Instrumental Tuition for 2010/2011

 

MUSIC DEPARTMENT – INSTRUMENTAL TUITION FOR 2010/2011
 
Dear Parent/Carer
 
I am currently in the process of planning timetables for instrumental and vocal tuition for the next academic year and I now need a firm commitment as to whether your son/daughter would like to continue with their lessons after the Summer break in September.
 
I have attached a copy of the agreed school policy for instrumental and vocal tuition and would ask that you read it again carefully. I would like to/ highlight some of the key points:
  • Lessons are timetabled on a rotational system and pupils are responsible for getting staff signatures in advance and maintaining a record of this in their contact books.
  • Attendance at lessons is monitored weekly.
  • Attendance to at least one musical ensemble is compulsory for all pupils having lessons at school and this is also monitored weekly.
  • A regular practise routine must be kept ensuring that appropriate progress is made over time.
 
FEES
 
Last year music lessons cost over £50,000 and the school subsidised over 50% of this. The school has to commit to yearly contracts for music teachers in advance, and so we ask you to do the same, and to pay the full amount ‘up front’ and in advance (cheques made payable to Park High School).
 
a) For 30 lessons (approximately 10 per term) the subsidised cost will be £255 for the year. (Students often receive more than 30 lessons but no extra fee is requested in this case)
Lessons are given in small groups (maximum 3 pupils).
 
b) The first instrument will be free for families on Income Support.
 
c) Reduced subsidised fees of £180 per year are offered to:
1. Pupils learning a second instrument.
2. Second or subsequent members (siblings) of the same family attending Park High who are having school lessons.
3. Pupils studying GCSE / A level music.
4. A reduced subsidised fee for 2nd instrument and siblings will only be available where the full subsidised fee has been paid first.
 
d) Lessons are still heavily subsidised by the school.
 
If you are successful in your application and later chose to withdraw, refunds will not be made. All lessons are provided at the discretion of the Head of Music and lessons will be stopped if students do not maintain their commitment to them. Refunds will not be made in this event.
 
It is also worth pointing out at this stage that following recent changes to the music examining bodies (ABRSM, & Trinity-Guildhall), passing the upper music exam grades (6, 7 & 8) now equates to UCAS points which will support students’ entry into University in a few years time!
 
If you would like your son/daughter to continue with their lessons in September, then please complete and sign the attached contract, together with the fee, and return to the Head of Music at school as soon as possible and not later than the 25 June 2010. Students who do not return contracts will not be timetabled for lessons.
 
If you have any queries regarding instrumental/vocal lessons, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
 
 
 
Emlyn Lumley
Head Teacher