Music Instruction & Performance

Instrumental Music Instruction

Learning to play a musical instrument is a lifelong skill - one that helps to develop learning across all subjects, as well as developing confidence, resilience, responsibility, social skills and wellbeing. Music can help establish and strengthen links between literacy and numeracy; helping to develop thinking and problem-solving skills; as well as physical co-ordination and fine motor skills. Learning to play a musical instrument can also help to improve mood, whilst the commitment and responsibility required to succeed are important characteristics in life after school.

Lessons are delivered by qualified and experienced instructors employed by the Music Instruction & Performance team, part of Moray Council’s Sport & Culture Service. Lessons are 30 minutes long, usually delivered in small groups, and take place in school during normal school hours.

In line with Scottish Government policy, there is no charge for instruction or the loan and reasonable maintenance of a Moray Council instrument.

New pupils most often start in group lessons and are offered the loan of a Moray Council instrument.

Instructors currently offer lessons on strings, brass, woodwind, percussion. Provision may vary in some schools dependent upon availability of instruments or timetabling and cannot be guaranteed in every school.

The year group instructors can offer pupils lessons will vary between schools and instruments. Instruction is generally available from the year from below.
 

It is the responsibility of the individual instructor to decide which year group are offered lessons, dependant on their current timetables. Occasionally there are opportunities for pupils to start in later or earlier years, dependant on instructor timetables.

Developing the skills and knowledge required to play a musical instrument is achieved only after regular, focused practice. The parent’s/carer’s role in the progress of their child is very important: parents/carers should be prepared to support and encourage their child to practise regularly.

Instructors reserve the right to withdraw instruction, following discussion with the relevant head teacher and parent, from pupils who do not show sufficient interest or commitment to making the most of their opportunity.

Child will be added to their music instructor’s ‘Team’ within Microsoft Teams, via Glow where their instructor may share information, additional resources and support, as well as additional information for parents/carers. Teams will be used to offer your child a Remote Live Video Lessons if/when it is not possible to have a normal ‘in-person’ lesson. Glow logins are provided by your child’s school. It is important your child checks their ‘Team’ for information and updates from their instructor on a regular basis.

Demand for music instruction is extremely high, therefore, due to resources and timetabling we may not be able to accommodate all pupils on their chosen instrument. In these situations, children will be added to a waiting list. Waiting lists will be held for the remainder of the academic year.

There are many opportunities for children and young people to participate in various ensembles, including Moray Music Centre or extra-curricular school groups. Participation not only improves and develops a young person’s playing but gives them an opportunity to meet others with a similar interest. If you would like more information on the Moray Music Centre please ask your child’s music instructor or click here.

There are a number of ways in which your child can seek certification through the Scottish Qualifications Authority (S4 and above) or through the graded examinations run at a national level, e.g. Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Registration of Interest

There are a very limited number of spaces available for instrumental music instruction. To best manage these, music instructors will share the Registration of Interest link with parents/carers of children in schools where they have or are able to offer spaces. Notification of Spaces will be primarily shared via email or by flyer.

Music Instruction Terms & Conditions are available for download here.

Paper Registration of Interest forms are available on request.

Children or young people previously offered instruction or currently taking instruction on another instrument will not be considered.

Practice

Developing the skills and knowledge required to play a musical instrument is achieved only after regular focused practise and commitment. Your role in the progress of your child is very important – please be prepared to support and encourage your child to practise regularly. Due to high demand for instruction, instructors reserve the right to withdraw instruction, following discussion with the relevant head teacher and parent, from pupils who do not show sufficient interest or commitment to making the most of their instruction.

Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) enables young musicians receiving musical tuition as part of state education to purchase musical instruments without the cost of VAT. Replacement parts for musical instruments can also be purchased as part of the AIPS.

The instrument must be suitable for the young musician’s needs and be used as part of their musical tuition. The instrument must be purchased from the supplier and then sold to the young musician at or below the cost excluding VAT.

Pupils/Parents interested in purchasing an instrument via the AIPS should first of all discuss this with their instructor.

Cessation of Instruction

Due to high demand for instruction, instructors reserve the right to withdraw instruction, following discussion with the relevant head teacher and parent, from pupils who do not show sufficient interest or commitment to making the most of their instruction.

Parents who wish to stop their child’s instruction should inform he music instructor in writing.

For more information, to discuss instrumental music instruction or to request paper copies of the above forms in an alternative language please contact education@moray.gov.uk.

For regular updates please follow our Facebook & Instagram pages @MorayMusicCentre