music Library, which enables schools and staff to borrow music from a large catalogue built up over many years. This ensures access to high-quality, age-appropriate repertoire across a wide range of styles and ensembles.

Why co-curricular music matters

Offering co-curricular music groups is one of the most effective ways to:

  • maintain and develop children’s passion for music

  • support long-term musical engagement

  • allow staff and students to share the joy of performing together

  • strengthen music provision across the wider curriculum

This approach provides lasting benefits for both studentss and school music culture.

Available ensembles

The following ensembles are available for co-curricular enrichment:

  • rock / pop band

  • brass group

  • vocal ensembles

  • folk group

  • guitar group

  • iPad composing

  • jazz band

  • keyboard group

  • musical theatre

  • ocarina

  • orchestra

  • string group

  • ukulele band

  • mixed band (any instruments – beginner)

  • percussion group (tuned or untuned)

  • recorder group

  • steel pans (space required for storage)

  • woodwind group

  • wind band

Performances and rehearsals

For whole-year bookings, the final weekly ensemble session each term will normally be allocated to a school concert or another appropriate performance opportunity, subject to tutor availability on the performance date.

If no final performance takes place:

  • the final session may be used as a rehearsal

If additional rehearsals are required:

  • these can be arranged at an additional cost

  • all additional rehearsals are subject to tutor availability

Costs

Whole-year booking (33 weeks per academic year)

This provision is offered under the Bronze subsidy tier, based on 33 weeks per academic year.

  • hourly rate: £53.40

Ensemble session costs

  • 20-minute ensemble: £587.40 per year

  • 30-minute ensemble: £881.10 per year

  • 40-minute ensemble: £1,174.80 per year

  • 60-minute ensemble: £1,762.20 per year

Download project details (PDF)