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Music tuition terms and conditions

View music tuition terms and conditions: 

The Instrumental Music Service (IMS) reserves the right to amend any of the terms and conditions.

Our Instrumental Music Service offers pupils instrument tuition in schools.

Guide to starting stage by discipline:

  • Woodwind - P5
  • Brass - P5
  • Violin or viola - P4
  • Cello or double bass - P4
  • Percussion - S1
  • Piano or keyboard - P4
  • Guitar  - P4
  • Bagpipes  - P4
  • Pipe band drum - P4

Tuition is subject to availability as not all instruments are available in primary schools due to limited resources. Orchestral string instruments are not normally available to beginners at secondary level.

We are unable to offer tuition on more than one instrument to pupils.

Registering for tuition

To receive tuition pupils must be registered. 

View our instrumental music tuition privacy notice (PDF 137KB).

Waiting List

If we don't have a place to offer you, we will add you to our waiting list. We will contact you if an opportunity to learn an instrument becomes available.

If your child commences tuition on an instrument, they will be removed from the waiting list for all other instruments they are registered for.

Music tuition fees

In 2021 Scottish Government Ministers and COSLA leaders agreed to the removal of fees for instrumental tuition to allow existing levels of provision to be maintained. Free instrumental tuition commenced in Scottish Local Authority schools in August 2021.

Funding for 2024/25 has been confirmed by the Scottish Government, therefore there will be no fees for instrumental tuition during this academic session.

Frequency of lessons

Weekly lessons are normally provided. Exceptions include school holidays, in-service days and severe weather closures. During study leave music instructors are available to teach, including digitally via Glow. From time to time music instructors support pupils in concerts, shows, assemblies, instead of the scheduled lessons.

Exams 

Pupils may choose to enter examinations, via an external examination board, such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) or Trinity College London and London College of Music (LCM). 

Ensembles

Inspirational outlet is available through various school ensembles. Ensemble work is essential to musical success, and pupils receiving tuition are expected to take part in these ensembles when invited to do so.

Changing schools

Although it cannot be guaranteed, every effort will be made to maintain continuity of teaching for pupils transferring from another school.

Support

Receiving support and encouragement from parents and/or carers will help pupils meet their full potential in terms of progress. There are several ways that parents or carers can do this, for example, encouraging regular practise or attending performances, or ensuring a suitable time and space for practise.

Progress is reviewed regularly by instructors, and parents and carers will be invited to discuss pupil progress.

Resources

Parents and carers are encouraged to purchase their own tutor books, music and accessories, such as:

  • reeds
  • valve oil
  • replacement strings

Additional teaching support

Instrumental lessons on the same instrument by more than one teacher are not recommended and should be avoided. Practical advice on technique and musicianship from more than one teacher can be confusing and counter-productive. If you feel that your child needs additional support with his or her instrument, please discuss this with the music instructor.

The Instrumental Music Service will only support such practice with the agreement of the music instructor.

Loan of instruments

We have 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 more advanced pupils are encouraged to purchase their own instrument.

Conditions of loan

The parent and/or carer agrees to take the utmost care to maintain the instrument and protect it from loss, theft, or damage. Any instructions on the care and maintenance of the instrument must be followed. An instrument must never be played by any person other than the pupil to whom it is loaned. Instrument cases must never be opened in transit. Instruments must be returned immediately to the instrumental instructor under any of the following circumstances:

  • Lessons have been discontinued
  • 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 parent and/or carer will be responsible for the cost of all repairs that become necessary due to accidental damage. The Instrumental Music Service will be responsible solely for repairs that are due to wear and tear.
The Instrumental Music Service will arrange for repairs to be carried out.

The parent and/or carer is advised to insure the instrument either through household insurance or specialised musical instrument insurance.

Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

The Assisted Purchase Scheme is supported by Aberdeenshire Music Service. View further information about the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme.

If you would like to use the scheme, please contact your music instructor in the first instance.

Cessation of lessons

Tuition may be stopped in certain circumstances, for example, if the pupil shows insufficient progress or application.

Parents and/or carers wishing their child to discontinue lessons are requested to notify the Instrumental Music Service.