The Valley School are in a working partnership with Hertfordshire Music Service. We have fantastic music tutors: Matthew Dear, Jim Day and Dan Bird, who deliver individual and group lessons.
These sessions take place on a rotating basis during the school day and are fully funded. Students have the opportunity to perform informally to their peers and at school concerts and events. In addition students may take part in concerts outside of school including most recently at the Gordon Craig Theatre and the Royal Albert Hall.
If you would like your child to participate in these sessions please see the letter below.
About Hertfordshire Music Service (HMS)
For over 40 years Hertfordshire Music Service has successfully delivered musical opportunities to generations of young people throughout the county. The service is now one of the largest in the country with many thousands of young people involved in our weekly musical activities, supported by over 450 teachers.
Hertfordshire Music Service: Our Vision
‘All Hertfordshire’s children and young people, regardless of background or circumstances, have the opportunity to discover or develop their unique musical voice and express themselves through the language of music.’
For more information please visit:
https://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/
About our tutors
Matthew Dear
Matthew works extensively with children with special education needs, both within Herts Music Service (HMS) and for some national music charities. He is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Development Lead for HMS.
His main instruments are piano and flute although he also enjoys singing and plays a little guitar and drums. At The Valley he works with students on the keyboard, within singing groups and interactive music, helping students to develop musically, but also seeing music as a context to develop social and communication skills and confidence.
Originally a graduate of music he has completed post-graduate training in Sounds of Intent (a music and special needs framework) which is now linked to Trinity College of Music. Matthew is able to assess students at the Valley for Trinity Sounds of Intent Music Awards. He has also completed a University certificate in Autism Spectrum with the University of Birmingham.
He previously lived in Asia where he helped establish an early intervention centre for children with autism.
He enjoys a range of classical music as well as blues piano and a variety of modern song genres.
James Day
Jim Day is a professional musician and instrumental teacher based in Hertfordshire. He has been teaching for Hertfordshire Music Service for over ten years and has taught at many different schools. He is delighted to have joined The Valley team and is thoroughly enjoying working with the students.
