Dudley Performing Arts (DPA) has long been at the forefront of music education in the Dudley borough, both in the classroom and other community settings.
We offer opportunities for absolute beginners and players of all grades and abilities.
We work with schools and colleges to ensure the best possible opportunities for children and young people. We help students to develop skills and take part in performance groups.
We offer a wide range of activities for whole classes, small groups and individuals. Our staff are professionals specialising in instrumental and vocal teaching.
Instruments we teach
- Brass: baritone, cornet, euphonium, French horn, tenor horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba
- Contemporary: bass guitar, classical guitar, drum kit, keyboard, orchestral percussion, electric guitar
- Strings: cello, double bass, viola, violin
- Vocal: voice – all ages and styles
- Woodwind: bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, recorder, saxophone, fife
Hiring or buying instruments
Dudley Performing Arts has a stock of instruments which, if available, may be hired through your school.
We also operate an assisted purchase scheme to enable parents of our students to purchase instruments VAT free. Various criteria must be met to qualify for the scheme and a handling charge applies for those wishing to use this facility.
Please note: You will be expected to purchase sheet music, tutor books and accessories (such as replacement strings, rosin and valve oil).
Tips for successful support at home
Successful study is a partnership between you, your child and the teachers. Many parents are eager to be partners but would like some guidance from teachers. Areas where you can support your child in vocal and instrumental tuition are:
Favourable practice conditions
As students progress in their instrumental or vocal study, they are presented with more difficult problems. The regularity and quality of their practice becomes even more important. Favourable practice conditions include:
- A scheduled daily practice time (a minimum of 10 minutes per day at the early stages, increasing as progress is made)
- A music stand and a quiet room, adequately ventilated and lit, with a comfortable temperature
- Offering praise and encouragement for work that is well done
- Keeping an eye on daily practice sessions with younger pupils
Instrumental and vocal study
Some aspects of instrumental or vocal study are learnt easily, others need intensive and repeated work. Your understanding and encouragement are vital if difficult hurdles are to be overcome. You should also try and create a musical atmosphere. Performances for friends and family, when they call round, are also a good idea.
Balancing interests
Avoid undue stress on musical work. Trying for a balanced schedule of interests, into which music fits as a natural element, will pay big musical dividends.
Helping directly
Even if you are not musical your direct help in the early stages of instrumental study is vital:
- Remind your child to practice daily
- After basic warm-up exercises, remind him/her to practice the new work first
If wrong notes and hesitations keep recurring, suggest practising more slowly, in short sessions, a few bars at a time.
- Check any practice notes written by the teacher to ensure your child has understood
- Encourage your child to observe live music wherever possible
