Introduction
Somerset Music offers a range of services for children and young people across the county. These include instrument hire, whole-class tuition, group lessons at key stage 2, and music therapy.
Instrument hire is available to all Somerset students, music groups, and schools. Prices are competitive and often lower than commercial providers. Children who receive free school meals can get subsidies. Children who are looked after can access fully funded instrument hire
Musical instrument hire
If you want to hire instruments for your child from Somerset Music, you can fill in the form below. Please complete any additional information in the notes section.
The form has two pages, and should take one to two minutes to complete.
We have a range of high quality instruments that can be hired for performances by professionals.
Please visit the instrument hire section of the Somerset Music website for more details.
Whole class ensemble tuition
A key feature of our provision is whole-class instrumental and vocal tuition.
Our specialists deliver whole-class ensemble tuition in partnership with class teachers. We support around 5,500 Key Stage 2 students in Somerset schools.
You can choose from a wide range of projects. These include samba, guitar, brass, strings, woodwind, steel pans, and ukulele.
Pay Somerset Music invoices
There are three billing periods for instrument hire: the autumn, spring, and summer terms. You must pay fees in advance.
You will receive your bill through the Support Services for Education website. You can pay online.
Our invoices
Early invoices
We usually send invoices 28 days before the start of the term. This gives parents and carers time to tell us if they no longer need instrument hire. It also gives us time to collect the instrument.
If your circumstances change
We understand that changes in family circumstances, such as redundancy, divorce, or illness, can make payment difficult. We aim to support you where we can.
If your child receives free school meals, we reduce the hire charge. Please tell us so we can update your record. Instrument hire is free for children who are looked after.
If you have difficulty paying an invoice, contact us first by email. We may be able to agree an instalment plan: somersetmusic@somerset.gov.uk
If you no longer want to hire the instrument and want to return it
You must email us to request a return. Do not return the instrument to the school without telling us, as we cannot arrange collection. You may still be charged.
Under the terms you agreed at the start, you must give 28 days’ notice to cancel hire. Hire charges apply for the full term. We do not offer refunds for instruments returned during the term.
After you email us, we will confirm the best day to return the instrument to your school for collection. Ask the school for a receipt. This protects you if the instrument goes missing.
If your child has had an accident or illness and cannot play their instrument at present
Please get a letter from your child’s doctor or hospital that confirms the details, and send it to us so we can amend the charges.
Broken or damaged instruments
If an instrument is damaged or broken, do not try to repair it yourself. Musical instruments need specialist repair. Contact us and we will arrange collection. We will assess the damage and carry out any repairs. If stock allows, we may provide a replacement while we repair the original instrument.
Pupils must take proper care of their instrument at all times. We cover repairs for normal wear and tear. Our hire charges do not cover negligence, deliberate damage, or damage outside normal use.
Under the terms of your hire agreement, you must pay the cost of any repairs that are not covered.
Lost or stolen instruments
Please tell us immediately if an instrument is lost or stolen. Our hire charges do not cover loss or theft. You must pay the cost of a replacement instrument if it is lost or stolen.
Paying after the deadline payment date
We send invoices about one month before the start of each term. This helps us process payments and arrange collection for instruments you no longer need. We understand this may be difficult for some people.
If you cannot pay by the due date, email somersetmusic@somerset.gov.uk. Tell us when you expect to pay, and we will consider your request for late payment.
If you do not contact us and the invoice remains unpaid, we will ask you to return the instrument.