Classes – Portobello Music School

Our Classes

Here you will find information about our core classes for children aged birth to Primary 7

Our Core Classes

Our progressive Creative Music Classes are aimed at children from birth to primary 2, preparing them for Beginner Group Instrumental Classes in flute, clarineo, violin, cello, piano, guitar and drums which are offered to children in primary 3 & 4. If your child is in primary 5 or above and has had a year or more of instrumental lessons elsewhere then please contact us as we may be able to allocate them to one of our primary 4 to 7 non-beginner classes.

Toddler Classes

Age: 1-2 years
Day: Saturday
Time: 10.30am

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Creative Music Classes

Age: Preschool to P2
Day: Saturday
Times: 9.00am, 9.45am, 10.30 & 11.30am

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Group Instrumental Classes

Age: Beginners P3 and P4
Day: Saturday
Times: 9.00am to 1.00pm

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Baby & Toddler Classes

Birth to 3 years

Saturdays

12.15pm

Babies are never too young to begin learning through music. Research has shown that exposure to music education from an early age positively impacts upon a child’s cognitive, physical and emotional development. In our classes, children take part in weekly, themed musical adventures using well known nursery rhymes alongside new material for you and your child to enjoy. We use lots of props and instruments to make the adventures fun, colourful and engaging.

Our baby and toddler classes focus on experiencing a beat, listening to songs and sounds, sensory touch, movement, interacting with other children and building confidence and relationships. They also have the opportunity to listen to a variety of different musical instruments, such as the flute or ukulele, played live as part of the class.

As the children develop, we introduce songs and games which help with the acquisition of language, numbers and colours, and the development of fine motor skills. They will also be introduced to musical concepts such as high and low pitch, rhythm-clapping and musical terms such as Allegro, Lento, Forte and Piano. Watch as your child begins to recognise certain songs and rhymes and eventually join in with the actions and words by themselves. You may even be serenaded on the way home!

Enrolment details

Enrolment for our Toddler Music Class is now open for the Autumn Term starting on Saturday 31st August

Fees

Weekly Fees
(after £25 booking fee)

Autumn Term
£7.28

Musical Pathway

These classes are the start of your child’s musical journey and progress naturally into the Creative Music Classes at Preschool, P1 and P2 level. From this beginning, instrumental lessons follow in P3.

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Creative Music Classes

Preschool to P2

Saturday

9.00am to 12.15pm

Creative Music Class: Pre-school (2 years)

These classes engage children’s natural enthusiasm for exploring and playing with sound. The main aim is to create a fun atmosphere and positive association with participating in music games and exploring simple musical instruments. Using rhymes, songs and music games and activities, the building blocks of music – rhythm, pulse and singing – will be developed throughout the year. We have classroom concerts at Christmas and at the end of the summer term.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to join in the sessions for the first few weeks until their child feels suitably settled in.

Preschool 1 is for children starting P1 in August 2025.
Preschool 2 is for children starting P1 in August 2024.

Enrolment is open for classes starting on 2nd September 2023. Please check our enrolment page for availability.

Creative Music Class: Primary 1

These classes will include participating in musical games, stories, rhymes and songs which are aimed at developing a firm musical foundation. Motor and listening skills are developed using simple musical instruments in story telling, and children learn to sing confidently using puppets and response games. The building blocks of music, pulse, rhythm and singing, are taught using Kodály musicianship principals, and simple music notation and concepts are introduced as the year progresses. There are lots of opportunities for creative music making, and children develop their musical creativity and understanding in a fun and playful environment.

Parents are invited to our Primary 1 Classroom Concerts at Christmas and at the end of the summer term.

Enrolment is open for classes starting on 2nd September 2023. Please check our enrolment page for availability.

Creative Music Class: Primary 2

In these classes we will continue to develop basic musical skills in pitch, rhythm and dynamics. Using musical games, songs from all over the world and taking inspiration from many styles of music, children will have direct involvement in making and creating music. Using voice and an array of percussion instruments is part of every session, working individually, in pairs or as part of the group. Children will continue to develop listening skills and performing skills with the instruments available, as well as being encouraged to explore creative possibilities.

As children reach this stage in their musical development it is important that we are sensitive to their musical preferences as they are almost ready to begin learning a musical instrument. Towards the end of the second term we take children and parents on a tour of our instrumental classes to meet our instrumental students and teachers so that they are better informed when it comes to choosing an instrument to study in Primary 3.

