Financial Assistance

We offer financial assistance for Instrument Hire and Instrumental Tuition for pupils learning through the Music on Sea Service and who are from low income families, in receipt of Free School Meals or for Looked After Children. In addition, there is support for ensembles led by the Music Service.

Instrument Hire

We offer half price (£15) instrument hire for the following eligibility:

  • pupils in receipt of free school meals or pupil premium grant
  • Southend Advantage Card Category C holders
  • young carers

Hiring at no charge is available for Children that are Looked After (CLA). Families can apply for discounted hire when completing the instrument hire form. More information can be found on the Instrument Hire page.

Music on Sea Ensemble/Group Discounts

Membership at no charge is available for:

  • pupils in receipt of Free School Meals or Pupil Premium Grant
  • Southend Advantage Card Category C holders
  • young carers

We offer a trial session at no cost for new members.

Families can apply for discounts on the Ensemble membership form.

More information can be found on the Ensembles page.

Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is a His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) scheme. It allows students to purchase a musical instrument while saving VAT.

To be eligible pupils must be in full time education within a Southend school (maintained or Academy) and meet one of the following criteria:

  • receipt of individual instrumental music lessons (on the chosen instrument) at school
  • receipt of lessons (school or private) for a GCSE or A level exam
  • member of a school ensemble
  • member of an ensemble led by the Southend Music Service

The instrument purchased must be:

  • for the named pupil
  • appropriate for their needs and ability
  • portable (non-portable instruments can be purchased via the external Take It Away Scheme)

To apply please complete the Assisted Purchase Application Form.

If eligibility requirements are met, we will:

  • issue you an invoice for the cost of the instrument (ex VAT) and the delivery cost
  • order the instrument on your behalf (once payment is received)
  • arrange collection with you

We are unable to process Assisted Purchase Application requests retrospectively, e.g. if you have already purchased or collected an instrument.

Music on Sea Individual Music Tuition in School

We are able to offer fully subsidised tuition for Children Looked After/Previously Looked After Children who have music lessons in school through our Music on Sea tutors.

Families can apply for this discount through their school.