At Hillside, we encourage a passion for and commitment to a diverse range of musical experiences throughout the school, with all children actively engaged across all age groups. Music provides opportunities for pupils to perform and create together, developing a widening repertoire that spans a variety of genres, styles and periods from different cultures and traditions. Where possible, music is taught by a trained musician, ensuring high-quality teaching and specialist expertise across the school.

Music at Hillside also plays a key role in supporting wellbeing and personal development. It provides enjoyable, uplifting shared experiences that foster collaboration, respect and tolerance, as children perform, listen and create together. In fact, around ninety pupils learn an instrument each year, either individually or in small groups, with our wonderful peripatetic teachers. Currently, we can offer lessons in a range of instruments, including: piano, violin, cello, drums, guitar, trumpet and flute. 

Please enquire at the school office for availability.   

We are proud of the wider opportunities we offer to enrich pupils’ musical experiences, including orchestra, several choirs and additional musical groups throughout the year and across different ages. These provide children with the chance to develop their skills further, perform regularly and build confidence as musicians.

Each year we provide a variety of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. These have included trips to the O2 Arena to take part in the Young Voices choir, as well as regular performances as part of CASMA in the city. Musical theatre is also a valued part of school life, and we take great pride in our annual production in the upper years, giving children the opportunity to perform, collaborate and shine on stage.