In our new Music Suite, we aim to encourage children to sing and play instruments with enthusiasm from an early age, encourage them to work individually, co-operate with others and to develop confidence in all musical activities.
Music at Froebelian is part of school life and is taught to all age groups by a specialist teacher. Specialist peripatetic instrumental teachers visit school and pupils are encouraged to learn an instrument, including voice, in addition to the recorder.
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” ― Confucius
Miss Hazel Smith – Flute and Fife Teacher
Miss Smith has been teaching the flute and fife at Froebelian for 10 years. She is an experienced teacher of children and adults, and directs an adult flute choir. She also enjoys playing in two ensembles that do performances in the local area.
Listen to The Yorkshire Flute Choir here
Mrs Helen Mason – Piano Teacher
Clarinet and Saxophone Teacher – Mr Matthew McGuffie
Mr McGuffie has extensive experience working with students of all ages and is also an ABRSM examiner. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music Honours Degree from Huddersfield University and has dedicated the past twenty five years to building his teaching skillset and experience whilst preparing students for instrumental and theory ABRSM and Trinity College Exams as well as GCSE and A level performance assessments.
Mr McGuffie performs in a wide variety of musical settings from Orchestral and large Wind Orchestra groups to Musical Theatre pit work, Function bands and Wedding Performances. These include performances in two recent Worlds Saxophone Congresses.
Mrs Milka Kalinowka – Violin Teacher
Milka Kalinowka is passionate about the violin and getting children involved in music from an early age. She began her musical journey when she was seven at the Primary School of Music in Gdynia Poland, graduating from the Academy of Music in Poland in 2001 with a degree and a certificate of instrumental pedagogies specialising in teaching violin. Milka has performed in chamber courses, music festivals, concerts and symphonic and chamber orchestras around the world. pianoviolinduo.co.uk
Mr David Grainger – Guitar Teacher
David Grainger has been playing guitar for 25 years, and has been a professional teacher for over 10 years. He has studied with many leading guitarists and teachers, and holds a Licentiate in Guitar Performance from ABRSM.
David’s focus in lessons is on developing a solid foundation of skills so that students can continue to explore and enjoy playing the guitar throughout their lives. He ensures that students play with good technique, and can read music confidently. Many students go on to sit Graded examinations in guitar, with a 100% pass rate, while others explore a variety of styles of guitar playing.
Miss Natalie Sinnott – Singing Teacher
If you are interested in your child starting music lessons with any of our specialist teachers please contact the office and we will put you in touch.
All classes are involved in Christmas productions, our Spring Festival of the Arts and the Summer Term musical production for the Juniors as well as a number of other events during the school year, including Harvest Festival, Remembrance and class assemblies. Music plays an important part in helping children feel part of a community and provides opportunities for all children to be creative, play, perform and enjoy music, both individually and in groups.
Our extra curricular groups include a school choir, Froebelian band, string group, brand group and samba band, as well as other ensembles that rehearse during the year for performances.
