MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Information for Year 8 pupils regarding music lessons in school
2021-22
2nd September, 2021
EDUCATION AUTHORITY (EA) MUSIC SERVICE
Following the August update to ‘Music Unlocked – Guidance for schools’ document [ https://musicservice.eani.org.uk/schools-teachers/music-unlocked-guidance-schools ] it is the EAMS’s aim to resume ‘indoor instrumental and vocal lessons … for all pupils with appropriate mitigations in place’. The following information outlines how we intend to facilitate this return.
- Pupils who received lessons from the EAMS in Primary School can continue to do so at Coleraine Grammar School. Your son/daughter will be asked to attend a short meeting with an EAMS tutor in the first few weeks. If this does not happen, please contact Mr R. McCreery (Curriculum Leader for Music).
- The lesson term will be until June, all being well, and pupils will receive a weekly lesson where possible. Last year there was no charge for these lessons, but it is likely that the EA will charge for tuition during this academic year. In the past, a 20 minute individual lesson will cost £330 for the year (33 weeks min.).
- It is also possible for pupils to start learning an orchestral instrument with the EAMS. Tuition is available on strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Further details are available from Mr Martin Haggan (Regional Manager) at the Antrim Office or at haggan@eani.org.uk
- The guidance and protocols to be followed are outlined in the ‘Music Unlocked’ document.
PRIVATE TUTORS
- Three private instrumental tutors also visit CGS each week. Terms, conditions and costs vary between the tutors as outlined below:
Drum kit Mr D. Whiteside £6.50 per 15 minute lesson
Voice (singing) & Piano Mrs E. Armstrong £12.50 per 30 minute lesson
Voice (music theatre) & Piano Miss R. Reid £12.50 per 30 minute lesson
Guitar tbc.
Most tutors require payment in advance e.g. a pupil having weekly ½ hour drum lessons will be required to pay £130.00 at the start of each 10 week cycle.
For both EA Music and private tuition, pupils will excuse themselves from class for their music lesson. Lessons should change time/rotate each week to avoid pupils missing the same subject. This is generally not a problem, but if a pupil is worried or concerned, they should speak directly with their tutor.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR MUSIC
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, unfortunately, it is unlikely there will be a Carol Service or Spring Concert during this academic year. In ‘normal’ times there would be opportunities for all pupils in school to participate in extra-curricular music activities to prepare for these public events. We are currently reviewing the EA and other guidance to consider possibilities for extra-curricular music this year on both campuses and, as you know, the situation could change.
If your son/daughter is interested in having/starting music lessons or if you have any further questions, please email the completed reply suggestion below to info@colerainegrammar.com fao: Mr McCreery as soon as possible.
REPLY SUGGESTION:
Music Department – Instrumental Tuition 2021/22
I would like _________________________ (pupil name) to be added to a waiting list for music lessons and understand that contact will be made once a space becomes available.
(please give details of instrument/teacher etc.)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parental signature __________________________________ Date ____________________