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 2025
On Friday 14th March local charity Plymouth Music Accord put on its annual concert in Plymouth University’s Sherwell Centre showcasing eight of the tuition groups it funds in five local schools.
To open, seven- and eight-year old recorder players from St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in Rendle Street delighted a full hall with their confident and very accurate performances.
Four strings ensembles from Devonport High School contributed baroque, folk and ballet music. A strings group from Plympton Academy made a most welcome first appearance at this event.
Tor Bridge High Choir was another ‘first’. Nine singers delivered two well-contrasted numbers a capella. Their tutor, Keira Browne, 19, an alumna of Plymouth’s famous Legacy youth choir, led the singing. This was her first paid job in music.
The Saxophone Group from Lipson Cooperative Academy made its usual lively contribution and the event ended with a flourish from an impressive brass ensemble also from Lipson Cooperative Academy.
PMA’s acting chairman thanked Plymouth University for providing facilities free of charge.
Click on a photo below to enlarge and for a < slideshow > (more photos to come)
