IOP Programme Booklet

INSTRUMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAMME PREP SCHOOL 2024/25

INTRODUCTION The Instrumental Opportunities Programme (IOP) has been created as an affordable introduction for families to help all students at RST access instrumental music. It allows students to try a variety of instruments, seeing which they like and which they show natural talent for, before selecting an instrument and participating in the 8-week programme.

WHY LEARN AN

INSTRUMENT? “Music is a manifestation of the human spirit, similar to language. Its greatest practitioners have conveyed to mankind things not possible to say in any other language.” (Zoltan Kodaly) Give your child the chance to connect with this language through instrumental music.

Academically, there is a plethora of research into music's effect on the brain with a number of benefits, including: Improved academic achievement Increased attention Improved auditory processing skills Better cognitive health Better language acquisition Development of prosocial behaviours Increased wellbeing Increased working memory Improved aural memory Increased fine Motor Skills and many more. For supporting research papers and studies supporting these benefits follow this link.

INSTRUMENTAL

LESSONS Students who sign up to this programme will have up to 8 lessons on their chosen instrument with one of RST’s instrumental music teachers. These lessons will be in small groups of 2-3 students held weekly. Lessons will be held on the same day each week with the lesson time being rotated to minimise the time missed from any one subject.

Students will also take part in a beginner ensemble where they will consolidate their learning in a friendly, fun group setting.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE 1. Register your interest Use the QR code to register to attend the Instrument Trial session 2. Instrumental Trial Parents and interested students are invited to attend a brief overview of the IOP before having the opportunity to meet the instrumental teachers and trial a range of instruments. After the trial students will submit their preferred instrument choices via an online form.

3. Confirmation and information Parents will be informed of their child’s instrument, instrumental teacher and first lesson time via email. Whilst we will try to accommodate every student's first preference please understand there are limited positions available. If we are unable to provide the opportunity this round students will be placed in a waiting list for next term's intake.

4. Lessons Over the next 8 weeks students will have lessons with their instrumental teacher with the focus of developing their love of the instrument, basic technique and learning some beginner repertoire.

Note, due to the nature of group lessons, missed lessons due to illness or absence may not be able to be made up.

5 Report At the end of the programme your child’s instrumental teacher will provide a short written report.This report will focus on what they have achieved and provide recommendations for future learning.

6. IOP Concert At the end of the program, there will be a short concert for all of the Instrumental Opportunities Program students to show what they have learnt in their first eight weeks playing.This is a great opportunity for our students to celebrate the first steps in their instrumental music journey.

7. Moving forward Alongside the final report will be a form for you to indicate whether or not you wish your child to continue lessons. By this stage you should have a good indication of their commitment, achievement and connection with instrumental playing.

Continuing lessons will be on an individual basis with their IOP teacher and charged at the normal rate of 750 baht per lesson, paid termly in advance.

Current instruments offered: Woodwind

Brass

Strings

Clarinet Oboe

Trumpet/Cornet P.Bone (Trombone) French Horn

Violin Viola Cello

How to apply: Register your interest to attend the Instrument Trial afternoon by scanning the QR code. If you wish for your child to take part in the programme, details will be given to you during the Instrument Trial session.

DATES & TUITION FEES 28 October 29 November

Trial day registration opens Trial day registration closes

3 December

Trial day; 5.15pm in Room C2344

Week 3, Term 2 (20 January)

Lessons commence You will be notified of day/time via email

25 March

IOP Concert; 5.15pm in Room C2344 Reports shared Conclusion forms due

28 March

Fees: 2,750 baht, includes 8 lessons, instrument hire, sheet music, initial reed, strings (additional reeds, strings or instrument disposables charged accordingly).

It is highly recommended to purchase an instrument for your child should they wish to continue. If you do not wish to buy your own, you may continue to hire the instrument from the school for a fee of 2,000 baht per term.

Instrumental lessons after the programme will be on an individual basis and are charged at 750 baht per lesson (30 lessons per year).

This is charged at the beginning of each term.

PHILIP CAIN Head of Music • Prep School pcain@rugbyschool.ac.th