Instrumental Music Service - Terms and Conditions - Session 2011 – 2012

For additional information please see Frequently asked questions

Terms and Conditions - Session 2011 – 2012

Aberdeenshire Council’s Instrumental Music Service (IMS) employs 50 instructors (full and part-time) offering pupils instrumental tuition in schools.

Tuition is available in the following instrumental disciplines:

• Discipline / Normal starting stage
• Woodwind : P6 – S1
• Brass : P6 – S1
• Violin/viola : P4
• Cello/double bass : P4
• Percussion : S1
• Piano/keyboard : P4 – S1
• Guitar : P4 – S1

All disciplines are taught in the secondary schools. However, not all disciplines are available in primary schools due to limited resources. Orchestral string instruments are not normally available to beginners at secondary level. Tuition is subject to availability.

Registering for tuition

You may register interest in tuition by completing the online form. Your child will be placed on a waiting list to be offered tuition should the opportunity arise at your child’s school. Selection procedures may apply.

Fees

Instrumental tuition is heavily subsidised by Aberdeenshire Council. The Council therefore has a policy of charging parents/guardians a small fee per term. This fee represents a contribution towards the overall cost of tuition. Tuition is offered on an individual or group basis, and fees charged reflect this difference.

The fees per term are shown below:

• Individual £67
• Group £45

If tuition changes from group to individual (due to others dropping out), fees will only be increased to the individual rate at the start of the following term. Fees can be paid online, by phone or post. Paying online is the most cost effective way to collect fees, so we strongly advise/request that all contributors pay online to help keep costs, and therefore future fees, down.

Exemptions

Pupils entitled to free school meals are exempt from Music Tuition fees. Please note, the pupils MUST be claiming their free school meal entitlement to qualify for exemption from Music Tuition Fees. For more information please see “A guide on how to obtain Free School Meals”, available from schools or online at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/meals

Pupils receiving instruction on the instrument for an SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority) course are currently exempt from fees, though this will change in 2012.

SQA exemptions

SQA exemption from tuition fees will be phased out over the next two years as follows:

• Pupils starting SQA Music courses on their instrument this year (2011) will be exempt from charges for the duration of the course. In the case of Standard Grade that would be two years of exemption.
• Pupils starting Higher Music or Advanced Higher Music (including standalone units at Higher and Advanced Higher level) on their instrument in calendar year 2012 will be exempt from charges.
• Pupils starting Standard Grade Music or standalone units at Access 3, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 level in calendar year 2012 will be charged for instrumental lessons at the group or individual rate as appropriate.
• All remaining SQA exemptions will be removed for courses starting in calendar year 2013.
• SQA courses starting during term 4 with invoke the exemption for the following four terms. In this case the charge will still apply to the term in which the SQA course starts.

Frequency of Lessons

Weekly lessons are normally provided. Exceptions include school holidays, in-service days and severe weather closures.

Deferments and Refunds

If a Music Instructor is absent for a prolonged period then payment will be deferred to the following term. In some cases payment may be refunded. Deferments and refunds are at the discretion of the Head of the IMS. Refunds will not be paid due to pupil withdrawal from tuition.

Other information

Pupils may be entered for a number of examinations – including the graded exams of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Individual schools, staff and pupils will determine whether they wish to follow any of these options. Inspirational outlet is available through various ensembles, organised by individual schools in Aberdeenshire. Ensemble work is essential to musical success, and pupils receiving tuition are expected to take part in these ensembles when invited to do so. Should a pupil transfer to another school within Aberdeenshire, every effort will be made to maintain continuity of teaching, but this cannot be guaranteed. Progress is reviewed regularly and Instructors can stop tuition if the pupil shows insufficient aptitude and application.

Parental Obligations

Parents must offer support and encouragement to their child to practice regularly. Parents wishing their child to discontinue lessons are requested to notify their Instrumental Instructor in writing.

Pupil Requirements

Pupils are required to purchase their own tutor books, music and accessories e.g. reeds, valve oil, replacement strings etc.

Music Centres

The IMS has three Music Centres – North, Central and South where orchestras, bands and choirs rehearse (Saturday mornings and various evenings). When pupils make sufficient progress, they are invited to attend a Centre to take part in ensemble playing - this provides important opportunities for musical and social development (the Music Centre booklet has further information).

Loan of Instruments

The Aberdeenshire Council IMS has a limited stock of musical instruments for the use of pupils receiving instrumental tuition in its schools. There is no charge for the loan of instruments. Allocation of instruments is subject to availability and need. Senior and/or more advanced pupils will generally be encouraged to purchase their own instrument.

Conditions of Loan

The parent/guardian agrees to take the utmost care to maintain the instrument and protect the instrument from loss, theft or damage. Any instructions on the care and maintenance of the instrument must be strictly observed. An instrument must never be played by any person other than the pupil to whom it is loaned – except with the permission of the Instrumental Instructor. Instrument cases must never be opened in transit. If a pupil wishes to play a loaned instrument in orchestras, bands, or organisations other than those run by Aberdeenshire Council, permission must be sought (in writing) from the Head of the IMS. Instruments must be returned immediately to the Instrumental Instructor under any of the following circumstances:

• lessons are stopped
• a pupil leaves school or moves to a school outwith Aberdeenshire
• the Instrumental Instructor or Aberdeenshire Council requires the instrument to be returned.

Loss or Damage

Loss or damage to the instrument must be reported immediately to the Instrumental Instructor. The IMS will be responsible for repairs that are due to wear and tear. The parent/guardian will be responsible for repairs that become necessary due to accidental or wilful damage. The IMS will arrange for all repairs to be carried out. The parent/guardian will be invoiced for the cost of any repairs if appropriate. The parent/guardian is advised to insure the instrument either through household insurance or specialised musical instrument insurance.

The Instrumental Music Service reserves the right to amend any of the above Conditions.

For additional information please see Frequently asked questions