Music
ILFORD URSULINE HIGH SCHOOL AND PREP SCHOOL
Musical Instrument Tuition
2008/9
Introduction
The Ilford Ursuline High School has a long tradition of producing fine music. One of the reasons for this is that so many girls learn musical instruments and take part in a wide range of musical extra curricular activities. We hope that you will help maintain this tradition by encouraging your daughter to either begin learning an instrument or to continue the one started in her primary school.
The school offers instrumental tuition for the following musical instruments:- Violin, Viola, Cello, Flute, Drums, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Guitar, Piano and Singing. Requests for tuition for any other instrument may be addressed to the Head of Music, Mr M Novak.
Anyone who would like to apply for lessons should consider carefully with their daughter her commitment and desire to learn an instrument. Students must be prepared to practice on a regular basis in order to benefit from the lessons and make progress. There is a great deal to be gained by learning a musical instrument, but it also requires hard work on the part of the student.
We cannot guarantee lessons immediately to everyone applying as teachers may not have the time available. However, we can generally accommodate all applicants by the summer term.
Tuition is given once a week. Students have lessons on a rotation basis during class time in Years 7-9. Special requests for certain lesson times will be accommodated if at all possible by the teacher. During Years 10 and 11, where possible, lessons are fixed before school, in the lunch hour or after school depending on the availability of the teacher. All students who learn an instrument as soon as they are proficient will join the orchestra, wind band, African drumming, senior/junior choir or other suitable ensemble.
Singing Tuition
Singing tuition is provided by Redbridge Music Service. Lessons will include breath control, vocal technique and ways to improve listening and reading music skills. Examinations are available for beginners through to advanced students. Students can also be involved in Singing Festivals and choirs which will increase enjoyment and give an
opportunity to have fun singing in harmony. The lessons can also
include working toward GCSE performances as well as A Level
recitals.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for all instruments are £140 (High School) and £115 (Prep School) per term. High School Students receive at least 36 lessons per year and Prep School Students at least 30 lessons per year. Fees should be paid immediately. Girls should also be prepared to learn their chosen instrument for at least one year. A small number of music bursaries are available for those students whose parents are in receipt of income support. Parents should apply to the Head of Music
Students who wish to study the piano must have a piano on which to practice.
The school at present has a small bank of orchestral instruments some of which are available to hire at an additional cost of £25 per term. Generally, however, students who do not have an instrument should make their own arrangement with a *music shop or apply for a school instrument when it becomes available. At present the school does not have any serviceable violins and Mr Kirkland has built up selection of violins from very small up to full size which he makes available at £8.50 per month. He maintains the violins but parents are responsible for accidental damage. It may also be possible to hire instruments through the Redbridge Music Service. Details of this scheme would be available through the student’s instrumental teacher.
*Walthamstow Music operate a very good ‘Pupil Purchase Scheme’. Please ask for details.
May I draw your attention to the fact that the school provides no insurance cover for instruments which do not belong to the school. Parents are strongly advised to insure these instruments.
1. Payment. Fees are payable termly either via the school bills or directly to the teacher, but always in advance.
2. Termination of Lessons. Students should be prepared to learn their instrument for at least a year. Notice of proposed termination of lessons must be sent in writing by the parent and addressed to the Head of Music. At least a term’s notice is required. Eg. If a pupil wishes to stop lessons at Christmas a letter must be received BEFORE the October half-term, at Easter it must be received before February half-term and for the Summer at May half-term.
Missed Lessons. If a student misses a lesson, for any reason other than the teacher’s absence, concessions will not be made.
A teacher has the option of making up lessons missed in one term during the next term.
If a student is ill the parent should if possible inform the teacher directly. (Parents should find out the contact number of the teacher when lessons start). If a parent is unable to contact a teacher by telephone, he/she may contact the School Office.
If a teacher is absent, a credit will be allowed or the lesson will be given at another time.
A student must give at least a weeks notice of school trips which will coincide with instrumental lessons. Only with the correct amount of notice can a lesson be changed. The teacher will endeavour to change a lesson when the information is given but this is not always possible.
Teacher has the right to suspend lessons if the term’s payment is not received by the due date.
5. Parent/Teacher Communication. In order to maintain communication between teachers and parents, each student will need a small notebook or manuscript book in which the teacher will write comments, set work, in form of times etc.
A report will be given at the end of the school year giving parents a summary for work covered in the course of the year and an indication as to the progress that has been made.
6. Practice. Instruments must be taken home for practice. If progress is to be made, practice should be regular and preferably daily.
7. Labelling Instruments. Instruments must be labelled inside and outside the case, with the owner’s name and address and the name of the school. The label should also indicate “School Property” or “Own Prop- erty”.
8. Hire of School Instruments. As only a nominal fee is charged, it is expected that the instrument and its case is eventually returned in good order.
NOTES
When violins are hired from Mr Kirkland he will be responsible for general maintenance and parents will be responsible for loss or damage.
REQUEST FOR INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
Student’s full name: ………………………………………………………….………………………………..
Form: ………………………………………………………………………………….…………
Home Telephone number:…………………………………………………………………………………………...
*1. I wish my daughter to have……………………………………………………………………………….. (state instrument) lessons for the school year 2008/2009
a) I have an instrument
b) I intend to purchase
c) I intend to hire
*2 a) My daughter is a beginner
b) My daughter has been learning to play the……………………………………... for ……………………… years. Grade……………..
I undertake to see that my daughter follows lessons for at least a complete year and supervise her practice, if the teacher considers this worthwhile. I understand that I am entering here into a formal contract with the visiting music teacher and the school. I therefore agree to pay the fees when invoiced each term.
I have read the information with this form, in particular that relating to termination of lessons.
Signature ………………………………………………………………………………………... Parent/Guardian
*:Please delete that which is not applicable
Please complete this form and return it to Mr M Novak, Head of Music