Lessons
NMPAT can provide lessons on a wide range of instruments and disciplines:
- brass: cornet, trumpet, tuba, trombone, french horn, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium
- composition
- drama
- guitar: acoustic, bass, electric
- harp
- keyboard and piano
- music production
- percussion: drum kit, orchestral percussion
- SEND
- strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass
- voice
- woodwind: clarinet, oboe, flute, bassoon, saxophone, recorder
In most schools, NMPAT works in partnership with the school to deliver tuition. Tuition is not normally provided before Year 3, though some younger children may be suitable for violin or recorder tuition. Pupils are taught in small groups, up to a maximum of 6 pupils per hour. Orchestral instruments are loaned free of charge for the first year, with a voluntary contribution to NMPAT for extended loan. If you are thinking of purchasing your own instrument please see our guide – click here for instrument purchasing advice
If you would like to start having lessons, please contact your school to see which instruments are already offered. If your chosen instrument is not currently taught, your Headteacher may be able to make a written request to NMPAT to add a visit. There normally needs to be at least 6 students committed to taking lessons for a teacher to visit a school, and there may already be other students at the school interested in lessons.
NMPAT also offer tuition in Music Production, for students interested in small group and individual lessons. Teaching is delivered from KS2 to KS5 and equipment can be provided. As with instrumental lessons, there is a minimum booking time – please contact your school to see if this is something they can offer.
If your school is not able to offer lessons on your chosen instrument, please do visit one of our Saturday Centres, which offer a range of performing arts activities, with no experience needed. Some Centres are also able to loan instruments to members involved in their activities.
Direct Billing of Parents
Some primary schools operate on a Direct Billing of Parents Scheme, where the process for signing up for lessons is slightly different. Payment for lessons is made by parents, directly to NMPAT. In these schools, tuition is delivered, during school time, as 15 minute individual lessons. In some circumstances, lessons may be combined into a shared half hour. Orchestral instruments are loaned free of charge for the first year, with a voluntary contribution for extended loan.
To check if your school is involved with this scheme, which is only available in a select number of primary schools, please use the drop down list on this page: Music in School
If your school is involved with the scheme, and you would like to sign up for lessons, please choose the relevant school from the list and click “next” to continue your application: register for lessons in a Direct Billing of Parents school
For more information on commitments and partnership working, please see our terms and conditions page.
Lessons outside school hours are usually arranged on a one-to-one basis with a specialist teacher and take place during term time, at NMPAT, Kettering Road, Northampton. In some cases, it may be possible to arrange lessons in alternative locations, e.g. at one of our Saturday Centres.
Whilst applications are welcome from beginners and adults, individual lessons are primarily intended for students approaching higher grades and we cannot guarantee to meet demand, due to teacher availability. For beginner lessons, we recommend that you contact your school in the first instance as we may already provide lessons, and we are able to loan orchestral instruments free of charge for lessons taking place in schools.
Students undertaking individual lessons, outside of school, will need need their own instrument as instrument loan is not included. In some cases, where the student is also a member of a County Ensemble, high value and/or specialist instruments may be loaned as part of their Ensemble membership.
For the current cost of lessons, please see our Pricing and Payments page. Different lesson lengths are available, please indicate on the application form. We commit to delivering 30 lessons across a full academic year (average of ten per term).
To apply for individual lessons for the new academic year starting September 2025, please complete and submit the form using the link below:
Application form for individual instrumental and vocal lessons 2025-26
Upon receipt of your application, our administration team will look into finding a suitable teacher and be in touch with more information.
The links below will take you to introductory videos on each department at NMPAT:
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