Friday, September 10 2010

Wakefield Music Service

Q How much will lessons cost?
A The basic cost for a child to take part in Wakefield Music Services' instrumental lessons and activities is £145 for the year. This can be paid on a termly basis. There is a full remission of fees if you are in receipt of Income Support or if your child is in receipt of free school meals. There is also a reduced rate of £79 for pupils who do not receive lessons in school but participate in any Music Services ensembles.
Q What is included in the price?
A The fee entitles each student to one 20 minute lesson each week which is held during school hours (this will usually be a shared lesson with other children) as well as entry to WMS ensembles. The Music Service also provides music theory classes for pupils wishing to take theory examinations. Occasionally, pupils may miss a lesson due to staff training, INSET days, illness, school trips etc.
Q How much of the school's lessons will my child miss?
A In primary schools, lessons are usually at a fixed time each week, allowing the class teacher and pupils to plan their work accordingly. In secondary schools however, the lessons are taught on a rota basis in order that the student does not miss the same lesson each week.
Q Do I need to buy music?
A Pupils who are just starting to learn to play an instrument will need to provide their own tutor book; your child's instrumental teacher will advise you what to buy and when the book is required. As the child progresses, they will need to buy new music from time to time. Efforts are made by the instrumental teachers to keep this to a reasonable amount.
Q Does my child need his/her own instrument?
A In most cases, a child will need to rent or buy an instrument. Many music shops run schemes whereby the child is able to rent an instrument for a period of time before buying the instrument. Your child's teacher will be able to provide advice on which make and model of instrument would be suitable. In some cases, the child may be able to borrow an instrument from the Music Service but this is normally for a period of one year only. The exception to this is for larger and more expensive instruments which are lent to students at the teacher's discretion.
Q Will my child be able to take music exams?
A Pupils are entered for public music examinations at the discretion of the teacher. It is not necessary for pupils to work through each grade in turn and teachers will inform parents when they feel a pupil is ready to take an exam. Examinations are not compulsory, although we believe that there are many advantages to be gained by students achieving internationally recognised qualifications in music. Wakefield Music Services also provides its own system of testing for pupils who do not wish to take external exams. Certificates are awarded when the pupil has attained the required level.
Q What about practice?
A Learning to play a musical instrument is a very rewarding pastime but in order to become a proficient musician, children must be prepared to spend much time in practice. The amount and frequency of practice will vary according to the age and standard of each pupil and the instrumantal teacher will advise pupils accordingly. As a general rule, a number of shorter practice sessions each week is far better than one or two longer ones. As a new beginner, it can take time before the noises made by the students start to sound 'musical', but this is common to most pupils and will improve over time. Your child's teacher will make it clear what they should be practising on a weekly basis.
Q What bands and orchestras can my child join?
A Playing in an ensemble is an important part of a student's musical education and when a child has reached the standard required, it is expected that most will join a group at a local Music Centre. Music Centres take place on Saturday mornings and your child's teacher will advise which groups are most suitable for them to join. Wakefield Music Services also runs advanced central ensembles at other times during the week. Entry to these groups is by invitation from the child's teacher and in some cases an audition may be required.
Q How does Wakefield Music Services monitor the progress of my child?
A Lessons are planned in accordance with the syllabus provided for each instrument by Wakefield Music Services. Targets are set for pupils on a weekly, termly and annual basis and progress is measured for each pupil in stages designed to comply with the New National Curriculum for Music. At the end of the school year, each pupil will receive a report from their instrumental teacher which will be passed on through schools.