END OF TERM CONCERTS

Well done to everyone taking part in end of term concerts, from recorders and guitarists, through strings players and the Vineyard Orchestra to our end of term Rocksteady band concerts. Performing to an audience is a vital part of being a musician and builds confidence and resilience (namely, overcoming performance nerves - which are also a vital part of being a musician!).

GRADE EXAMS 

Also congratulations to all children who have recently taken grade exams. Although it's important to recognise that not all achievements can be measured by exam results, students who have completed exams do deserve a special mention:

Lawrence L, Max M, Maya T, Adam W, Amber B, Antonis M, Arjun P, Florence R-R, Leo N, Lucy S, Uki P, Allen A, David A, Meric U, Lauren, Lily and Anvik.

ABRSM NEWS - Friday 17 October

I am delighted to say that we will be hosting our first ABRSM exams in the Music Hub on Friday 17 October. If you are interested in registering your child for an exam on this date, please contact music@ as soon as possible for the next steps.  Vineyard alumni,  as well as current pupils, are warmly invited to attend.

MUSIC TUITION

Places are available in September for tuition in the following instruments:

• Recorder, tuned percussion, guitar (via Richmond Music Trust) - sign up here https://www.richmondmusictrust.org.uk/site/tuition/learn-with-us/apply-now/. Minimum age may apply to some instruments
• Piano, violin, flute, drumkit (via Vineyard Music Hub) - sign up here https://forms.gle/v3UmuwM8iHUtvUFg8. 

All instruments are subject to availability. 

> Instrumental tuition timetabling

Lessons will begin in the first full week of term, w/c Monday 8 September.

As far as possible, the timetables for September will continue as per this term. If your current time slot doesn't work please contact Cath as soon as possible to reschedule as it will otherwise be assumed you are happy with your current slot.

> Instrumental tuition during EDP

From September, children attending EDP will be able to take instrumental tuition during EDP hours. You can currently choose from piano, classical guitar, violin or singing (Musical Theatre). Spaces are subject to tutor availability and only on certain days. Please fill in our Google form to register your interest. https://forms.gle/NkV7oTTnhGMe3Kph7 

> Instrumental tuition - price rise

From September 2025 there will be a price rise of £0.50 per lesson, taking the price for individual lessons to £27.50. This is in line with industry guidance and market rates for music tuition, and ensures that we can continue to pay our music teachers a fair rate. 

Please pay your Autumn 1 fees before 1 September as we will be taking a zero tolerance approach to late fees next term to minimise admin time and costs!

ROCKSTEADY - September 2025

We are delighted that Rocksteady has proved so popular in its first year at The Vineyard and will be continuing with the same number of sessions in September.

If your child is enrolled in Rocksteady and you wish to continue in the same band in September, no action is required. To request an instrument or band change, please contact Rocksteady directly. 

Bands currently taking lessons on a Thursday afternoon with Julio will move to a Friday afternoon, also with Julio.  

TotallyRAD - action required!

TotallyRAD will no longer be offering music tuition at the Vineyard from autumn term. If you have not already done so, you now need to cancel your subscription to avoid being charged for lessons that will not take place. 

Music Curriculum

Year 4

Onyx Class recently completed a full piano key of stickers on their reward chart and won the prize of the card game Rhythm War, where children battle it out to see who has the highest note value cards. It was a very fun and competitive part of the session and allowed the children to apply their knowledge of note values and rhythms.

Year 5

Our Year 5 musicians enjoyed a fun end-of-term music lesson by playing a percussion play-along to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart. Each participant chose a percussion instrument and played along with an animated on-screen score. They all showed fantastic focus, performed their percussion parts brilliantly, and applied musical skills such as keeping a steady pulse, using a variety of rhythms, and adding dynamic contrast.

Year 6

Our Year 6 musicians rounded off a successful musical year by performing their whole-class band version of Everyday People by Sly & The Family Stone. Members of the band chose their own instruments and learned their individual parts before coming together to play as a full ensemble. It has been fantastic to see so many students picking up new instruments for the first time—such as guitar, piano, and tuned percussion—and playing together as a band!