Support for Music Tuition in Schools
PMA’s Tuition Project funds musical instrument or vocal tuition in ensembles in secondary and primary schools.
The aim of the project is to provide group tuition so that young people can have the opportunity to play an instrument or sing with others in an ensemble and perform to an audience.
Beginning in secondary schools, the project now extends to local primary schools. PMA funds tutors for groups in the schools, so that tuition is free for participants. In this way, PMA helps to overcome barriers, financial or practical, to continuing with or taking up music.
Many in the Tuition Project have successfully achieved GCSE and A levels and a number have gone on to study music at universities and other bodies. For some, a lifelong love of music will have begun. Whatever level they reach, we hope that all will discover the joy and the benefits of making music together and feel pride in their achievement.
Get Involved...
If you teach in a school and would like to enquire further about the Tuition Project, please contact Sheila Jenkins, our schools' liaison officer (01752 863348).
Plymouth Youth Symphony Orchestra
PMA has supported the Plymouth Music Education Hub (PMEH) in setting up the new Plymouth Youth Symphony Orchestra, starting in October 2022 for musicians aged between 11 and 21. PMEH are offering young musicians of intermediate and advanced ability (of grade 4 and above or equivalent), the opportunity to play exciting, challenging and varied orchestral works from symphonies to overtures and musicals to film music. See https://www.plymouthmeh.com/pyso/ for more details.
Tuition Project Showcase Concert 2024
A concert involving school ensembles whose tuition has been sponsored by the Tuition Project was held in the Sherwell Centre, University of Plymouth, on Friday 8th March 2024.
The evening was introduced by Dr Robert Taub - Director of Music at the University of Plymouth, and Anne Kimber, PMA Chairman.
This was an opportunity for ensembles to play in front of a live audience and show how, with the support of the PMA, they have developed their musical and co-operative skills. For the first time children from a primary school have been involved.
The photos below show the Choir of St. Peter's C of E Primary School, Plymouth, performing "Molly Bear" composed by teacher Sian Jamison; Lipson Brass with Gavin Martin; Devonport High School for Girls String Quartet and Strings Ensemble, and Lipson Saxophone Ensemble with Gordon Carter.
The evening was organised by PMA Committee Member Sheila Jenkins. Anne Kimber thanked the performers and their teachers, the large audience of family and friends, and the University of Plymouth Arts Institute for providing The Sherwell Centre for this event.
Click on a photo below to enlarge and for a < slideshow >