Wolverhampton Girls’ High School
MUSIC LESSONS
At Wolverhampton Girls’ High School, we believe that music is more than just notes on a page — it’s a gateway to confidence, creativity and lifelong skills. Our private and group music lessons provide every student with the opportunity to explore their talents, regardless of experience or ability.
Instrumental lessons do more than build musical ability—they open the door to nationally recognised achievement. As students develop technique, confidence, and expressive performance skills, they are also guided towards graded examinations with leading exam boards - ABRSM and Rock School. These qualifications provide clear milestones and a strong sense of progress, and from Grade 6 upwards, they can even contribute valuable UCAS points towards university applications. Through expert teaching and structured progression, students gain both artistic growth and tangible academic recognition
I have been taking Musical Theatre Singing lessons throughout my entire time at WGHS from completing up to Grade 5 LCM Musical Theatre Singing with Distinction in KS3/4 to now in KS5 being offered a place on the BA (Hons) Voice (Performance and Pedagogy) Degree at Leeds Conservatoire, participating in these lessons has therefore helped me get to this point and prepared for my hopeful future in the performing arts
Imogen,Year 13
Music is a wonderful balance between logic and artistry. It can give students a much-needed creative outlet and be a joyful companion for life. I invite all students to be a part of the Instrumental and Vocal Programme here at WGHS and join one of our many music groups
Miss M Carr, Curriculum Lead for Music
KEY BENEFITS FOR YOU DAUGHTER:
Tailored Individual Progress
Lessons offer personalised guidance, ensuring your daughter learns at a pace suited to her skills and interests. From beginners to advanced musicians, every student receives expert tuition that nurture progress and inspires achievement.
Boost Confidence & Discipline
Regular lessons teach focus, self-motivation, and resilience. Students gain confidence performing solos, contributing to ensemble and preparing for exams, which translates into skills that support all areas of school life
Foster Creativity & Self-Expression
Music encourages imagination and emotion expression. Whether composing, improvisin or interpreting a piece, students develop a creative mindset that enriches academic learning and personal growth.
Opportunities to Perform & Collaborate
Students are invited to showcase their skill in concerts, ensembles, and competitions. Performing builds teamwork, stage confidence, and a sense of community, whi creating lifelong memories.
Lifelong Skills
Beyond technical ability, music lessons cultivate problem-solving, time management, and critical thinking — skills that benefit every aspect of your daughter’ education and future.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Mrs S England Teacher of Woodwind and Piano
Mrs England is a graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with 30 years of teaching experience in flute, piano, clarinet and saxophones. She is professionally active as a freelance flutist and regularly plays in shows and orchestral concerts, as well as teaching at WGHS and several other schools across Wolverhampton and Staffordshire. Mrs England endeavours to instil a love of music in all her students alongside encouraging goals such as taking graded exams and performing
Mr O Eyre Teacher of Voice
Mr Eyre is a classically trained singer in 'Bel Canto' technique. At the age of 17, he auditioned for Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber who funded his degree tuition and provided mentorship at his London Drama school, Arts Ed.
From here Mr Eyre went on to appear in numerous West End and Broadway shows such as 'The Phantom of The Opera',' HAIR,' 'Christmas in New York' and 'Shrek the Musical,' covering and playing lead roles.
Mr Eyre’s career highlights include appearing in the '25th anniversary production of Phantom' at The Royal Albert Hall and singing the as the finale soloist at 'The Olivier Awards' live on The BBC; as well as singing at The World's biggest music festivals, such as Latitude and The Isle of Wight, performing alongside the greats of the industry.
Mr Eyre has always coached Vocal technique alongside his performing, with near two decades experience. Teaching in Drama school settings, secondary schools, colleges and his own private practice, he has mentored hundreds of vocalists, many of whom have gone on to become professional singers. Mr Eyre’s clients are currently working in 'Hamilton- West End cast,' 'CatsInternational tour cast' and 'Royal Caribbean Cruise casts' to name a few. He is now in his third year teaching at WGHS.
Mr C White Teacher of Percussion
Mr White, drum kit and percussion teacher at WGHS, also has a busy and varied playing career. Currently on a break from the European tour of ‘Cats’, he is looking forward to the tour’s restart in November.
Recent credits include ‘Chicago’ (UK, European, and International Tours), ‘Wizard of Oz’, ‘ Shrek’, and ‘Annie’ (UK Tour), as well as touring with former Wicked stars Kerry Ellis and Louise Dearman.
