Music Tuition Handbook Seton Catholic College

Music Tuition HANDBOOK

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CONTENTS Welcome

Page 1

Music Tuition Levy

Page 5

Private Lessons

Page 2

Materials and Resources

Page 6

Communication

Page 3

Ensembles

Page 7

Attendance & Absence Procedures

Page 4

Music Events & Performances

Page 8

Reducing Student Absence

Page 5

WELCOME Dear Parents, Guardians and Students This booklet has been prepared to assist parents, guardians and students with the procedures surrounding instrumental/vocal lessons at Seton Catholic College.

It is our hope that learning Music at Seton Catholic College will prove to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Thank you for being part of the Seton Music Community.

If you have any queries regarding the Music Program, please do not hesitate to contact our Music Department via musicadmin@seton.wa.edu.au

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PRIVATE LESSONS ROTATING MUSIC LESSON SCHEDULE Music lesson times rotate throughout the term to ensure that students do not repeatedly miss the same subject. This approach helps to minimise the impact on their overall learning.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Catch-Up Work: Students are responsible for catching up on any missed classwork. They should check SEQTA or contact their teacher to confirm if any homework or assignments were issued during their absence.

Reporting Issues: We use an auto-assign function in the SEQTA suite to schedule and rotate lessons. Occasionally, there may be a technical issue causing a lesson to remain at the same time for several weeks. If this happens, students must message our Arts Administration Officer to have the schedule adjusted.

Students should not miss the same subject lesson each week. Thank you for helping us maintain a balanced learning experience for everyone involved.

LESSON SCHEDULING Lesson times for new music students will be emailed to parents during the second week of Term 1 and added to the student’s SEQTA timetable.

These lesson times will gradually appear in SEQTA over the course of the first week as they are finalised.

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PRIVATE LESSONS MUSIC TUITION INDUCTION MEETING

No changes can be made the night

All music students will attend an

before or on the day of the lesson, or

induction meeting during PCG time in

over the weekend.

week 1 of Term 1. Details about the

Please address all lesson change

time and location of this meeting will

requests to our Arts Administration

be communicated to students. The

Officer.

meeting will cover important information, including upcoming events, ensembles, new tutors, and an overview of the semester ahead.

New students will receive guidance on excusing themselves from classes, navigating the timetable, lesson locations, storing instruments (if applicable), and what to bring to lessons.

RESCHEDULING LESSONS: Occasionally, it may be necessary to reschedule a lesson. Any changes will be communicated via Direct Messages in SEQTA. Students must check their Direct Messages every morning during PCG to stay informed.

LESSON SWAP REQUESTIONS (PLANNED ABSENCES - ASSESSMENTS, EXCURSIONS, APPOINTMENTS) Lesson requests are approved for planned appointments, excursions, and scheduled assessments. All requests should provide the reason for the request. Unfortunately, we cannot make changes to accommodate favourite subjects.

Lesson swaps must be requested by 12pm the day before the scheduled lesson.

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COMMUNICATION All parent correspondence should in the first instance be directed to the Music Department via: musicadmin@seton.wa.edu.au.

If contact is specific to an instrument or tutor, emails will be forwarded to the relevant music tutor.

Students should contact Head of Arts via Direct Message.

All lesson changes/ensemble info is communicated to students via Direct Message, so it is important that students check their Direct Messages at least every morning during PCG. Reports are completed at the end of each semester on SEQTA. The report involves an assessment of technique, reading ability and performance.

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ATTENDANCE & ABSENCE PROCEEDURES LESSON ATTENDANCE Attendance at lessons is essential for students to reach their full potential. Peripatetic music tutors maintain a record of attendance and lesson quotas. Weekly follow-ups are conducted for absences, and parents are informed via SEQTA if their child misses a lesson.

TUTOR AVAILABILITY A sign will be placed on the door of the room where the music tutor is teaching each day.

If the sign is up, this indicates the tutor is on-site. If the tutor is not present in the room at that moment, students should wait just outside the room. If the tutor does not arrive, students should not return to class, they must go to the Music Office to notify our Arts Administration Officer.

SICK DAYS If a student is sick and unable to attend their music tuition lesson on the day, no refund or makeup lesson(s) will be issued.

PLANNED ABSENCES – ASSESSMENTS, EXCURSIONS, APPOINTMENTS If a student cannot attend their music tuition lesson due to an assessment, excursion, or appointment, they must contact our Arts Administration Officer via Direct Message on SEQTA by 12pm the previous day, including by Friday 12pm if there is a planned absence on Monday. No lesson changes will occur over the weekend. A makeup lesson/swap will then be issued. This is the minimum time requested as this ensures that arrangements can be made for a swap and all parties are informed of the changes well ahead of time.

