Wandsworth Music Academy – Key Info
The Wandsworth Music Academy is a centre of musical excellence is South London, providing high quality music lessons and progression pathways for children and young people aged 5-21.
The Music Academy runs on Saturdays 8am-2pm and Wednesdays 4.30-9.30pm at Burntwood School and on Tuesdays 4.30pm-8.30pm at West Hill Primary School.
The Academy Code of Conduct
Quite simply, we aim to inspire our children with a lifelong love and enjoyment of music. We would like all our musicians to support this goal and contribute to a safe and caring learning environment by committing to a few simple principles:
- Enjoy your music making!
- Playing a musical instrument and singing are tremendously rewarding experiences and can lead to many wonderful opportunities, memories and friendships.
- Prepare for your lessons and rehearsals.
- The very best musicians make performing sound easy- we can all emulate them by being prepared and practising the music! Family support plays a huge part in musical progress and the great thing is you don’t have to be musical to help! Encouragement, little reminders to practise and supporting at concerts make a huge difference!
- Perform and participate in concerts and events.
- There are regular opportunities to perform at the Academy and the more advanced ensembles also get to play at events outside of the Academy. In recent years these have included prestigious venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Finals and concert tours to Italy, Germany, Austria and Spain.
- Persevere and learn the art of patient practice!
- Remember, mistakes are part of learning. The learning curve for any skill is rarely straight and we all find challenges along the way. When it gets tough persevere, keep a positive focus and move on to the next challenge!
- Respect
- Respect your fellow musicians and support each other in your musical journeys.
- Please take good care of our wonderful home and resources by keeping it clean and tidy, putting litter in bins and helping take care of instruments, music stands and other equipment. Take care of music by making markings only in pencil (good musicians are never without a pencil so they can mark changes in their music!).
- Please keep phones away when in rehearsals and lessons.
Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices
Mobile phones are a normal part of modern life, and Wandsworth Music (WM) recognises that many students use them for learning, communication, and safety when travelling. They can be helpful tools for accessing practice notes, music tracks, or sheet music.
However, they can also become a distraction—particularly during lessons, rehearsals, and performances—where concentration, attentive listening, and mutual respect are essential.
Everyone at WM has the right to learn and work without unnecessary distractions. Safe, respectful, and responsible behaviour around mobile phone use is expected from all students.
Mobile phones present several challenges, including:
- Interruptions to teaching, rehearsals, and ensemble activities
- Potential theft or loss
- Risk of inappropriate use
WM seeks to balance these challenges with the benefits that mobile phones bring. Whilst an outright ban would remove useful functions and be difficult to enforce, WM has a responsibility to promote the safe and responsible use of mobile phones during all WM activities.
For All Students
When you’re at Wandsworth Music, you should:
- Keep your phone on silent or switched off during lessons, rehearsals, and ensembles.
- Keep your phone out of sight unless a teacher says you can use it.
- Never record anyone (photos, videos, or audio) without permission.
- Never look at or share anything inappropriate.
- Look after your own device — you bring it at your own risk.
- Please don’t bring other electronic devices like tablets, laptops, or gaming consoles.
WM staff may take away any phone that is used inappropriately during sessions. Phones will be returned at the end of the session.
The sharing or accessing of inappropriate content will lead to serious consequence, and potential exclusion from WM activities.
WM cannot take responsibility for loss, theft, or damage of phones or other electronic devices.
Junior Academy (Years 1–6)
Junior pupils are discouraged from bringing mobile phones to WMA. If you do bring one:
- It must stay off/silent and in your bag for the whole session.
- You can only use the phone during a break.
- You must follow all the expectations above.
Senior Academy (Year 7+)
Older students have more independence and are expected to set a good example and model positive behaviours for younger pupils.
You should:
- Keep your phone off or on silent and out of sight during lessons and rehearsals.
- Not use your phone anywhere younger students can see you.
- Follow all general expectations.
Any phone used inappropriately during sessions may be taken until the end of the session.