Parents are invited to our Primary 2 Classroom Concerts at Christmas and at the end of the summer term.

Enrolment is open for classes starting on 2nd September 2023. Please check our enrolment page for availability.

Fees

Termly Fees
(after £25 annual booking fee)

Term 1 (14 wks)	Term 2 (11 wks)	Term 3 (10 wks)	Monthly x 10
£102	£80.14	£72.86	£25.50

Musical Pathway

After completing our Primary 2 Creative Music Class, children will be offered Beginner Group Instrumental & Musicianship Classes from P3 to P7 where we offer annual exams including ABRSM & PMS Music Medal Exams and Rockschool Grade Exams.

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Group Instrumental Classes

P3 to P7

Saturday

9.00am to 1.00pm

Beginner Group Instrumental Classes are offered to children for 5 years starting in Primary 3 or 4 with the majority of students being graduates of our Primary 2 Creative Music Classes. Children can study flute, clarineo (beginner clarinet), violin, cello, piano, guitar and drums. As well as attending weekly group instrumental lessons, children also attend weekly 45-minute Musicianship Classes where they learn music theory and develop Kodály-based singing and aural skills.

It is important to note before enrolling in these classes that we require at least 10 month’s commitment as we cannot offer places to anyone else should someone drop out once term is underway. Another thing to note is that children will be expected to practice their instrument for between 15 and 30 minutes most days between lessons. Parents are required to attend the last 5 minutes of each lesson so that they know what their child has to practice for the next lesson and so that teachers can provide advice to parents in how best to support their children’s home practice.

Performance is an important part of musical life at Portobello Music School. Even from Preschool to Primary 2, children get used to performing in front of each other and for families at our end of term classroom concerts. Performance practice is continually developed as children progress through the school with informal classroom concerts leading to larger in-school concerts and for some, to performing annually in the Edinburgh Competition Festival.

We have a some spaces available in our piano, violin, flute and guitar beginner classes and still have a few spaces for new students who have studied for a year or more elsewhere. Please check our enrol page for availability.

Fees

Termly Fees for combined Group Instrumental Classes, Musicianship Classes (both 45 minutes) and our NEW on-demand ABRSM Music Theory Lessons in our Learning Management System, MusicFirst Classroom.
(after £25 annual booking fee)

Term 1 (13 wks)	Term 2 (12 wks)	Term 3 (10 wks)	Monthly x 10
£325	£300	£250	£87.50

Musical Pathway

After completing our 5 ABRSM Music Medals which normally occurs in Primary 7, children can either go on to have individual lessons with us at Portobello Music School on Saturday afternoons or apply to study full-time at Edinburgh Music School or St Mary’s Music School. We can also help students prepare for auditions to study on Saturday mornings at the junior departments of Edinburgh Napier University or the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Some of our students have gone on to study at the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey. You can read more about the Music Pathways taken by some of our past and present students below.

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More about Musical Pathways

No matter what age your child joins us, Portobello Music School will be able to provide a Musical Pathway to the next level whether it be from Toddler Music Classes to Preschool 1; Primary 2 to Beginner Group Instrumental Classes or from Advanced Group Instrumental Classes to part-time music studies at the junior music department of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland or to prepare for entry to full-time studies at universities or music colleges at home or abroad. Please see below for some examples of current and past students’ Musical Pathways.

Find our more about the Musical Pathways followed by some of our current and past students

Catherine
PMS & Junior Napier
Catherine

PMS & Junior Napier

Age: 18

Joined: Primary 2

Classes Attended: Primary 2 Creative Music, Solo Singing, Choir, Clarinet and Concert Band

Instrument: Clarinet was the instrument I was most drawn to when choosing in primary 3. I had tried the violin and drums before settling on the clarinet. I learned in a small group and also played in the music school concert band.

Memorable experiences: my most memorable experience is the 10-year anniversary concert. It was an amazing event where students old and new came back to perform in concert and it was great to see different generations of students.

Musical Pathway: I did individual lessons at PMS for a couple of years then joined Junior Napier for a year. Then after that, I continued with lessons at my school and studied music to SQA Higher level. I also sang in the school choir did performances in the Usher Hall and went on a short tour of Italy. I play in the school Concert Band and Orchestra and recently played a solo in our final school concert.

Musical Future: Now at university, I continue to enjoy singing and playing piano.

