Discover why 3,000+ primary schools trust Rocksteady to deliver fun and inclusive band lessons that bring music to life for their pupils…
Rocksteady Music School is the UK’s leading provider of band-led music lessons, teaching more than 100,000 children every week. With an award-winning, child-centred approach to music education, we partner with thousands of primary schools to help them exceed curriculum targets and deliver inclusive in-school band lessons suitable for all children.
Rocksteady band lessons offer a fun and engaging way for children to develop musical skills whilst building confidence and maximising their potential back in the classroom.
1. Contemporary and curriculum-aligned music education
Struggling to find fresh, engaging ways to bring the music curriculum to life? With Rocksteady in your school, that’s one less thing to worry about.
Our expertly designed curriculum – consisting of up to 300 musical skills – is fully aligned with the National and Model Music Curriculums, so you can be sure your pupils are making real, measurable progress each week – all whilst learning contemporary songs that keep them engaged.
Rocksteady lessons take place in a fun and pressure-free environment, helping you enrich musical learning while confidently meeting, and exceeding, curriculum targets.
2. No hassle for teachers
We know how busy you are, so we make things as easy as possible.
From bass guitars to electric drum kits, all instruments for lessons are provided. Rocksteady handles all parent communications and scheduling, and your school’s dedicated band leader is a highly trained, professional musician who fits into your school life effortlessly.
You’ll also keep up to date with lesson times and pupil progress on your dedicated Schools Portal. Better still, Rocksteady lessons can take place in almost any space you can offer, and we work around your needs.
It really is that simple!
“Rocksteady lessons can take place in almost any space you can offer, and we work around your needs.”
3. An exam-free music qualification
Removing barriers to music education is at the heart of our mission. That’s why we partnered with Trinity College London to create a world-beating, exam-free, Ofqual-regulated music qualification, exclusively delivered in Rocksteady schools.
The qualification is exam and pressure free, which children gain by learning at their own pace in their weekly lessons. It’s all included in the programme, at no extra cost to parents or schools.
4. Whole-school concerts – every term
Many teachers tell us they’d love to stage more whole-school performances, but time and resources often get in the way. That’s why the termly Rocksteady concerts are always such a highlight!
These performances give pupils the chance to boost their self-belief as they showcase their new skills on stage with their bandmates. They also create school-wide musical moments that bring teachers, pupils and families together, sparking whole-school community connections and boosting parental engagement in a truly meaningful way.
“The termly concerts are a highlight of the school calendar – there’s a wonderful buzz around school after them!”
Music Lead, Hungerford Primary Academy
5. And finally… It’s free to most schools
In most instances, Rocksteady is parent funded and completely free to schools.
We also offer a range of flexible match funding options, including a free bursary place for all schools, so more children can experience the transformative power of learning music, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Sound good? We offer primary schools the chance to see Rocksteady in action with a free music assembly – a fun, live experience designed to ignite your pupils’ enthusiasm for music. Limited availability.
- 2007
Rocksteady is formed by a music teacher in Hampshire who wanted to create a more inclusive way to teach music to primary-age children.
- 2016
The Rocksteady Foundation is set up to give even more children access to music through free teaching, bursary places and charity events.
- 2019
Legendary rock band The Foo Fighters teams up with Rocksteady to run the national Just Play event, giving thousands of children the chance to be rockstars for the day!
- 2022
Rocksteady partners with Trinity College London to launch the first-of-its-kind exam-free, Ofqual-regulated music qualification. 94,000 children have since earned a Rocksteady qualification – and this number is growing!
- 2025
Rocksteady now teaches more than 100,000 children every week, and is the biggest employer of full-time, professional musicians in the UK.
