Music
Every child will develop a range of skills in music at Thistly Meadow. They will develop a love for the subject through a range of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities. Every child will learn a variety of musical instruments, provided as part of their curriculum learning alongside regular singing sessions and carefully planned music units to develop singing, instrumental playing and performance.
As a school we are fully committed to the wider benefits that engaging in music brings to a child. We use music to target vulnerable pupils, to address behavioural, social and emotional issues, to foster peer relationships and to develop focus, concentration and resilience and to promote well-being. We have had wonderful results and will continue to invest in music, as these benefits transfer to other areas of learning.
For more information please click on our Music Development plan here:
TM Music development plan 2025
We believe that music is an exceptional tool for helping children to manage their emotions, and we run a range of extra-curricular sessions to target children who have the greatest need for emotional support.
We also have a number of visiting peripatetic music teachers if your child wishes to develop their skills further. Additional lessons are provided by our talented visting music teachers. Please ask at the school office or contact the teachers directly if you wish your child to take music lessons.
Clarinet, Saxophone and Recorder lessons
Jo Hemmings
Jo has been teaching saxophone, clarinet and recorder in schools around the Leicestershire area for the past 20 years and has been a self-employed teacher since 2012. She graduated from Leeds College of Music and then went on to teach in schools for the Leicestershire Schools Music Service (LSMS) for 17 years during which time she conducted the LSMS Big Band 2. She also plays in a soul band, 80’s band & function band around the country on her saxophone and with the Leicester Big Band whenever she can.
If your child is interested in lessons, please contact Jo by email on hemmingsjo@gmail.com or on Mob: 07729 018735
* Please note the school has a supply of clarinets for your child to use on a first come first served basis.
Guitar lessons
Richard Varden
Richard is an experienced guitar teacher who has been teaching for over fifteen years in a number of schools in Leicestershire. Lessons take place in school on Monday afternoons.
Lessons start from £6 per session depending on the length of the lesson and the number of pupils in the group.
If your child is interested in guitar lessons please contact Richard by email on richardvarden@hotmail.co.uk or Mob: 07708 172084
Flute lessons
Jo Conquest GBSM ABSM
Jo is an experienced flute, piccolo and recorder teacher and is a member of the Incorporated Society of British Musicians and British Flute society. She has been teaching and performing for over twenty three years. Children can be taught individually or in groups.
Lessons cost:
£6.00 for a group lesson with two pupils – 20 minutes
£6.00 for a group lesson with three pupils – 30 minutes
£10.00 for individual 1:1 lessons – 20 minutes
If your child is interested in flute lessons, please contact Jo by email at jo.conquest@yahoo.co.uk or on Mob: 07584 196242
Violin lessons
Becky Bell is an experienced musician and teaches the violin at Thistly Meadow. She has worked for the Leicestershire Music service for a number of years teaching children throughout Leicestershire. Children can be taught individually or in groups.
Lessons cost:
£13.50 for individual 1:1 lessons – 20 minutes or £20.25 - 30 minutes
£6.75 for a group lesson with two pupils – 20 minutes or £10.25 - 30 minutes
£4.50 for a group lesson with three pupils – 20 minutes or £6.75 - 30 minutes
If your child is interested in violin lessons, please contact Becky by email at bellsmusic@outlook.com or on Mob: 07969 304174