Here is a video of Catherine playing drums at home when she was eight.
Orla
Portobello Music School
Orla

Portobello Music School

Age: 13

Joined: Primary 2

Classes Attended: Group Piano Classes

How did you choose your instrument: I had a keyboard at home that I enjoyed playing.

Memorable experiences: I enjoyed performing at the PMS 10th Anniversary Concert in Portobello and Joppa Parish Church. Passing Grades 1, 2 and 3 has been a proud achievement and I have taken part in the Edinburgh Competition Festival which offers great feedback.

Musical Pathway: Individual lessons at Portobello Music School.

Musical Future: I hope to achieve Grade 8 and I'd like to be able to teach piano. I have picked music as one of my subject choices at high school.

Below is a video of Orla playing Waltz in A by Arvīds Žilinskis.
Carmen
Portobello Music School
Carmen

Portobello Music School

Age: 14

Joined: I started playing the flute around the start of Primary 4

Classes Attended: I first attended my flute class and windband ensemble and later on joined musicianship.

How did you choose your instrument: I first decided to play the flute because I saw a concert which had a flute playing and I was inspired.

Memorable experiences: One of my most memorable experiences at Portobello music school was the 10 year anniversary where I performed.

Musical Pathway: After I finished my group classes I decided to stay at the music school and help out in the young musicianship classes as well as continuing with my individual lessons.

Musical Future: I plan to carry on playing flute in the future as well as branching out to other instruments ay the High School.

Here's a little clip of Carmen playing the flute at home.
Finlay
PMS & Junior Napier
Facebook Youtube
Finlay

PMS & Junior Napier

Facebook Youtube

Age: 16

Joined: I started attending the music school in 2006 in the little ones group, and went to that for a few years, and I first started learning an instrument in P3.

Classes Attended: Preschool to Primary 2 Creative Music, Group Instrumental Classes, Individual Lessons & Concert Band

How did you choose your instrument? I can’t really remember if I’m being honest, but I think that going to see a show at the fringe a Japanese drumming groups was definitely something that really inspired me.

Memorable experiences: All the end of term concerts were really memorable for me, and they were a really good introduction to performing in front of people, which is a whole other beast to practising by yourself in your room.

Musical Pathway: I started drumming in P3, and did a year of learning djembe and getting acquainted with basic rudiments, and then moved on to learning kit in P4. I worked my way through the grades with Brian for pretty much the rest of primary school, and I finished Grade 8 around the start of S1. I then took a year of no lessons and just focused on playing what I liked, which I would highly recommend for drummers with a fairly high technical skill level, as it really helps with feel and groove. Then around S2 I was told through the music school about Junior Napier, and I took a year and a half of learning orchestral percussion there, to broaden my musical knowledge. I then switched back to drumkit at Junior Napier and continue to have instrumental lessons, music theory, band, and music production. I play in a variety of groups and music ensembles at Portobello High School, including the Jazz Band.

Musical Future: At the moment I’m busy studying for exams at school, including music. I played with The Tinderbox Orchestra for a few months which was very fun, but took a lot of time out of my week, so I’ve put it on hold for a bit. Right now I am posting relatively frequent uploads to my YouTube channel where you can see me drumming and combining animations with music, and I’m also doing some private lessons for drumkit.
Freya
PMS & Junior Napier
Freya

PMS & Junior Napier

Age: 15

Joined: Primary 1

Classes Attended: Primary 1 & 2 Creative Music, Group Drum-kit and Individual lessons

Instrument: From attending the tour organised by Portobello Music School and seeing the other children playing the drum kit and thinking that looked pretty cool. Also, I'm always tapping rhythms out on everything so drum kit seemed a good fit.

Memorable experiences: My most memorable experiences were winning the competitions as that made feel really chuffed and more confident in my abilities. I was really happy when I was put in the Advanced Drum Kit class. Also when I got a place at Junior Napier at Edinburgh Napier University I was ecstatic - I love it there.

Musical Pathway: Individual lessons lead to a place at Junior Napier.

Musical Future: I'd like to get my Grade 5 Music Theory Exam and complete Grade 8 Drums. Then I'd like to join a band and see what happens...
Finlay
PMS & Yehudi Menuhin School
Finlay

PMS & Yehudi Menuhin School

Age: 16

Joined: Aged 9

Classes Attended: Group Guitar Classes, Junior Choir & Individual Lessons

Instrument: I decided I wanted to play the guitar because I liked its accessibility and its inherent ‘coolness’. I had tried other instruments, like violin and oboe, and the piano which I still play, but I was never as interested as I am still by the classical guitar. It must just be because of its beautiful tones.

