THE ELIZABETHAN HIGH SCHOOL
Music Department
Instrumental Lessons
Instrumental Music Tuition
Information Booklet
Music at the Elizabethan High School
In addition to the music provided within the curriculum the Elizabethan High
School offers the following:
 Instrumental & vocal tuition
 Ensemble opportunities (orchestra, wind band, brass group, woodwind group,
junior string orchestra, training band, swing band and choir)
This provision, which greatly enhances the life of the school and community is
funded by parental contribution. Tuition is delivered by the music department
staff comprising 2 full-time classroom teachers and a team of visiting
peripatetic teachers, all of whom are experienced and skilled performers and
teachers.
Tuition is offered in the following areas:
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Woodwind
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
Recorder
Brass
Trumpet
Cornet
French Horn
Tenor Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Others
Guitar
Drums
Piano
Electric Keyboard
Voice
All students are eligible to apply for lessons but instrument stock and teaching
time are limited so there has to be some sort of selection process. The
following pages explain that process and what should be expected from pupils,
staff and parents.
How can music help?
Learning to play an instrument can provide a number of advantages:
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An enjoyable hobby
Working as part of a team
Developing confidence and discipline
Contributing to mental and physical health
Improving co-ordination
Increasing awareness of other cultures and traditions from around the world
and from different times
What do you learn?
Self discipline
Patience
Co-operation
Self control
Organisation
Sharing
Historical issues
Reliability
Tolerance
Awareness
Punctuality
Problem solving
Constructive criticism
Time management
What qualities do you need?
A good musician needs:
to
to
to
to
to
to
be keen
be prepared to work hard
be reliable
have perseverance and determination
have a good sense of humour
have supportive and encouraging parents
Confidence
Team work
Presentation
Leadership
Relaxation
Respect
Etiquette
Instruments
There is a small stock of school and Arts Support Service instruments available
for loan.
Loan instruments should be carefully looked after and away from school
premises are the responsibility of parents. School will make good fair wear and
tear but any damage must be professionally repaired. Any costs incurred
through carelessness will be parents’ responsibility.
Many students buy their own instruments eventually – some parents are
prepared to contribute from the beginning. There are a number of lease, hire
and purchase schemes available and school staff are prepared to offer advice
and use their experience and contacts to help find the best deal.
We would advise that you contact us before committing yourselves financially.
Instruments provided by the Instrumental Music Tuition service are liable for a
£12.00 per term maintenance charge.
Privately owned instruments are used at the owners’ risk and require
adequate insurance cover if brought into school.
Tuition
Lessons are given once a week either individually or in small groups of up to four
pupils. They last between 15 and 30 minutes. Some lessons take place outside
normal school hours but the majority of lessons are during the school day.
A rotation system is use to minimise the disruption of students’ regular
curriculum. Students ask permission to leave a lesson and are expected to catch
up on any missed work or homework. We are fortunate at the Elizabethan High
School to have the support of the whole staff in allowing this system to work.
There is flexibility to cope with occasions where there are important tests and
assessments.
As soon as they are ready students are expected to join an appropriate
ensemble. This is an important part of the learning process. Practices for
ensembles are held at lunchtimes or after school. Parents must be prepared to
make a commitment in terms of travel arrangements when applying for lessons.
There are currently over one hundred musicians having lessons so sharing
transport should be possible in most cases.
How can Parents help?
Parents are a vital part of the instrumental music tuition scheme.
You will be required to:
 encourage the student to practise daily and make progress
 provide adequate practice facilities (from the bedroom to the greenhouse!)
and encourage, persuade, bribe and insist that the student uses them
 help your child to organise their time
 make sure they are properly equipped on their lesson/ensemble day
 avoid making family arrangements that conflict with lessons or practices
 arrange and/or provide transport
 support your child by attending concerts
 have a sense of humour and be tolerant of strange noises
What can be achieved?
As the student progresses there will be opportunities to take graded exams
relevant to their instrument. These provide a tangible record of achievement
and progress and are nationally recognised qualifications.
Students also progress through ensemble work, starting in the training/junior
ensembles and moving into the more senior groups as they improve.
There is also the opportunity to participate in the 11th Session programme
provided by Nottinghamshire Education. Details are available from school and
many of the instrumental teachers are tutors and conductors on this
programme.
What does it cost?
The current charge is £75.00 per term which includes lessons and all ensemble
activities. It is the school policy not to exclude anyone on financial grounds and
we will find a way to help if at all possible. There is no charge to families eligible
for free school meals or providing evidence of Working/Child Tax Credit.
When two or more children from one family take lessons the second child’s
lessons are half price. If a child learns two instruments the second is half price.
The fee is payable in advance and payment requests are sent out on a halftermly basis but you can pay for several half terms in one go if you would
prefer. Pupils would receive a minimum of thirty four lessons in a school year
which allows for occasional absence by either student or teacher.
Once a pupil has commenced lessons and the teacher’s time is booked parents
are required to give one term’s notice prior to cancelling lessons.
Instruments provided by the Instrumental Music Tuition service are liable for a
£12.00 per term maintenance charge.
Parents should also consider consumables and other costs eg. reeds,
replacement strings, valve oil, music and examination fees.
We also charge an admission fee to most concerts to help cover expenses, new
music and equipment.
What happens next?
If your son/daughter would like to learn an instrument please complete the
form at the back of this booklet and return it to the Head of Music at school.
If the application is successful we ask that you commit to at least 2 half terms
of lessons.
The Head of Music will make a preliminary assessment of the student’s
suitability and in consultation with the potential teacher s/he will be given a
trial lesson. If all parties involved are happy with the arrangements we will issue
a contract for parents and pupils to sign and lessons begin.
At all stages you will be kept informed of progress, usually through the
student’s planner. If there are any queries please do not hesitate to contact the
Head of Music at school.