East Sussex Music Service

Winners of the National Diploma of Merit in 1990, 1991 & 1998, the East Sussex Music Service (ESMS) continues to expand and flourish; ESMS have doubled in size in the last ten years and are now expanding our activities into Early Years and Lifelong Education.

ESMS provide, in a county with 66,000 school children:

• An Instrumental Teaching Scheme in all Primary, Secondary and Special schools for approximately 6,000 pupils per year
  
• Instrument hire and an Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme for children learning through the Music Service
  
• Four Area Music Centres providing activities for over 2,000 students in the four corners of the County
  
• An extensive programme of enrichment projects linking professional musicians with schools, such as Rhythmix, Music in our Lifetimes at the Royal Albert Hall, Nu:phonics, Omniculture and World Music
  
• In-service training and curriculum support for primary, secondary and special schools staff
  
• A Specialist Music Course for those aged 16 – 19 (East Sussex Academy of Music in partnership with Sussex Downs College) for 70 A-level music students
  
• 120 full and part-time staff, plus a teaching panel that is maintained for many types and styles of music tuition
  
• A Summer School for more than 1200 students
  
• A full programme of concerts, courses and projects including a bi-annual East Sussex Schools Festival at major venues such as Glyndebourne, the Royal Festival Hall and St John’s, Smith Square
  
• Consultancy and advisory services to parents and students
  
• Orchestral and Chamber Ensemble concerts for schools
  
• Award-winning regional and county orchestras, bands and choirs
  
• International tours and festivals, including the Virgin Atlantic New England Tour in 2002.

Please see also Music Service@www.eastsussex.gov.uk