Memories of Portobello Music School: I remember Portobello Music School for the interesting lessons I would get, and the fun repertoire we’d get to try out, like with our classical guitar ensemble conducted by Jenny Clifford. My favourite was her funky rendition of Pirates of the Caribbean, and I remember all of us really enjoying playing together.

Musical Pathway: After PMS, when I was 12, I was invited along to a masterclass at Duddingston Kirk, with Richard Wright, the Professor of Guitar at the Yehudi Menuhin School. I have studied at YMS with him since then.
Jodie
PMS & Junior Napier
Jodie

PMS & Junior Napier

Age: 16

Joined: Primary 2

Classes Attended: Primary 2 Creative Music, Junior Choir, Group Drumming Classes, String Quartet & Concert Band.

Instrument: I was originally inspired by my older brother who also played drums at the time, I also thought that drums seemed like a very fun instrument to learn.

Memorable experiences: I always love the end of year performances as you get to see how yourself and others have progressed. I also really enjoyed the 10 year anniversary event for the music school and hearing some of the most talented students.

Musical Pathway: I took individual drum lessons at PMS, achieving my Grade 8 in 2017. For the past year I have continued to study advanced drumming techniques with Lindsay and have decided to start Junior Napier after the summer in preparation for starting Edinburgh Napier University in 2019.

Musical Future: I am eager to apply for the Popular Music course at Edinburgh Napier University once I leave high school and would love to find a career in music later in life.

Any other comments: I’ve had a great time at the music school and have met lots of amazing people because of it, including the inspiring teachers who have helped me progress massively over the years.
Stephanie
Edinburgh Music School
Stephanie

Edinburgh Music School

Age: 10

Joined: Preschool 1

Classes Attended: Preschool to Primary 2 Creative Music, Group Guitar Classes, Choir and Musicianship.

How did you decide what instrument to learn: Watching other guitarists playing in the end of term concerts.

Memorable experiences: Taking part in annual guitar competitions and exams. Passing my musicianship paper exam.

Musical Pathway: We decided I would audition for Edinburgh Music school. I was successful and start there for Primary 7 in August 2018.

Musical Future: To be a professional musician, or be like Bill Bailey the stand up comedian/musician.
Finlay
PMS & City of Edinburgh Music School
Finlay

PMS & City of Edinburgh Music School

Name: Finlay Mackenzie
Age: 16
Instruments: Drums, Percussion and Piano

What age did you start attending Portobello Music school? Age 3.

Which classes did you attend?: creative music classes from Preschool to P2 then Group Drumming Classes and Concert Band to P6

Tell us a little about your most memorable experiences of Portobello Music School:

I think that the single most valuable experience which Portobello Music School has given me is that I have had to perform in front of my classmates and their families every term. This has meant that I am not frightened of performing in front of anyone in the world! Also, in my last year at Portobello Music School (P6), I was part of an orchestral group for which I played percussion - xylophone, glockenspeil and snare drum - alongside my friend and fellow percussionist. This was the most challenging thing I had ever done and the most rewarding as it was with a big group of other children.

Which pathway did you choose after finishing group instrumental classes?

I auditioned for and was accepted to study at the City of Edinburgh Music School in 2017. My first study is drumming and percussion and my second piano. The primary Music School unit is at Flora Stevenson's and I will move to Broughton High School from S1 to continue my studies. I have thirteen music lessons at school every week. I still meet up with the friends I met through Portobello Music School and make music with them too.

Music plans for the future?

I have only ever wanted to be a musician, since I was about two years old! Like lots of children at my school I am planning to apply to the Glasgow Conservatoire or the Julliard School. I would like to compose film music as well as perform orchestral music, but my main interest right now is jazz drumming.

Any other comments:

Portobello Music School has been an important part of our family's life over the past eight years. When we first moved to the area with a child who was excited by music, it provided a way for him to access early childhood music education, but also for us, his parents, to become involved with our local community. We all loved the Saturday morning experience of being around so much music. The tuition, advice and support which he received at Portobello Music School enabled him to apply for the City of Edinburgh Music School where he is continuing his musical education.