Key Stage 3 to 5 music projects

Curriculum and enrichment provision

Inspiring Music works with middle, secondary and upper schools to provide curriculum and enrichment music projects for Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.

Instrumental whole class projects (Key Stage 3)

Turntablism (DJ-ing) self-delivery project

WeCompose – year-long composition project

Voices Amplified

Band Craft – learn, play, rock

Our offer supports instrumental performance, ensemble musicianship, composition, singing and music technology. Projects can be used as part of curriculum delivery or as curriculum enrichment and are designed to strengthen links between classroom music and co-curricular opportunities.

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Instrumental whole class projects (Key Stage 3)

Instrumental whole class sessions give pupils the opportunity to develop instrumental performance and ensemble musicianship through practical, creative sessions.

Schools can choose from a three-tiered approach, depending on delivery model, staffing and curriculum needs.

Three-tier delivery model

Tier 1 – Full delivery by Inspiring Music

Specialist instrumental tutor delivery for one class over 6 weeks.
This option forms part of our curricular enrichment provision.

Tier 2 – Inspiring Music CPD with instrument hire (self-delivery)

Delivered by school teachers across multiple classes over 6 or 11 weeks, with CPD and resources provided by Inspiring Music. This option can be used as part of curriculum delivery.

Tier 3 – Instrument hire only (self-delivery)

Delivered entirely by school teachers across multiple classes over 6 or 11 weeks, using instruments hired from Inspiring Music. This option can be used as part of curriculum delivery.

These projects have been designed to complement curriculum teaching and enrichment, connecting classroom music with wider music-making to boost confidence, teamwork and musical identity.

Instruments available

We recognise the varied experience and skill sets of music teachers across KS3–5 settings. To support flexibility, the following instruments are available (subject to availability).

Tier 1 – Full delivery by Inspiring Music

  • pBone

  • trumpet

  • djembe

  • samba

  • jSax

  • Venova

  • violin

  • ukulele

Tier 2 – CPD and instrument hire

  • glockenspiel

  • ukulele

  • pBone

  • trumpet

  • jSax

  • Venova

Tier 3 – Instrument hire only

  • guitar

  • ukulele

  • pBone

  • trumpet

  • djembe

  • samba

  • jSax

  • Venova

  • violin

  • fife

  • glockenspiel

  • keyboard

Tier 1 – Full delivery by Inspiring Music

What Inspiring Music provides

  • an instrumental whole class specialist tutor

  • 6 weekly high-quality sessions across one half term

    • 45 minutes teaching

    • 15 minutes setup

  • a full class set of hired instruments (up to 33 pupils)

  • specialist instrumental tutors leading all sessions

What the school provides

  • suitable teaching space for whole-class delivery

  • secure, dry and temperate storage for instruments

  • school staff to actively support delivery

  • whiteboard, speakers, WiFi access and basic IT support where needed

Benefits to the school

  • high-quality, consistent delivery by experienced specialists

  • reduced workload for school staff

  • strong pupil engagement and musical progression

  • clear continuation pathways into school ensembles

Pricing

Subsidy tier

  • No ACE subsidy available

Hourly rate

  • £89.00

Cost

  • £534 for a 6-week project

Booking code

  • KS3WCL-6W-T1

Tier 2 – CPD with instrument hire (self-delivery)

What Inspiring Music provides

  • a full class set of instruments (up to 33 pupils)

  • a 3-hour teacher CPD session focused on pedagogy, delivery structure and content

  • teaching resources to support progression, including pieces and backing tracks

  • ongoing support, including coaching, check-ins and troubleshooting

What the school provides

  • music specialist teacher(s) to attend CPD and deliver sessions

  • further planning to support delivery

  • organisation of performances, if desired

Benefits to the school

  • lower cost per pupil through reuse of instruments across classes

  • flexible scheduling around school logistics

  • investment in staff skills, experience and confidence

  • sustainable in-house delivery

  • strong progression pathways into ensembles

Pricing

Cost

  • £272.44 for a 6-week project

  • £325.30 for a 11-week project

Booking code

  • 6-week project: KS3CPD-6W-T2

  • 11-week project: KS3CPD-11W-T2

Tier 3 – Instrument hire only (self-delivery)

What Inspiring Music provides

  • a full class set of instruments (up to 33 pupils)

  • delivery logistics support, including drop-off, collection and storage advice

What the school provides

  • music specialist teacher(s) to plan and deliver sessions

  • planning and resource creation

  • organisation of performances

Benefits to the school

  • lowest cost delivery model

  • flexibility in scheduling

  • integration within existing curriculum

  • sustainable in-house provision

Pricing

Cost

  • £116.30 per term for 11 weeks

Booking code

  • KS3-T3-HIRE

Links to the KS3 National Curriculum for Music

Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music

Pupils experience varied repertoire, explore arrangements and reflect on performance technique and ensemble sound.

