Wider Opportunities - Richmond Music Trust

Wider Opportunities (WO) is a whole class project which gives all primary children the chance to play an instrument as an integral part of National Curriculum music lessons.

Our WO programme runs in KS2 schools across the borough and covers mixed strings, mixed brass, flute, clarinet/saxophone, keyboard, and guitar. We have provided each school with a class set of instruments which are used for the Initial and Transition stages.

Do schools or parents pay for Wider Opportunities sessions?

Whilst there is a charge for the optional Foundation Stage, there is no charge to schools or parents for the Initial stage of the programme as these are whole class activities and are part of the school’s music curriculum.

What happens in the Foundation stage?

Working with a vocal specialist, children and class teachers learn basic vocal techniques, enabling them to use their voices safely and imaginatively. They explore musical concepts and ideas and develop the confidence to improvise and create their own songs. They also become familiar with the musical language that will be used in the instrumental stages.

And in the Initial stage?

Working with two instrumental teachers and their class teacher, children learn to play instruments in a whole class group and explore different elements of music through playing. The programme broadens the children’s music experience and allows those who are already learning an instrument to share their knowledge with others.

How is the Transition stage organised? is there a cost for this?

The Transition stage is the bridge between whole class teaching and standard tuition. Teaching takes place in groups and instruments are provided free of charge. At this stage there is a charge for tuition which is usually covered by parents.

Continuation stage

Children wishing to continue learning are offered standard RMT tuition. Parents will need to hire or buy an instrument at this stage.

WO Transition Stage: Term 1 Application Form

Spring 2024: Please note applications for Chase Bridge, Collis and Vineyard are now closed. For Term 2 Payment, please scroll down to the next form.

Child's Details
First name*
Surname*
Child's School and Transition Stage Instrument*
Please select ONE instrument
Brass*
- Baritone
- Cornet/Trumpet
- Trombone
Toots*
- Toot
Flute*
- Flute
Guitar*
- Guitar
Keyboard*
- Keyboard
Strings*
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
Strings A*
- Violin
Strings B*
- Violin
- Viola
Strings C*
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
Woodwind*
- Clarinet
- Saxophone
Child's Year Group*
Child's Class Name*
Additional Needs/SEN
Please give detail on any additional need that your child has. This will help us to ensure that your child is supported as appropriate during our sessions.
Child's Date of Birth*
Date Format: DD slash MM slash YYYY
Child's Gender
Family Details
Parent/Carer full name*
Email*
Phone number*
Second contact number (optional)
Wider Opportunities Transition Stage
Price: £ 47.00
Total
£ 0.00

WO Transition Stage: Term 2 Payment Form

Please only fill in this form if your child is currently taking part in Term 1 of the Transition Stage

Has your child already completed Transition Stage 1 (N.B. This would have required a payment of £47.00)?*
- Yes
- No
Please complete the Transition Stage: Term 1 Application Form above
Child's Details
First name*
Surname*
Child's School*
Family Details
Parent/Carer full name*
Email*
Wider Opportunities Transition Stage - Term 2
Price: £ 47.00
Total
£ 0.00

Stage 1 8 weeks	FOUNDATION (optional)	Musical development through vocal work. Whole class sessions with a vocal specialist.
Stage 2 8 weeks	INITIAL	Musical development through learning to play an instrument. Whole class sessions with two instrumental specialists.
Stage 3 20 weeks	TRANSITION	Provision for children who wish to continue and enjoy learning in large groups, generally 6-15 children per group. Transition Stage: Term 1 Application Form Transition Stage: Term 2 Payment Form
Stage 4 onwards	CONTINUATION	Ongoing standard tuition in small groups (up to 4 children) for those who wish to continue learning.