Music in the Junior School - A Practical Guide for Parents

MUSIC IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Contents Lessons Ensembles and Concerts Music Examinations Aural Preparation Advice and Contacting your Childs's Teacher Care of Instruments

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A practical guide to instrumental and vocal lessons This short practical guide to instrumental and vocal lessons at The Portsmouth Grammar Infant and Junior School is designed to help you and your son/daughter as they embark on the exciting, challenging, fun and rewarding journey of learning a musical instrument.

The broader educational benefits of learning an instrument and participating in ensembles are well documented. Furthermore, they are recognised by universities, both through UCAS points, and in personal statements and interviews. However, the experience is valuable on so many other levels and, with commitment and perseverance, will be hugely rewarding both during school years and long after.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss your son/daughter’s musical progress.

Mr Ian Webber Director of Junior School Music Email: i.webber@pgs.org.uk

Lessons Children will have their music lessons allocated fairly across the school day and are rotated weekly on a three weekly system, where practicable.

Lessons last 30 minutes and are taught on a one-to-one basis.

Pupils are allowed to learn up to 2 instruments in school at any one time.

Cost of Lessons From the Autumn Term of 2022, lessons will cost £200 for 10 sessions and are taught across the school day. Payment should be made to the Visiting Music Teacher, who will invoice you directly, as your contract will be between you and the Music Teacher, overseen by Mr Webber.

Notice to Discontinue Lessons Please note that a full term's notice, on the first day of the preceding term, and in writing, addressed to Mr Webber is needed if you wish your son/daughter to discontinue lessons.

Moving up to Junior School and Senior School Lessons that your child receives in the Infants will automatically continue into the Junior School unless a term’s notice is given on the first day of the summer term your child is in Year Two. Similarly, lessons that your child receives in the Juniors will automatically continue into the Senior unless a term’s notice is given on the first day of the summer term your child is in Year Six. Appropriate physical contact in lessons Occasionally, appropriate physical contact may be considered helpful in instrumental music teaching. This may include helping pupils to adopt the correct hand position or arm movement.

In all instances, the Visiting Music Teacher will clearly explain to the pupil the reason for this contact, and ask their permission. If at any stage pupils or parents have concerns then they are encouraged to contact Mr Webber or Mr Ashcroft.

ENSEMBLES AND CONCERTS Rehearsing and performing with others is one of the most satisfying and rewarding aspects of learning an instrument, it can be hugely motivational and helps to develop a wide range of musical skills. Similarly, aural skills (essential for any musician) are developed best through regularly singing with others.

There is a wide range of ensembles at all levels throughout Juniors (Years 3-6) and we strongly encourage all pupils to get involved. These range from small groups of only three or four pupils, up to the largest ensembles which number over twenty.

Commitment is an essential part of being in an ensemble. Aside from being an important attribute in its own right, commitment of ensemble members is necessary to allow ensembles to function and for all pupils to find the experience enjoyable and rewarding. Therefore , pupils are expected to attend all applicable rehearsals and concerts . In the event of a clash with another activity, it is the responsibility of the pupil to talk to the member of staff in charge of the ensemble, or to Mr Webber.

Performing in concerts There are two main instrumental concerts each year; at the end of the autumn and summer terms. All the ensemble groups take part and, except in exceptional circumstances, pupils are expected to stay for the duration of a concert in which they are involved, in order to support their fellow performers and as a matter of courtesy. We would also ask that parents who are attending stay for the duration of a concert. In addition, groups play regularly at Cathedral services and events outside school.

Musical Examinations For most pupils, Associated Board, London College and Trinity exams are a useful goal and we should like to encourage pupils to prepare for these where they are appropriate.

Exam entry Pupils are entered for examinations by their instrumental teachers, following which a letter is sent to parents to confirm details. The fee for the exam will be charged to your school account.

Pupils taking lessons outside of PGJS can also be entered for exams upon application to the Director of Junior School Music. Please note charges may apply.

Frequency of exams There are usually three sessions in the school each academic year, generally in mid-November, mid-March and in late June/early July.

The dates for examinations are listed in the Red Book.

Withdrawal from an exam The entry is, at all times, subject to satisfactory progress and the pupil may be withdrawn at any time upon the advice of both the instrumental teacher and the Director of Music. Such advice will have been given in writing or by phone to the parent and will only occur as a last resort.

Pupils and parents will be advised about concerns in advance. In such circumstances the examination fee would be forfeited.

Aural preparation Pupils are offered booster aural classes at Grades 5-8, co-ordinated by the organ scholar. These occur at various times of the week.

Advice and Contacting Your Child’s Teacher All music teachers are happy to give advice about preparing for practical music exams.

Additionally, the ABRSM has published full information about its procedures, which can be found at ABRSM Exam Information.

Similarly, information about Trinity exams can be found at Trinity College Exam Information.

Parents should always feel able to contact the music teacher to discuss their child’s progress and suggested areas for discussion are as follows: An indication of their level. This may or may not include the grade they are at or an indication of repertoire covered.

A positive indication of what they have been working on, achieved and/or have recently mastered.

An indication of what they now need to do to move their playing level on and increase their enjoyment.

Alternatively, you can contact Mr Webber to discuss any specific areas of concern throughout the year at i.webber@pgs.org.uk

Care of instruments Instruments, cases and sheet music Please make absolutely sure that instrument cases, sheet music folders and other sundry items are fully named. Not doing this makes it very difficult for us to track which instrument belongs to whom and to discourage borrowing of other people’s instruments.

Insurance Parents are strongly advised to insure their child’s instrument either under their existing insurance, or with a specialist insurance company. Please note breakages or accidental damage at school will not be covered by the school.