Beyond musical theatre, Mr White regularly plays percussion with the internationally acclaimed Jamhot Showband and performs with various orchestras. Passionate about education, he supports his students at WGHS and across Sandwell in discovering the joy and fun of learning an instrument, from their favourite song to exploring diverse music styles
Mrs R Clennell
Teacher of Strings
Mrs Clennell completed her undergraduate and post graduate studies at Birmingham Conservatoire. In her final year she won the Herbert Lumby Prize for Violinist and Violists. She plays with orchestras and ensembles across the UK including Orchestra de Camera, Southbank Sinfonia and Britten Pears Orchestra As well as being a founding member of the multi-award winning string quartet, Toscana Strings, Mrs Clennell is a busy chamber musician having played with ensembles on Cruise Ships, recording and performing with the Ardeton Ensemble.
Miss J Bourne Teacher of Violin and Piano
Mrs Bourne studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and since then has been in demand as a performer and teacher As well as performing for classical ensembles around the Midlands she is also a regular session musician recording with bands such as Ocean Colour Scene, The Twang and The Sherlocks. Mrs Bourne is a talented arranger, member of multi-award winning string quartet, Toscana Strings, and she also believes in inspiring young people to have a passion for music and runs her own teaching practice outside of school.
Mr S Read
Teacher of Keyboard and Brass
Mr Read has been teaching music in the Wolverhampton area for over 50 years. He specialises in teaching Piano, Brass Instruments, Electronic Keyboard and Singing to diploma level as well as theory of music. He has expertise in composing, arranging, conducting and accompanying and has been a church organist for over 50 years. He is official accompanist and committee member for the Dudley Festival.
Dr C Foster Teacher of Classical Guitar and Piano
Dr Foster is a composer, performer and academic musician. He has worked for many years as an instrumental teacher and for over twenty as a university lecturer. He gained his doctorate, studying composition with Michael Finnissy, and his music has been heard across the UK and abroad. As a performer, Dr Foster studied classical guitar with Jim Bickel (a student of Julian Bream), flute with performers from both the BBC Northern and Halle Symphony Orchestras, and piano with Christopher Wood. He continues to compose and perform around the country and has been teaching composition, classical guitar and piano at the WGHS now for nearly four years
Ms E Simons Teacher of Violin and Viola
Ms Simons is a professional violinist and violin/viola teacher. She read French & Music at the University of Birmingham and studied the violin privately with David Le Page and Sophie Langdon. She enjoys a freelance career playing with a number of orchestras across the UK including the Hallé Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Opera.
Mr D Griffiths Teacher of Piano
Mr Griffiths studied at the Royal College of Music, London. He is a valued member of the WGHS peripatetic teaching team and has been with us for 3 years
Mr J Pillinger
Teacher of Pop and Rock Guitar
Mr Pillinger teaches Rock and Pop Electric, Acoustic and Bass Guitar. He began playing guitar in his early years of high school and quickly developed a lasting passion for music
Learning the guitar strengthened his confidence, encouraged creativity, built resilience through problemsolving, and provided an important outlet for his mental wellbeing. Above all, it was - and still is - one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things he does. Mr Pillinger aims to help students experience those same benefits while developing strong musical foundations in an engaging and supportive environment.
Mr Pillinger teaches the RSL Awards syllabus from Debut through to Grades 1–8 across Electric, Acoustic and Bass Guitar. The RSL programme blends modern and classic repertoire from a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, indie, metal, funk and blues. It is a dynamic and motivating syllabus that challenges students appropriately while keeping learning enjoyable. It also encourages learners to explore new styles and pieces they may not have initially chosen themselves, broadening their musical understanding and versatility.
Mr Pillinger’s goal is to inspire a lifelong love of music by combining discipline, creativity and performance opportunities, while maintaining high expectations for every student. And, if possible, produce the occasional future rock star or two.
I have taken instrumental lessons since joining WGHS and they have undoubtedly helped develop confidence in both my playing and myself. Music, as a whole, has presented me with the opportunity to make new friends, perform to peers, attend extracurricular activities and multiple concerts These are only possible due to the experience, understanding and maturity gained from my instrumental lessons.The teachers are all so supportive and encouraging and create such an amazing environment for you to learn in. I could not recommend learning an instrument enough, especially while you ' re at WGHS!
Elin,
Year 10
My singing lessons here have allowed me to not only improve my technique, but to gain really useful career advice, a lot of confidence in my art and enjoy more new music
Aditi,
Year 11
Music lessons at WGHS are uplifting and I really look forward to them Ever since I've started, my confidence has grown a lot - I even performed at a recital! The teachers help you with areas you find difficult and the teaching overall makes such a big difference in your progress.You get taught exactly what you need for your level and get loads of chances to display your talents. I would definitely recommend taking music lessons at Girls' High no matter what level you arebecause you'll improve your abilities as well as your confidence.
