keeping music alive in schools

Music in Schools UK began with one goal: to keep music alive in schools.

Back in 2009, musician James Manders and his family noticed that music lessons were severely lacking in their local schools. Having made it in the music industry and collected a network of fellow musicians and music coaches, he decided to do something about the problem. His hope was to be able to give the next generation the same opportunity for loving music as he had, and so Guitar in Schools was born.

Since then, Guitar in Schools has expanded its offering to include drums coaching with Drums in Schools, together forming Music in Schools UK. Today Music in Schools facilitates guitar and drums lessons for over 300 students across 18 schools across the UK, predominantly in Buckinghamshire.

Providing 1:1 tutoring within school hours, we aim to make learning an instrument accessible to all Key Stage 1 and 2 children in UK schools. Learning an instrument not only teaches students the foundations of music, technique, rhythm and musicianship, but is proven to be an incredibly effective learning aid in general. Studies show that learning a musical instrument in childhood enhances cognitive development, improves executive function and is good for long-term brain health. Early musical training is linked to better spatial-temporal skills, improved language processing, higher IQ, and better focus and academic performance across other key subjects like maths and english, and these benefits can last for life. Learning an instrument is great for so many reasons, and lessons can be there to support a recreational interest in music, to compliment education, or to prepare for a future career as an artist.

Lessons are taught within school hours once a week in a 20 or 30 minute 1:1 session with one of our qualified music instructors. A total of 33 lessons are given throughout the academic year (September – July), with the eventual goal of working through grades with Trinity College London Music Examinations.

Participating Schools

Buckingham Park School, Aylesbury
Broughton Community School, Aylesbury
Bierton Church of England School
Cuddington & Dinton School
The Aylesbury Vale Academy
Brookmead Primary School, Pitstone
Princes Risborough Primary
Stone Church of England School
St Mary's School, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury
Weston Turville Church of England Primary School
William Harding Combined School
Wingrave Church of England School

Become a participating school

Meet our team

James Manders

Drums & Guitar Tutor | Cornwall
James Manders is the Founder of Music in Schools UK Group and Head Tutor of both Guitar in Schools (est. 2009) and Drums in Schools (est. 2016). He studied at The Guitar Institute and The London College of Music and graduated in 1998. Since then, James has worked as a professional musician, as well as passing on his craft as a music tutor with over 25 years of experience.
As a session guitarist and vocalist James has worked along side some of the greatest artists in the world including Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Tears for Fears and Ed Sheeran and has regularly performed as a session guitarist for Radio 1 Live lounge.
You can visit James Manders' website here: www.jamesmanders.co.uk
Scott Ottoway

Drums Tutor | Buckinghamshire
Scott started teaching drums in 2006 through the Gigajam network, in Great Yarmouth, before returning to Aylesbury in 2009.
In 2010, he then joined The Searchers band, but returned to teaching in 2017 joining the newly formed The Rock Project MK and then in 2019 The Rock Project Bucks.
In January 2022 Scott joined the Drums in Schools team as well as continuing to teach from his purpose-built studio in Aylesbury.
As a musician, Scott has performed with many household name artists including The Pocket Gods, Gerry Marsden, John Altman and The Shooting Stars, he has been a band member of several rock tribute acts, and has played in various musicals too.
You can visit Scott Ottoway’s website here: www.scottottaway.com
Mark Campbell

Drums & Guitar Tutor | Buckinghamshire
Mark Campbell instructs students in acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, as well as drum kit. Mark began his teaching journey in 1999 with Southern Counties Music Services, working across fifteen schools in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. He graduated with distinction from The Brighton Institute of Modern Music in 2011, where he studied alongside singer-songwriter James Bay, known for Hold Back the River.
Currently, he teaches in various schools throughout Buckinghamshire, covering both primary and secondary education. In addition to teaching, Mark composes and records his own music. In 2024, his band Luna Sees released their first album, The Darkness & The Light on Bandcamp.
You can visit Mark Campbell’s website here: www.musichealsthesoul.com
Wil Griffiths

Guitar Tutor | Buckinghamshire
Wil Griffiths is a skilled teacher of Electric, Acoustic, and Classical guitar. He has also helped students progress through grades in Piano, Recorder, and Ukulele.
Wil started his private teaching career in 2006 before attending the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London. In 2011, he began working in schools as a classroom music teacher and joined Guitar In Schools in 2012.
Wil has played in pit orchestras and has experience with pop and rock bands. Recently, he has been composing music for a solo contemporary classical guitar project as well as for an indie video game.
Jody Manders

Director, Administrator & Enrolment Coordinator
Jody holds a vast amount of experience in both music and office administration, and has worked in secretarial roles and schools for many years.
Jody now operates Music in Schools UK Ltd, overseeing enrolments, organising timetables, and handling daily emails and enquiries.
In addition to her administrative roles, Jody has also made a name for herself as a professional singer, leading a popular wedding and party band in the Buckinghamshire region. As a session singer, she has performed with a small choir alongside artists including Emeli Sande, Tom Walker and Ed Sheeran.
Jody is in the office between the hours of 10:30am -2:30pm Monday to Friday during term time. Outside of work Jody enjoys walking Ozzie, her wired haired standard dachshund along the Cornish coastal paths and beaches.