Listen2Me
đź“„Listen2Me Service Specification
What is Listen2Me?
Listen2Me is Hampshire Music Service’s highly successful whole-class teaching using first-access instruments for Primary Schools.
Listen2Me allows pupils to explore the curriculum through engaging, practical activities on instruments, developing skills such as listening, turn-taking, teamwork, physical coordination, musical literacy and playing together as an ensemble.  Â
The National Plan for Music Education recommends “that all schools should provide children with a broad music education, that children should have the opportunity to learn an instrument through Whole-Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET)”
– The Importance of Music: A National Plan for Music Education 2022 – DfE, DCMS
What does Listen2Me include?
Schools receive:
- Weekly whole-class lessons, taught by a specialist HMS music teacher
- A full class set of instruments (one set per term)
- Curriculum aligned teaching that supports the National Curriculum for Music
- Resources for each instrument, including videos, backing tracks and interactive task
- Optional support for end-of-term performances
Who is Listen2Me for?
Listen2Me is for Primary age children, and is most suitable for pupils in Year 3 – 4.Â
Please note: some instruments are not suitable for children in Key Stage 1, due to children’s stage of development and fine motor skills. Listen2Me is not suitable for Early Years.
How long does Listen2Me last?
Listen2Me sessions last for 45mins each week.  Â
The standard model lasts for a full academic year, with sets of instruments changing each term.
Our latest alternative model allows schools the option to purchase one term’s provision.  Please note, this will be allocated subject to staff availability, and first choice term/instrument cannot be guaranteed.
Which instruments?
Schools may select one instrument per term (maximum three instruments per year).
Listen2Me can be delivered to one year group over the course of a year, or teaching can be delivered to a different year group each term.Â
While HMS will consider preferences, specific instrument allocations cannot be guaranteed due to county-wide rota planning.
Instrument Suitability by Year Group:
Bespoke sets are available for Special Settings.
If you would like any specific advice regarding instrument suitability, or other HMS whole-class provisions, please contact the Music Service.
How does Listen2Me support the Music Curriculum?
Listen2Me offers pupils hands-on, engaging music-making experiences that help to develop pupils’ musicianship, and performance and ensemble skills. Through exploring a range of instruments, pupils develop their musical understanding and early musical literacy.Â
To support a broad and balanced music curriculum, it is important to consider how different instrument types contribute to children’s overall musical development. The National Curriculum highlights the value of pupils working with both tuned and un‑tuned instruments, enabling them to develop control of pulse and rhythm, as well as pitch. This variety of musical experience helps pupils build secure foundations for future musical learning.
How much does Listen2Me cost?
Schools are charged ÂŁ2,028 per class, per year for our standard model of L2M.
The cost of a single term of Listen2Me is ÂŁ700 per class.
The cost of Listen2Me includes the staffing, resourcing, lesson delivery, and loan of instrument sets for the duration of the provision.
FAQ
Can I use Listen2Me as PPA cover?
Yes, but a consistent member of school staff must remain in the lesson to support the learning. This can be a teaching assistant, however ideally the class teacher should participate to ensure strong pupil engagement and to assist with assessment.
How long do lessons last?
Listen2Me involves weekly 45-minute sessions that are delivered during the school day. HMS teachers are also allocated time either side of their teaching for setup, tuning, preparation and pack away.
How is Listen2Me timetabled?
The first session of each term is a planning and preparation session (non-teaching). Teaching will not take place on HMS Professional Days. Schools must notify HMS of any school timetable changes that affect delivery. For more information, see the Service Specification.
What happens if the HMS teacher is sick?
If the HMS teacher is absent and a session cannot be rescheduled, the school will receive a refund for missed lessons.
Can Listen2Me deliver the Primary Music Curriculum?
The National Plan states that Whole Class Ensemble Teaching should form a key part of the curriculum offer, not the whole of it. Schools should ensure that Listen2me is integrated within a broader, balanced music curriculum.
HMS can help you consider year group placement and curriculum mapping, and advise how Listen2me can best be used to enrich your curriculum.
Is Listen2Me appropriate for Year 5-6?
Yes. While it is ideal for Years 3–4, there are options for older pupils. HMS can advise on the most suitable instrument sets, or alternative whole-class provisions, to complement your curriculum.
Can Listen2Me be delivered in Early Years?
No. Due to developmental stages and fine motor control, Listen2Me is not suitable for EYFS.
HMS offers a range of curriculum opportunities for children in the Early Years and would be happy to discuss this should you require more information.
Is Listen2Me the same as Beyond the Beat?
No. Beyond the Beat focuses on developing instrumental and ensemble skills, with a focus on traditional instruments (woodwind, brass and strings), preparing pupils for future continuation of instrumental learning.
Listen2Me provides an engaging and practical approach to exploring the music curriculum through playing a range of instruments within a whole-class setting.
For further information, please contact:
Listen2Me curriculum:
Yvonne Postlethwaite – Strategic Lead for Schools & Curriculum – yvonne.postlethwaite@hants.gov.uk
Listen2Me logistics:
Lynne Lane – Logistics Manager –  lynne.lane@hants.gov.uk