Welcome to everyone within Team Music as we ensure all our lessons, learning and ensembles are up and running once again. It is incredible to see so many musicians making music and to hear such wonderful sounds. Our website is the best place for information, but we are always here to help.

At Simon Balle Music, music is not just a subject – it’s part of our identity. Across our schools, music is at the heart of what we do. Laurel Music is thriving with people who share a deep passion for creating, learning, and performing. We’re proud to offer students a place where music is lived and breathed every day.

Opportunities to grow as a musician are around every corner, and it’s always exciting to see the different paths our students take. A love of music opens doors to incredible possibilities – but it also asks for commitment, courage, and time.

As Director of Music for the past 26 years, I’ve always believed that when musicians are inspired, everything else follows. They become more motivated, more collaborative, and more determined to achieve their best.

Music is not a quick win. It doesn’t offer the instant gratification of a video game or a YouTube short. But over time, it gives back in a way that few things can – bringing people together, building lifelong friendships, and teaching the kind of life skills that last far beyond the classroom.

So if you’re part of Team Music, put your heart into it. You never know what’s waiting just around the corner.

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My Top Tips for Success in Team Music

1. Music takes time.
There’s no shortcut. Practice at home is essential. Younger students will need guidance – not just encouragement, but help building it into their routine. Success only comes with hard work, and that hard work begins at home.

https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/music/practice/ - this link outlines our expectations with practice.

2. Work with us.
We can’t do it alone. We know life is busy, but please find time for music. Read our updates, come to the concerts, celebrate the progress. If you’re investing in lessons, invest in the time too.

3. Commit.
Our schools offer a rich menu of activities, but music requires commitment. Being part of Team Music means showing up, contributing, and being dependable. A team only works when everyone is all in.

4. Learn to read music.
Yes, some famous musicians don’t read music – but we need our students to have the full range of skills. Reading music is essential to becoming a well-rounded, versatile musician.

5. Communicate.
Life changes – and students change. If things aren’t going well, let us know. We’re here to support and adapt. It all starts with a conversation.

6. Be part of the journey.
Team Music is something truly unique. Our all-through music offer is something you won’t find anywhere else. Embrace our ethos. Come to the concerts. Join the experience.

7. Show appreciation.
A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Behind every music lesson, performance and rehearsal is a dedicated team doing everything they can to support your child’s musical journey. Gratitude matters.

8. Celebrate at home.
Say ‘well done’ often. Recognise the effort, the progress, the performances – big or small. It means more than you know.

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We remain fully committed to doing the very best for every one of our musicians, in our own distinctive way, and with families by our side.

Simon Balle Music is incredible. Together, we create amazing music.

Mark Taylor
Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust

As a student myself many years ago, I carried my trumpet to school, or when I cycled, but it on my back. That's what you did.

All musicians should be able to carry their instruments to school - we don't have any double bass players! Drummers should bring drum sticks! Saxophonists can carry their instruments and so on. We have seen a rise in the number of instruments being dropped off at the secondary reception claiming that the musician can't carry it. Please help us and the musician. Unless an emergency, students should be carrying in their instruments to the relevant place in the Larch or secondary Music Centre. Can I also suggest that every instrument has a name tag on?

Likewise, we are proud that we have so many school instrumental to loan out and I am continually seeking to find more. Instruments cost money - a lot, and all I ask is that everyone looks after them and treats them with respect!

• No one else should play the instrument
• The instrument should be stored in the case
• Any damage caused that is outside wear and tear will be charged
• Students should be reminded to not drag cases across the ground (yes, I see this often!)

The instrument is valuable - often many hundreds of pounds. We have to all remember this!