June 2017
To parents of children in year 2
Dear Parents,
Music tuition
Many of the children at Nascot Wood Junior School take music lessons, and there will be some places available for
music tuition during the school day. Parents should be aware that music lessons take place during lesson time, and
therefore parents should consider whether this is appropriate given their understanding of their child’s academic
ability. Over the page is a statement by each of our visiting music teachers.
Guitar lessons are offered independently by LifeMusic and information is available from the school office.
Each teacher offers 33 lessons during the school year. Terms vary in length so the number of lessons each term may
vary but each term 11 sessions will be invoiced. The music teachers are aware that it is not a good idea for children
to miss curriculum lessons too often so music lessons are on a rota wherever possible.
All children who learn a musical instrument, whether in school or out, are invited to join the school orchestra when
they have achieved the appropriate proficiency. The orchestra, choir and musicians present a summer concert each
year.
If you are interested in your child learning any of the instruments please complete the attached form and return it as
soon as possible. We will try to confirm your child’s place before the end of term and the timetable will be organised
in the first week of the Autumn Term. There is no need to complete a form if your child is already learning the
specific instrument here.
Yours sincerely
Christina Singh
Headteacher
PIANO
 Individual piano lessons are usually for 30 minutes.
 Pupils are encouraged, in consultation with parents, to work towards graded piano exams. Music theory is
integrated into lessons, (and graded exams may be taken in this also). Children are also encouraged to develop
aural awareness and to discover music beyond the traditional repertoire through exploration of different musical
styles.
 Engagement with the music through regular, structured practice on an acoustic or digital piano is seen as a
prerequisite to successful progress.
L.Searle B Mus (Hons), M.Res.
O. Stark BMus, MMus
CLARINET (from Year 4) & SAXOPHONE (from Year 4)
 The clarinet is a versatile instrument which can be played in wind bands, jazz bands and orchestras as well as
chamber groups.
 The alto saxophone is a popular instrument which is often learnt alongside the clarinet. It is fun to play as its
music is traditionally based in the jazz idiom.
 The Nuvo jsax brings the world of saxophone playing to a younger age group so that now young children can
start to play the sax from year 3 instead of having to wait until they are older. It is a small plastic saxophone that
comes in a wide range of colours, it is lots of fun to play especially as the lessons are in small groups and children
can easily transfer onto a full - size alpha sax when they are big enough. Students can also take their copper and
bronze ABRSM music medal badges on the jsax should they wish to. For more information please email me [email protected]
MUSIC THEORY
 Music theory helps children to understand the music they play and to learn the basics of composition in a
structured way.
 Grade 5 Theory exam has to be passed before taking Grade 6 practical exams so the sooner children start theory
lessons the quicker they can proceed onto the higher grades.
 Please ring me on 07505392612.
S. Evans BA (Hons) LGSM
VIOLIN

We have vacancies for children who wish to play violin. On offer are individual lessons, shared with one other or
a group of 3 or 4. In Hertfordshire we run a learning programme called ‘Stringfellows’ which supports the pupils
through the early stages and prepares them for external Grade examinations when they are ready. Young
violinists are highly valued at secondary level.
C. Holling GTCL (Hons),LTCL, DipTCL (Merit), PCGE, Hilary Giles GRSM (Hons), LRAM.
CELLO AND DOUBLE BASS

Very exciting news! Nascot Wood Junior School offers children the opportunity to learn cello and double bass.
Come and speak to Mr Brennan to find out more. He will be pleased to see you.
J. Brennan, LRAM, LRSM(Dir.) Orch. Dip. Cert.Ed. (music)
RECORDER

Our recorder lessons mix fun and musical knowledge, leading, where desired, to exam passes and ABRSM Music
Medals.
 For further information please call me on 07921 689819.
R. Bitelli, B.Ed. LCHE.
BRASS

Mr Bronstein teaches the whole range of brass instruments including the French horn, cornet/trumpet and
trombone. All instruments needed in the School Orchestra.
Max Bronstein BMus (Hons) LRAM
DRUM KIT

15 or 30 minute lessons are offered, with individual students introduced to the basics of drum kit and
percussion. Students will learn a variety of styles from Rock and Pop to Jazz and Latin and be encouraged to
work towards graded exams.
 Students will need a practice pad to practise on for the first term and then acquire an acoustic or electric kit
towards the end of their first term's tuition.
 I will be happy to give advice on makes and model of drum kits
A Mc Atominey LRAM