Any inappropriate online behaviour may lead to sanctions, including possible permanent exclusion under the behaviour policy.
Behaviour
For Wandsworth Music activities to be productive, safe, and enjoyable for all, it is essential that pupils always demonstrate respect and excellent behaviour. This includes listening attentively, following instructions promptly, arriving prepared, and contributing positively to lessons and rehearsals without disruption.
Excellent behaviour is not only expected but is a condition of participation in all Wandsworth Music activities. Poor behaviour is not acceptable; it disrupts lessons and rehearsals, negatively impacts learning and progress for all students and risks bringing the reputation of Wandsworth Music into serious disrepute.
Wandsworth Music will not tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour, vandalism, intimidation, bullying or disruptive conduct. Sanctions will be applied where necessary, and in serious or repeated cases, poor behaviour may lead to suspension or permanent exclusion from Wandsworth Music activities.
Where behaviour does not meet expectations, the following sanctions may be applied:
- A verbal warning and reminder of expectations
- Temporary removal from lessons or rehearsals
- A 1-1 meeting with parents or carers
- Suspension from Wandsworth Music activities
- Serious misconduct will result in permanent exclusion from all Wandsworth Music activities. In such circumstances, any paid or outstanding fees will be retained or remain payable. No credits will be issued.
If you have any concerns about pupil, parent or staff conduct then please contact Aurelie Sciamma in the first instance.
Abusive or aggressive behaviour towards staff/tutors and other families will not be tolerated. WM reserves the right to withdraw pupils from lessons. In these circumstances fees are non-refundable.
Whilst on site pupils and parents are under the direction of Wandsworth Music staff and must remain within the allocated areas at all times. Parents are not allowed to enter the main teaching buildings unless supervised by a member of the WM team.
Music Academy Ensembles
Regular, punctual attendance at rehearsals is vital in order to ensure that ensembles develop and perform together properly. They rely on teamwork and commitment from every single member. All Music Academy pupils are expected to:
- Give their full commitment and have regular and punctual attendance at all regular rehearsals, courses, workshops and performance.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time (unless coming from another WMA lesson)
- Be prepared for rehearsals by:
- Downloading the relevant music for their instrument(s).
- Learning parts thoroughly before the rehearsals.
- Taking music to their lessons to go through with their teacher.
- Bring a pencil and rubber to rehearsals
- Follow rehearsal etiquette by turning off mobile phones and paying full attention to the conductor
- Assist in the setup and pack down of rehearsals (including stacking own chair and stand, cleaning any rubbish away and ensuring all instruments are returned to storage as appropriate)
If an absence is unavoidable, notification should be given by email to the Ensembles & Events Administrator by emailing info@wandsworthmusic.co.uk at the earliest opportunity.
Attendance at rehearsals and concerts is carefully monitored. Poor attendance or failure to attend rehearsals without permission may necessitate musicians not being able to perform at concerts and result in your place in the ensemble being withdrawn or offered to another musician.
What to bring to WMA
- Instrument – clearly labelled with your name
- Music Stand – If possible please bring a fold up music stand for orchestra rehearsals
- Water Bottle & Snack – please do not bring fizzy drinks, glass bottles or anything containing nuts
- Instrument accessories – Please bring a pencil, rubber and instrument accessories e.g. spare strings, reeds, valve oil etc.
Parking
Please be mindful of our neighbours around Burntwood School. We would encourage you to travel to the Academy by public transport, foot or bike where possible. If travelling by car please ensure you park legally and considerately. Please do not park on zig-zag lines outside the main entrance on Burntwood Lane, or block the entrance to driveways.
Arrival, Registration & Collection
All pupils must register on arrival as follows:
Saturday Academy
Senior Academy Pupils should self-register at the registration desk. It is assumed that all Senior Academy pupils have permission to travel to and from the Academy independently, unless we have been informed otherwise.