Stuti, Year 7
LESSONS AVAILABLE
Music lessons at Wolverhampton Girls' High School provide students with a rich and inspiring opportunity to develop their musical talents in a supportive and nurturing environment. Lessons are available for complete beginners as well as proficient and advanced musicians, ensuring that every student is challenged and supported at the right level.
Individual and small-group tuition is carefully tailored to each student’s goals whether that involves building strong foundations, refining advanced technique, exploring new musical styles, preparing for graded examinations or supporting GCSE and A Level performance work. Across all disciplines, students develop essential musicianship skills including notation reading, rhythm, listening, technical control and expressive performance.
Beyond the lesson room, a vibrant programme of ensembles, concerts, productions and school events allows students of all abilities to share their talents and gain valuable performance experience. Music lessons not only foster artistic achievement but also build confidence, resilience, discipline and a lifelong love of music.
Piano and Keyboard
Students explore a wide range of styles from classical repertoire to contemporary and popular music while building essential skills in reading notation, rhythm, technique, and performance Regular performance opportunities, including school concerts and events, help pupils grow in confidence and stage presence.
Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Students build strong foundations in posture, bowing technique, intonation, and music reading, while exploring a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, folk traditions, and contemporary works. Ensemble playing is a key part of the experience, with opportunities to participate in orchestras, chamber groups, and school concerts that foster teamwork and performance skills.
Brass Instruments - Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Baritone, Trombone
Students focus on breath control, embouchure, articulation, and music reading, while exploring a varied repertoire that includes classical works, jazz, film music, and popular styles. Regular opportunities to perform in ensembles, school concerts, and community events help build confidence, teamwork and stage presence.
Guitar - Electric, Acoustic, Bass, Classical
Whether learning acoustic, classical or electric guitar, beginners and more experienced players alike receive tailored tuition designed to suit their individual goals and musical interests. Students build core skills in chord shapes, strumming and picking techniques, reading notation and tablature, and developing rhythm and tone. A wide range of styles is explored, from classical and folk to rock and contemporary music, encouraging versatility and personal expression.
Wind - Flute, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone
Students focus on breath control, tone production, articulation, and music reading, while exploring a broad and engaging repertoire ranging from classical and jazz to film and contemporary music. Ensemble opportunities including wind bands, orchestras, and chamber groups allow pupils to develop teamwork, listening skills, and stage presence.
Vocal - Classical, Pop, Musical Theatre
Students develop essential vocal technique, including breath control, posture, tone production, diction, and range extension, while exploring a wide repertoire spanning classical, musical theatre, pop, and contemporary styles. Emphasis is placed on vocal health and expressive communication, helping students to perform with both confidence and artistry.
Drum Kit
Students build core skills including stick control, timing, reading drum notation, and groove development, while exploring a wide range of genres such as rock, pop, jazz, funk, and contemporary music. Emphasis is placed on precision, creativity, and musicality, ensuring students grow as both solo performers and ensemble musicians
SOCIAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Music at WGHS is enriched by a vibrant programme of daily opportunities designed to inspire and engage every student. From choir and strings to musical theatre and our contemporary ensemble, Beaux Electix, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
Each year, students also take part in a full-scale school production—Summer 2026 will see us bring The Addams Family to the stage alongside two flagship concerts, Punch & Carols and our Spring Concert, as well as more intimate recitals for parents and carers. Additionally, House Arts is our Autumn Term House competition. Each House is led by our House Captains to put together a performance based around a theme, in recent years these have been Movie Magic and Tales of the Unexpected. Students from all year groups compete for various titles such as Young Performer, Band, Script Writing, Tech and Choir. It is a true highlight of the WGHS calendar!
Beyond school, our music students have enjoyed memorable international experiences, including trips to Belgium and a standout choir performance at Disneyland Paris, broadening both their musical and cultural horizons.
SCHEDULE 2026/27
Please note lessons run for 30 school weeks only.
DAUGHTER’S MUSIC LESSONS
Our music lessons offer students the opportunity to develop instrumental or vocal skills through expert tuition, structured progression, and access to graded examinations that can lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Alongside building confidence, creativity, and performance experience, students are supported to achieve their personal best in a nurturing and inspiring environment.
If you are interested in booking music lessons for your daughter, please scan the relevant QR code or use the link below (QR codes go live on Friday 8 May 2026 at 4pm). th
Closing date to register is Monday 1 June 2026, 4pm.
New Year 7 Music lessons form
Link: https://forms.office.com/e/mbsMkF3RnS
New Year 7 Music lessons form (Pupil Premium students)
Link: https://forms.office.com/e/1SwW4tEXfP
