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Dorset Music Service

Dorset Music Service (DMS) is committed to providing playing and musical opportunities of all kinds, at the highest practicable levels, to as many young people in Dorset as possible.

As well as being the main provider of musical tuition in Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth Schools, the Dorset Music Service also runs a number of county groups, ensembles and music centres along with organising and helping to fund community and special projects through Wider Opportunities, SoundStorm, VoiceWorks, Teamstorm, Grab a Gig and other initiatives.

Instrumental tuition

An experienced team of teachers offers instrumental tuition to school children across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole in partnership with both the local authority and a number of independent schools.

Dorset Music Service offers high quality tuition based on 'A Common Approach', the instrumental and vocal tuition scheme established by the Federation of Music Services.

Individual lessons or group tuition are available, as determined by schools and parents. Work is linked to the National Curriculum and strong support is given to pupils to contribute to schools' own musical activities.

Dorset Music Service staff work with over 5,000 children every week and receive regular training from nationally recognised educators to ensure that skills are continuously extended and refreshed. Their work is regularly monitored internally and externally to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Tuition is available on:

  • Woodwind: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, recorder, saxophone
  • Brass: trumpet, cornet, tenor horn, french horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba
  • Strings: guitar, violin, viola, 'cello, double bass
  • Keyboard/piano
  • Percussion
  • Voice

Music Medals

Dorset Music Service uses Associated Board's 'Music Medals' Scheme. This is an internal examination system designed for pupils being taught within the group system. As the individual progresses, experience is consolidated through membership of the music service's music centres/zones and county groups. These provide regular opportunities to practice and meet new people with similar interests. For more information on these ensembles please visit the county groups and music centre/zones pages.

Students are also entered for the normal grade examinations where applicable - this is sometimes done through the child's school, or through external examination centres.

The cost of instrumental tuition

Charges for instrumental music tuition, both within schools, and privately, vary greatly.

If you would like your child to receive lessons from a member of the Dorset Music Service teaching team, please contact your child's school directly for further information.

If your child's school does not currently offer tuition on the instrument you are interested in then please do not hesitate to contact the music service and we will see whether or not there any other ways in which we can assist you to obtain lessons for your child.

If you are a school requiring further information on buying in the services of a DMS teachers for your school, please do not hesitate to contact the Dorset Music Service office.