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Instrumental Instruction
Perth and Kinross Council

FOREWORD

THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND, the second half of the twentieth century has witnessed a substantial growth in instrumental music provision in schools. Authorities, in seeking to further enrich the educational experience available to school pupils, now regard instrumental provision as offering a further dimension to the school curriculum. As well as the benefits available to the individual pupil, there has been a growth in instrumental ensembles in school, regional and national youth orchestras and bands offering further musical opportunities.

Instrumental music education, both formal and informal, is recognised in preparing children for life. The ability to perform on a musical instrument, fosters creativity, and teaches critical assessment of the world around us and instills the basic values of self discipline and commitment.

BENEFITS

The following benefits of learning to play a musical instrument are recognised by all who are involved in the teaching process:

(a) Your child when learning to play a musical instrument develops a wide range of unique skills, providing a means of fulfillment and enjoyment whilst nurturing a greater understanding of the arts.

(b) You as parents can enjoy and share the child's excitement in learning to play an instrument. Your child performing at a concert will provide you with a great sense of pride and satisfaction.

(c) Schools will provide opportunities for pupils to enrich their curriculum and the life of the school. This offers an additional focus for the arts and enhances the profile of the school.

(d) Instrumental music prepares pupils to make a meaningful contribution towards the artistic life of their community.

The Perth and Kinross Instrumental Service consists of twenty two permanent and part-time staff offering instruction on Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Piano and Bagpipes.

The majority of the staff are Conservatoire graduates which means they are exceptionally well qualified and experienced in delivering instrumental teaching.

All new staff are carefully selected through the interview processing which includes criminal record checks -for the safety of pupils.

OBJECTIVES

The following objectives are based on a study of good practice evident in the distinct nature of the work of instrumental staff currently employed in Perth and Kinross Schools.

(a) To provide opportunities of access for all pupils to experience the expressive and creative qualities of music through learning to play a musical instrument as part of education for life.

(b) To encourage potential. To enable pupils to realise their full potential through the mastery of technical skills, the development of musical perception and aesthetic sensitivity. To encourage self confidence and develop a sense of achievement and self expression.

(c) To offer musical experiences. To enhance and support the music curriculum. To help pupils acquire skills which will allow them to enjoy and become actively involved in a wide range of musical experiences contributing to the musical life of the school and the community.

(d) To develop skills. To encourage and assist pupils to develop their intellectual, affective, psychomotor, social and personal skills. To help pupils foster an understanding of music in the everyday life of their own and other cultures.

The above objectives are particularly enhanced by the Perth & Kinross Central Groups which give the pupils an opportunity to meet, rehearse and socialise with other pupils from all over Perth & Kinross. These groups are considered to be an integral part of the Instrumental Service and have been carefully structured to run in conjunction with school tuition. It is hoped that pupils receiving instrumental instruction will make every effort to attend these Central Groups in order that they can utilise this provision to the maximum.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

Applicants are tested for suitability towards learning an instrument, (involving tests in pitch, rhythm and other musical attributes).

Only a certain number will get the chance to commence tuition immediately but the remainder are put on waiting lists and may well have an opportunity to receive tuition at a later date.

View the plans for Perth's new concert hall due to open April 2004
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Perth and Kinross Council

A basic instrument is supplied initially with a view to pupils obtaining their own instrument when compatibility has been realised.

STAFF DEPLOYMENT

Initially, priority of instruction time goes to the secondary schools where the Education Department strives to offer each school an equal, balanced amount of instruction. Instrumental staff will teach a balanced number of pupils from from all year groups to ensure constant pupil progress and to allow opportunity to access the service in S1 and to continue right through to S6. Any remaining instructors' time is then deployed in primary schools where again the emphasis is on a fair distribution and delivery of instruction amongst the feeding primary schools of each secondary.

SERVICE STRATEGIES

Upon selection, the successful pupils commence their tuition usually in the form of small group lessons. Experience has shown that this generally proves to be the best policy for beginners. Receiving tuition with their friends helps to make the pupils feel more relaxed and gives them the opportunity of both solo and ensemble playing within their lessons from the very start.

It should not be regarded as a disadvantage not to be receiving lessons on a one to one basis at this stage.

Your child will then continue to receive well structured, pre-planned instrumental lessons with professionally calculated attainment targets.

After a very short period, pupils will be ready to attend one of the Perth and Kinross Central Groups. These ensembles which have been carefully designed to run in conjunction with instrumental instructions in schools, can accommodate pupils at all levels from beginners to advanced and are an integral part of the service.

Pupils receiving tuition will also enjoy being an active member of their school orchestras, ensembles and chamber groups, participating in Christmas Carol Concerts, Music Festivals, Perth Festival of the Arts and prize-givings. Occasionally professional bodies will visit the schools to give workshops and masterclasses.

The structuring of instrumental teaching in Perth & Kinross schools means that if your child gets the opportunity to receive lessons at primary school, they will usually be able to continue lessons with the same teacher through to the end of secondary school, incorporating Standard Grade Music, Higher Music, Sixth Year Studies and Associated Board music exams if required. Pupils wishing to progress on to Music Colleges eg Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, will be assisted with entrance exam and auditions.

The overall standard of instrumental tuition is constantly monitored and assessed and is constantly being improved as a result of in-service training and inter-staff discussions.

CHARGES

Charges for school-based tuition is set at £194 per annum A separate chrage of £64 will be levied for all pupils who attend Central Group activities.

Pupils whose parent/ guardian is in receipt of Income Support/ Income based Job Seekers Allowance will be exempt from any charge.

Pupils currently engaged in SQA music courses will be exempt from school-based tuition charge.

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