How will learning to play an instrument benefit my child?
As well as musical development, the many general benefits gained from learning to play a musical instrument include improved listening and concentration, discipline, co-ordination, language development, memory and social skills. It helps your child to become part of a team and to respect other team members whilst increasing your child's confidence and participation in the wider school and community.
How can my child become a part of this?
Our aim is to provide opportunities for pupils to learn to play a musical instrument in all primary and secondary schools. Instrumental music teachers provide instruction in a range of strings, brass, woodwind, guitar and percussion instruments. Your child's instrumental music teacher will recommend the most appropriate instrument. Availability of specific instruments varies in different areas.
An instrument will be provided on loan without charge for the first term of tuition, but it is also possible to purchase an instrument through your child's school using (AIPS) - the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme. AIPS Enables you to buy a musical instrument without paying VAT.
When are the lessons and how can I check on my child’s progress
The lessons are once a week during the school day but are, wherever possible, provided on a rotational basis to avoid missing the same subject every week. Individual learning plans/targets are agreed with pupils and their progress is checked weekly via your child’s practice diary. A written report is issued each year.
Is there anything I can do to help?
Your role in supporting your child is an important one.
- Encourage regular practice and listen to them playing from time to time.
- Be positive, especially in the early stages.
- Encourage your child to attend lessons regularly.
- Don't hesitate to contact your child's instrumental teacher if you need advice.
- Encourage your child to take up opportunities to perform in groups/ bands.
What happens as my child progresses?
All the way through instrumental music teaching, your child will be encouraged to assess themselves, firstly using their practice diary, then by sitting SQA examinations.
There are bands and ensembles in most schools that usually play weekly after school hours. You should encourage your child to join one of these groups as early as possible. There are also central bands and orchestras playing all kinds of music from popular to jazz to classical. These bring young musicians from different schools together to perform.
Musical Instruments – Assisted Purchase Scheme
The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme enables pupils at local education authority schools to purchase instruments free from VAT. The scheme is intended to support the progress of a young player by providing greater access to quality instruments at a low cost. This procedure has the full approval of HM Customs & Excise.
The assisted instrument purchase scheme is strictly for pupils attending schools who receive musical tuition as part of the curriculum. This allows students to purchase new instruments without paying VAT.
What happens if an instrument gets lost or damaged when on loan?
An instrument on loan is the property of Dundee City Council and must be treated with care at all times. However, we are aware that accidents happen and in most cases, any damage caused by normal wear and tear would be repaired at no cost to families.
For any loss or damage caused through neglect or otherwise we would normally expect parents/carers to make good. Household policies may provide cover for musical instruments although the extent varies and an extra premium may be required. Please ensure that the policy covers the instrument when it is out of the household.
All damages or loss of instruments must be reported to your child's instructor as soon as possible.
