Instrumental Music Tuition Application: New Pupils (Primary)
EDUCATION, LEISURE & HOUSING
Executive Director: James Wylie
Council Offices, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NY
Tel: (01856) 873535
Website: www.orkney.gov.uk
Fax: (01856) 876327
Email: ims@orkney.gov.uk
IMAGE: The Orkney Islands Council crest and logo, with the words “ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL”.
IMAGE: A circular logo bearing the words “ORKNEY SCHOOLS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SERVICE”.
28 June 2023
Dear Parent / Carer
Applications are now open for pupils in Primary 4 to Primary 7 who are interested in receiving tuition on a musical instrument through Orkney Schools Instrumental Music Service.
The service offers free tuition in 16 instruments from the bowed string, brass and woodwind families. Not all instruments are taught in each primary school, therefore pupils who have not been offered the full range of instruments have the opportunity to apply for a change of instrument at secondary school.
| Schools | Instruments available |
|---|---|
| St Andrews | bowed strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass) woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone and recorder) |
Guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, drum kit, keyboard and tuned percussion are viewed as ‘classroom instruments’ and as such are taught by school music teachers, not the Instrumental Music Service. Annual funding from Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative often provides an additional short block of tuition in percussion and guitar for older primary pupils.
Applicants for instrumental music tuition will have one 45 minute taster session (end of August beginning of September) with every Instrumental Music Instructor that attends their school. The Instructors may also carry out simple rhythmic tests, such as keeping a pulse or clapping a rhythm, and will look at physical suitability to the instruments.
They will observe general skills which may include:
- Listening to and following instructions
- Concentration
- Coping with being out of class and catching up with work
- Taking turns
- Behaviour
After these sessions, the instructors will meet and recommend the orchestral family/instrument best suited to your child. The school will also be consulted in the selection process.
The number of applicants for tuition always exceeds places available, and unfortunately not all applicants will be successful in gaining a place. We ask for your support as parent / carer in explaining to your child that not everyone will be chosen for instruction. Pupils are welcome to reapply the following year.
If your child is chosen for instruction, they will receive a trial lasting 1-2 terms. After the trial is complete lessons will continue if the Instructor is pleased with progress and your child’s suitability to the instrument.
Instrumental instruction will commence week beginning Monday 30th October 2023 at the latest. 25-minute lessons will be provided each week during term time. This must be supported with regular practice at home several times per week for progress to be made.
Instruments are provided free of charge, but please let us know if you have your own, or are thinking of buying one, as it is important to get the correct size of instrument for your child. Consumables such as woodwind reeds and replacement strings will be provided as will sheet music/music books after the trial period is complete.
If your child already receives lessons through the Instrumental Music Service, there is no need to reapply for their place. On a rare occasion a child already receiving lessons through the Instrumental Music Service may wish to change orchestral family. Both instructors must agree to the change, and if an agreement is reached the child forfeits lessons on the original instrument. Please contact the Instrumental Music Service if applicable.
How to apply
Please complete the attached form and return it via email to ims@orkney.gov.uk or by hand to your child’s school office by Friday 25th August 2023. If you require a paper copy of this form these are available from your child’s school office or Kirkwall Customer Services.
Alternatively, the application form is available on the Orkney Islands Council website; please type “Instrumental Music Service” in the search box on the www.orkney.gov.uk home page.
If you have any further questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact Education, Leisure and Housing on 01856 873535 or email ims@orkney.gov.uk.
Yours sincerely
IMAGE: A handwritten signature reading “Lynn Procter”.
Lynn Procter
Principal Teacher of Expressive Arts
Instrumental Music Tuition Primary Application Form
Please complete this form and return via email to the Instrumental Music Service on ims@orkney.gov.uk or by hand to your child’s school office by Friday 25th August 2023.
IMAGE: A circular logo bearing the words “ORKNEY SCHOOLS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SERVICE”.
Child’s Name: __________
School: __________
Class: __________
Does your child currently receive / has received tuition in an instrument? Please give details.
Parent/Carer name and email address:
(for use in connection with music tuition only)
Feel free to use the space below to tell us any other information, e.g., if you already have an instrument etc.