Learning an instrument builds confidence, creativity, perseverance and focus – skills that last a lifetime.

learn an instrument at Bella

Glasgow City Council provides free instrumental tuition through the Glasgow CREATE Instrumental Music Service. More than 6,000 young people across the city receive weekly lessons in strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, voice, piano, guitar and other instruments.

At Bellahouston Academy, pupils can begin a new instrument or continue learning from primary school with support from experienced instructors. Lessons are free and take place once a week during class time. Each lesson lasts half a period and follows a rotating timetable to reduce disruption to the same subject. Orchestral instruments can also be loaned free of charge where required.

Learning an instrument develops confidence, creativity, concentration and self-discipline. It also supports wellbeing, resilience, teamwork and self-expression. Pupils can apply these skills across their learning and through our school bands, ensembles, concerts and performances.

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  • Instructor: Mrs O’Reilly
    Day: Monday
    Location: Expressive Arts Base

    Voice lessons help pupils discover what their voice can do and develop the confidence to use it. Pupils explore songs from a range of styles while learning healthy vocal technique, breath control, posture, pitch, diction and how to extend their vocal range safely. They learn how to interpret lyrics, communicate emotion and develop their own performance style. Lessons can support solo singing, school productions, concerts, ensembles, SQA Music and further musical opportunities.

  • Instructor: Mr Westwell
    Day: Monday
    Location: Studio 1

    Piano and keyboard lessons give pupils a strong foundation for understanding and creating music. Pupils learn correct playing technique, hand coordination, scales, chords and how to read both treble and bass clefs. They develop the skills to perform melodies, accompaniments and complete pieces from a range of musical styles. Learning piano also strengthens musical theory, listening and composition skills. Pupils can use their developing skills in concerts, ensembles, SQA Music and future music-making.

  • Instructor: Mrs Pantel-Bowden
    Day: Monday
    Location: Studio 4

    Upper strings lessons introduce pupils to the expressive sound and wide musical range of instruments such as the violin and viola. Pupils learn correct posture, bow hold, fingering, plucking and bowing techniques. They develop accurate pitch, rhythm, tone and musical expression while learning to read notation confidently. String playing develops careful listening, coordination and teamwork. Pupils can progress from their first notes to performing solo pieces and taking part in school, local and city-wide ensembles.

  • Instructor: Mr Osborne
    Day: Tuesday
    Location: Studio 4

    Guitar and bass lessons give pupils the skills to play music they recognise and enjoy while building strong musical foundations. Pupils learn chords, riffs, scales, bass lines and a range of strumming, picking and fingerstyle techniques. They develop their ability to read chord symbols, tablature and musical notation while exploring rhythm, tone and musical style. Lessons prepare pupils to perform independently, accompany singers and play confidently as part of bands, ensembles, concerts and school productions.

  • Instructor: Mr Vassie
    Day: Tuesday
    Location: Studio 1

    Drums and tuned percussion lessons are ideal for pupils who enjoy rhythm, energy and practical music-making. Pupils develop coordination, timing, control and independence while learning beats, grooves, fills and sticking patterns. Tuned percussion also develops melody, scales and pitched performance using instruments such as the xylophone and glockenspiel. Pupils learn to read rhythmic and pitched notation, follow a conductor and perform with other musicians. These skills support bands, ensembles, concerts, school productions and SQA Music.

  • Instructor: Ms Kuypers
    Days: Tuesday and Wednesday
    Locations: Expressive Arts Base on Tuesday and Studio 4 on Wednesday

    Woodwind lessons allow pupils to explore the distinctive sound and character of instruments such as the flute, clarinet and saxophone. Pupils develop breath control, posture, fingering and the correct embouchure for their chosen instrument. They learn how to produce a clear tone, play across a growing range of notes and read music with accuracy. Lessons build confidence, concentration and musical expression while preparing pupils for solo performance, school ensembles, city-wide groups, concerts and SQA Music.

  • Instructor: Mrs Beattie
    Day: Wednesday
    Location: Studio 1

    Brass lessons help pupils develop a powerful, expressive sound while building confidence and control. Pupils learn correct posture, breath support, embouchure and how to produce clear notes across an increasing range. They develop accurate valve or slide technique, music-reading skills, rhythm and musical expression. Brass players are an important part of bands, orchestras and theatre productions. Pupils can use their skills in school ensembles, concerts, city-wide groups, SQA Music and other performance opportunities.