Junior Academy Pupils
- Year 3&4 pupils should register in the refectory foyer
- Year 5&6 pupils should register by the main reception
- After drop off parents are requested to leave the site.
Junior Academy pupils can be collected at the end of the morning from the main quad. Finishing times vary depending on the ensemble that your child participates in. Please check the your timetable.
Please note that primary aged pupils can only leave alone if we have received written permission.
Sound Start Pupils (Y1&2)
Pupils should be taken straight to the classroom to be registered with their teacher. Please ensure prompt arrival so that lessons can start on time. Sound Start parents only, may wait onsite under the outdoor sheltered area prior to collecting their child (9am for Y1 and 10.05am for Y2 pupils)
Wednesday Academy
All pupils should register on the 1st floor of the Performing Arts Building. It is assumed that all Senior Academy pupils have permission to travel to and from the Academy independently, unless we have been informed otherwise,
Please note that primary aged pupils can only leave alone if we have received written permission.
Tuesday Academy
All pupils should register at the main reception of West Hill School. It is assumed that all Senior Academy pupils have permission to travel to and from the Academy independently, unless we have been informed otherwise,
Please note that primary aged pupils can only leave alone if we have received written permission.
Safeguarding & Parents on site
Saturday Academy
In order to safeguard pupils attending WMA on Saturdays, parents (with the exception of Sound Start pupils) are not permitted to enter any of the teaching buildings or accompany pupils around the school site without prior agreement of Wandsworth Music. We politely request that all parents leave the site once their child is registered.
Sound Start parents may wait on site in designated areas, as agreed with Wandsworth Music staff.
Toilets
Toilets for parental use are located by the main reception in building 1. All other toilets are for the use of children only. Please ensure that toilets are left as you would expect to find them
Tuesday / Wednesday Academy
Accompanying adults may stay in the designated waiting area, under the supervision of Wandsworth Music staff.
Supporting Adults
Wandsworth Music recognise that some pupils may require the support of an accompanying adult, for example pupils with additional needs. Where this has been agreed, Wandsworth Music will issue the accompanying adult with a WM ID badge, which must be worn at all times whist on site.
Under no circumstances are parents allowed to access any parts of the buildings, unless agreed by Wandsworth Music.
Attendance
Places at the Music Academy are in high demand. In order to ensure that pupils progress and make the best use of their time we expect regular and punctual attendance every week. Please inform Wandsworth Music of any known absences in advance, using the contact details provided.
Please note that in cases of continued poor attendance or regular absence we reserve the right to terminate your child’s place at the Academy.
Practice
Learning a musical instrument requires dedication and a commitment to regular and focused practice. To make musical progress, nothing is as important as the quality and the quantity of practice time!
Practice notes will generally be uploaded to Speed Admin. You can view the Speed Admin guide here
We expect all pupils at the Music Academy to practise regularly. As a guide we recommend the minimum daily practice times:
- Beginners: 10-15mins daily
- Grade 1-3 20-25mins daily
- Grade 4+ At least 30mins daily
Concerts
All Music Academy pupils have the opportunity to participate in regular concerts. In addition to external events the Music Academy also hold large scale concerts at Christmas and at the end of the summer term. There are also frequent smaller recital style concerts throughout the year.
Parent Enquiries
Saturday & Wednesdays are very busy and we politely request that general enquiries and administrative matters are raised during the week by email or phone.
WMA Tutors
The same tutors will be provided as consistently as possible, however the Academy reserves the right to vary activities when absences occur. Our standard action is to replace the absent tutor with a suitable deputy, but we cannot guarantee this where absences are at short notice due to illness.
WMA Contact Numbers
On Academy days please use text or WhatsApp where possible (e.g. to notify us of an absence).
| WMA Sat General Contact & Emergency | Aurelie | 07767 670611 |
| WMA Sat Ensembles | John | 07966 426345 |
| WMA Wed General Contact & Emergency | Emily | 07929 018729 |
During the week please please contact us via email – info@wandsworthmusic.co.uk or phone 0208 333 3899.