Sing, create and compose music

Sessions include improvisation, small group creative tasks and optional short composition activities such as riffs, ostinati and ensemble introductions.

Play and perform confidently

Core focus on ensemble performance using class sets of instruments, developing timing and expressive performance.

Understand musical structures and notation

Musical understanding is embedded through practical musicianship, including reading notation or tablature as appropriate.

Develop understanding of music in context

Reflective discussions connect repertoire to style, context and cultural significance.

Turntablism (DJ-ing) self-delivery projects

Who is it for?

  • KS3

Overview

This project supports pupils in exploring DJ-ing and contemporary music-making through a fully planned 10-week scheme of work.

It combines creativity and technology, with opportunities to perform and compose, and includes assessment opportunities.

Why choose this project

Exceptional value

Schools can deliver the project to large numbers of pupils.
For example, in a school with 325 pupils, the cost works out at less than £2 per pupil.

Long-term legacy

Teachers are trained to deliver the project year after year, creating a sustainable model.

High-value equipment

Access to a class set of professional DJ equipment valued at over £10,000, plus online tutorials and planning resources.

Wellbeing and creativity

Pupils gain a creative outlet, build confidence and develop positive relationships.

Enrichment opportunities

Equipment can be used for after-school clubs and enrichment activities.

What’s included

  • hire of DJ equipment for a full class (up to 33 pupils)

  • equipment can be reused across multiple classes and year groups

  • fully planned, video-based pupil tutorials

  • planning documentation and scratch notation guides

  • units tailored to different experience levels and age groups

Professional CPD training

One full day of CPD delivered by Inspiring Music tutors, covering:

  • scratch DJ techniques

  • confident use of equipment

  • classroom management for technology-based lessons

  • curriculum and co-curricular integration

  • health and safety

Costs

Including delivery and collection

  • £629.61

  • Booking code: DJ-IMD

School collect and return

  • £499.61

  • Booking Code: DJ-SC

Important collection information

  • six large flight cases requiring two-person lifting

  • a minibus or van is recommended

  • equipment must not be left in vehicles overnight

  • Inspiring Music staff assist with lifting at collection

WeCompose – year-long composition project

Who is it for?

  • KS2 and KS3

Overview

WeCompose is a year-long composition project delivered in partnership with Music in the Round.

Who it’s for

  • KS3 and KS4 pupils of all abilities

What it offers

  • direct work with professional composers and performers

  • improved creative outcomes and GCSE performance

  • adaptable approaches for all exam boards

Project milestones

  • October: teachers’ INSET at The Stables, Milton Keynes

  • November: introductory concert for pupils

  • once per term: in-school composition workshops

  • May: culmination workshop, concert and professional recording day

Ensemble focus

  • KS3: professional string quartet

  • KS4: clarinet quintet

Cost

  • £150 per class (up to 30 pupils for entire year long project)

  • heavily subsidised by Music in the Round and Inspiring Music

  • Booking code: WE-COMP

Voices Amplified

Who is it for?

  • Upper KS2 and KS3, singing project

Overview

A vocal project supporting pupils in developing confidence, vocal skills and enjoyment of singing.

What’s included

  • up to three core songs with resources

  • optional additional repertoire

  • a full-day singing celebration event

  • a preparatory “get ready” session

Project structure

  • 1-hour teacher CPD

  • 2-hour school visit

  • full-day joint rehearsal and performance

Pricing

Cost

  • £300 (subsidised by Arts Council England)

Booking code

  • VAMP

Band Craft – learn, play, rock

Who is it for?

  • KS3 to KS5

Overview

Band Craft offers pupils the opportunity to learn electric guitar, bass guitar or drums and play in a band.

What Band Craft offers

  • weekly group lessons

  • progression into band sessions

  • performance opportunities

  • no prior experience required

School involvement

  • hosting assemblies and promoting sign-ups

  • providing space for lessons

  • optional tutor performance to launch the project

Equipment

  • provided if sufficient pupils enrol

  • storage and hire agreement included

Cost to parents

  • £9.00 per pupil per lesson

  • booking code B-CRAFT

Know what you’d like to book? Download the form below, follow the instructions, complete it, and return it to us.

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