COLLEGE CALENDARED EVENTS For events such as Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival or Seton Day, no lessons occur on these days. The tutor will provide a makeup lesson before the end of the school year to meet their lesson quota. For assemblies or Mass, students are still expected to attend their music lesson. They may discreetly leave the Gym by sitting at the back or at the end of their row. Makeup lessons will not be provided for students who miss a lesson during these events if they are on campus.

HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME If a student is on holiday during term time, no refund or makeup lesson(s) will be provided for missed music tuition.

PERIPATETIC MUSIC TUTOR ABSENCE If a tutor is absent, students will be notified via Direct Message on SEQTA, and a sign will be placed on the tutorial room door. These lessons will be made up by the tutor before the end of the school year to fulfill their lesson quota.

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REDUCING STUDENT ABSENCE Students who find it difficult to remember their music lesson times are encouraged to use tools such as a watch with an alarm or reminders set on a laptop.

All subject teachers are aware that students enrolled in the Music Program may need to excuse themselves from class occasionally. As a courtesy, students should inform their subject teachers at the beginning of the year that they are participating in the Music Program.

During the first few weeks of Term 1, tutors will assist new students by locating them if they forget to attend their lesson. After this initial period, it is the student’s responsibility to remember their lesson time and arrive punctually. Tutors do not collect students after the initial grace period.

MISSED/FORGOTTEN LESSONS If a student forgets to attend a lesson, no makeup lesson will be granted. As a courtesy, parents will receive a message on SEQTA to advise that their child missed their lesson.

MUSIC TUITION LEVY The Music Tuition Levy, which is part of the tuition fee, covers a practice diary, books, scores, and accompaniment fees for school events, including the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.

No additional invoices are issued by the Music Department throughout the year.

Please note: Graded examinations are not part of the Tuition Levy in 2026.

Please scan the QR code to access the College’s Fees & Charges schedule.

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MATERIALS & RESOURCES INSTRUMENT HIRE In all cases students should have use of a practise instrument. This includes piano students who should have a keyboard or piano at home to practise on, preferably with 88 fully weighted keys. A drums student should have a

All students will be provided with a music diary at their first lesson. This should be used weekly to record details of practice homework and indicate the amount of practice they have completed.

drum kit (acoustic or electric) at home.

All music books/sheet music will be

The Music Department has several

passed onto students during their

woodwind and brass instruments for hire, and if required this will be organised at the students’ first lesson.

ordered through the school and lessons as it is included in their levy.

This means parents do not need to purchase these books themselves.

The cost of instrument hire is $200 this year. The hire cost will be added to your school fees account. More information can be obtained from the Arts Administration Officer by email (musicadmin@seton.wa.edu.au) or by calling 9314 8303. We strongly encourage parents/students to purchase their own instrument after the first year.

If you are purchasing your own instrument and need some advice, please contact our Head of Arts or the student's music tutor.

RESOURCES Students should bring their instrument (where applicable) together with their music diary, any books/sheet music as well as their laptop/tablet to their lessons.

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ENSEMBLES Ensembles are provided as a

Ensemble Participation Expectations

complimentary service to Seton Catholic College students and are considered a

All students undertaking individual music

great privilege.

lessons are strongly encouraged to join at least one ensemble as part of their

The following ensembles will be offered in

commitment to the Seton Music

2026:

Community. Ensemble placement is under - Seton Rock Bands - Choir - Musical Theatre Choir (Year 7-9) - Setonics Choir (Year 10-12) - Concert Band - Percussion Ensemble - Guitar Ensemble - Woodwind Ensemble

* Ensembles to be finalised early Term 1, 2026 Ensemble Participation & Rehearsal Schedule The rehearsal schedule will be published in the College newsletter and included in student notices on SEQTA by Week 3 of Term 1. All ensembles will commence rehearsals by Week 4 of Term 1.

Auditions for Rock Bands & Setonics Choir The Rock Bands and Setonics Choir are auditioned ensembles open to all music students. Auditions will take place in Week 2. Details and audition times will be provided in the daily notices on SEQTA. Students wishing to audition should sign up on the sheets located on the Music Room door (SP22) or in the Band Practice Room.

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the discretion of the Director of Music.

MUSIC EVENTS & PERFORMANCES 2025 Updates will occur as details become available and parents will receive information about upcoming events in advance via email.

The Music Department provides a range of ensemble and performance opportunities to nurture and showcase the skills and talents of our students. We encourage parents to support their children’s commitment to lessons, ensembles, and rehearsals throughout the year. While enthusiasm may fluctuate at times, it’s vital for students to understand that dedication, perseverance, and consistent effort are key to their growth and success in Music.

At Seton, we strive to instill a love for music by fostering excellence and developing skills that will enable lifelong enjoyment and appreciation. If you have any questions or concerns during the year, please feel free to contact the Director of Music at the College.

We look forward to seeing your child thrive in their musical journey and to celebrating their achievements at upcoming performances.

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every interaction matters