Green Dragon Primary School

• It helps boost brain power - Stimulates parts of the brain that are related to reading, math, and emotional development.
• Improves their memory - "Further research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve a child's learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development," ~ Maestro Eduardo Marturet
• Helps them socially - "Socially, children who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important life skills, such as how to relate to others, how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards that come from working together, and the development of leadership skills and discipline." ~ Maestro Eduardo Marturet
• It is a confidence builder - Develops their confidence especially when learning to play a musical instrument.
• Teaches patience - We live in a world of instant gratification, but real life demands having patience.
• Can help them connect - Music can be a much-needed connection for kids. "It can satisfy the need to unwind from the worries.” ~ Michael Jolkovski
• It is constant learning - You can never truly learn everything there is to know. Music is like that. "It is inexhaustible - there is always more to learn." ~ Michael Jolkovski
• A great form of expression - It gives pleasure and expresses nuances of emotional life for which there are no words.
• Teaches discipline - Exposing children to musical instruments and singing is the key. They are naturally curious and excited about them.
• Fosters creativity - It is a creative pursuit. Creatively is good for the mind, body and soul.

Hounslow Music Service (HMS) supports the delivery of music education across the Borough and we are lucky to be associated with them.

In 2008 the Government funded Music Services to deliver the pledge that '...over time, all children in primary schools who wish to, will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument...'   Hounslow Music Service worked closely with Primary headteachers to develop a Hounslow model of Wider Opportunities, which has become so successful that it is now available in all but three schools across the borough. It was, therefore, a great relief that when the National Plan for Music Education was published in November 2012, it highlighted the Wider Opportunities programme as a key element of what we should be delivering for children. The key features of our Hounslow programme are:

• WOPS programmes last for one academic year, with 10 sessions being delivered each term
• Programmes are available on upper strings, lower strings, brass, clarinet, B flat/E flat band, recorder or fife
• Each programme is delivered by specialist, professional instrumental tutors from HMS
• All programmes follow high-quality schemes of work and teachers are monitored by HMS
• HMS provides all instruments and resources to deliver the programmes
• HMS offers a whole class continuation programme

Click here to find out more about Hounslow Music Services 

Hounslow Music Service, through its team of expert instrumental teachers offers many musical opportunities for our children. We have organised instrumental lessons which take place in school and during the school day lasting for 30-45minutes. The instrumental teachers arrange the lesson times in consultation with our school.  

The added enjoyment of learning with others, with opportunities for playing together, makes lessons more effective for the early stages of learning, and so they recommend children learn in groups of 3-5 in the early stages.   As children progress, the group sizes may reduce, and individual lessons are most suitable for advanced levels.