Music tuition in schools

Instrumental Music Service

South Lanarkshire Council’s Instrumental Music Service (IMS) uses music to inspire, connect and enrich the lives of young people.

The service supports young people to:

• develop musical skills
• explore creativity
• build confidence and resilience
• work collaboratively
• engage with their communities

Instrumental tuition in schools

IMS delivers high-quality instrumental lessons for pupils from Primary 5 to S6 across South Lanarkshire learning communities.

Lessons are:

• delivered in schools by Instrumental Music Teachers
• supported through partnerships with primary head teachers and secondary music departments

Pupils may learn a range of instruments (subject to availability), including:

• brass
• woodwind
• strings
• guitar
• percussion
• voice

Learning an instrument helps pupils:

• develop technical ability
• express creativity
• build transferable skills such as confidence, perseverance and teamwork.

Performance opportunities and ensembles

Pupils are encouraged to apply their skills by taking part in school and authority music groups. Participation in ensembles supports:

• teamwork and communication
• confidence in performance
• a sense of belonging within school and community

South Lanarkshire IMS ensembles include:

• South Lanarkshire Schools’ Big Band
• South Lanarkshire Schools’ Percussion Ensemble
• South Lanarkshire Schools’ Rock Collective
• South Lanarkshire Schools’ Choir
• South Lanarkshire Schools’ Saxophone Ensemble
• South Lanarkshire Schools’ Brass Ensemble

Additional opportunities are available through:

• the South Lanarkshire Orchestral Society
• the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra Trust 

Youth Music Initiative (YMI)

The Instrumental Music Service also delivers primary school music programmes through the Youth Music Initiative.

These projects aim to ensure every pupil in South Lanarkshire receives one year of free music tuition during their primary school education. Programmes include:

• FUNdamentals of Music – delivered annually to Primary 5 pupils
• Spring into Summer Project – delivered biennially to Primary 4 pupils

These classroom-based programmes focus on:

• practical music-making
• accessibility and inclusion
• enjoyment and participation

They help pupils to:

• begin their musical journey
• build self-confidence
• develop cultural awareness
• learn through creative, shared experiences

Further information and contact details

Stay up to date with the Instrumental Music Service:

• Follow on X (Twitter)
• Visit us on YouTube
• Visit the IMS at https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/sl/southlanarkshireinstrumentalmusicservice/

For further information, you can email the Instrumental Music Service.