Music Enrolment
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Late enrolments may be accepted but we cannot guarantee instrument hire or tutor preferences. An enrolment form MUST be submitted for EACH NEW and EXISTING student who wishes to learn an instrument and join an ensemble at LCPS
| Frequently Asked Questions about Music Enrolment |
1.
Does my child have to have private music lessons to
participate?
Yes, all children must have a private lesson each week to
participate in the school musical groups. Lessons are held in
the school grounds before or after school.
2. Do we have to use the tutors at school?
The private lesson does not have to be held at the school – the
choice of tutor is up to you. You may use your own tutor (that is
not attached to the school) but we ask that you provide their
details to us so we can keep them informed of any requirements for
LCPS students.
3. Are we allowed to share the private lesson?
Your child may share a private lesson with another student if you
can find a student of similar ability and the tutor is happy to
provide a shared lesson. Parents can then share the cost of the
lesson.
4. What are Group lessons?
Children learning guitar, recorder or a string instrument are
encouraged to attend the guitar group, recorder group or string
group rehearsals however, these group lessons are not for the
purpose of teaching the children to play their instrument but rather
allow children an experience of ensemble playing (like playing in
the orchestra or the band). Playing in a group is social and great
fun for children. It teaches team work and provides performance
opportunities but does not substitute for private lessons on the
instrument.
5. Can my Kindergarten child learn an instrument at LCPS?
It is not advised that children in Kindergarten learn an instrument.
They have a big transition to adjust to school life and get very
tired so before and after school music lessons do not work so well.
They should wait until Year 1 or year 3 to join the LCPS music
program.
6.What
instrument can my child learn when in Year 1 and Year 2?
Children in Year 1 and Year 2 may learn the recorder, violin or
cello. We have some very small violins and cellos for hire (1/8 size
or ¼ size). Learning to
play the recorder is a great starting point in any child’s musical
education. The recorder is cheap to buy, portable and easy to blow.
We usually recommend a 20min lesson for young beginners. Children
will learn to read music and are encouraged to join the beginner
recorder group to experience learning musical and playing with other
children.
7.
When do we find out the day/time for lessons?
After enrolments close the music committee can determine how many
instruments and tutors we need for the following year. Before the
end of the year you will be sent information letting you know which
instrument has been allocated for your child and which tutor. Your
tutor will contact you over the holiday break to arrange a mutually
acceptable lesson time. If this cannot be done there may be another
tutor who works on the days you require so just let us know. If you
would like to specify the days (eg. Tues/Wed) most suitable for your
child’s lessons please add this information to the enrolment form.
8.
Can my child have Piano/Keyboard lessons at LCPS?
The music committee does not provide piano or keyboard lessons.
However, a private company (VIP Music) runs group keyboard lessons
after school on Tuesdays at LCPS. More information is available on
the school website under ‘extra-curricular’. Many children have
private piano lessons in the local area.
9.
Can my child play Piano/Keyboard in the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble
or Orchestra?
Yes, if your child learns piano/keyboard and would like to play in
one of the school musical groups they are able to do this. Year 3-6
students may join the band program or orchestra on keyboard or tuned
percussion instruments like the xylophone or glockenspiel (which are
like pianos that you hit with a mallet). The Jazz Concert Band also
requires a piano/keyboard player of advanced standard (generally
Year 5 or 6). Children can elect to have lessons in tuned percussion
(xylophone/glockenspiel) with one of our fabulous percussion tutors
at LCPS. The orchestra may also require tuned percussion players.
10. What sort of instruments do we particularly need at
LCPS?
The Band program is always in need of children to learn the bass
instruments like Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium (smaller than a tuba) or
Baritone (which is slightly smaller again). These instruments are
really important in a concert band and players are always in demand,
not just in primary school bands, but in high school and beyond!
11.
Can Year 3 children take up a string instrument?
The string program would like more senior
string players so we are encouraging children in Years 3-6 to take
up a string instrument (violin or cello). Often the beginner string
group is dominated by children from younger years so, in 2010, if
numbers allow, we will form a Year 3-6 beginner string group to
allow ‘older’ children who commence a string instrument to progress
together as a group. This group lesson will be held before school
and provides a great opportunity for children to learn to play with
others in a fun and social environment and is in addition to private
lessons with a string tutor.
12.
Can my child learn guitar at LCPS?
Children from Year 3 onwards
can learn acoustic or bass guitar. As with other instruments,
students have weekly private lessons after school ($32 per ½ hour
lesson/ week). There are several different styles of guitar playing
taught at LCPS. All lessons focus on the acoustic repertoire as this
lends itself better to learning guitar technique and musicianship.
Acoustic guitars of different sizes are available for hire from the
school. We also have several electric bass guitars for hire. There
are positions for bass guitar in all the bands as they play an
important role in providing the bass line.
Guitar Group: in addition to private lessons all guitar students are
encouraged to join the guitar groups which rehearses weekly. There
are three groups to choose from depending on the style of music and
the children’s ability.
Best to speak with the guitar coordinator to see what would be best
for your child. The LCPS guitar groups are open to students who
learn guitar outside the school. For more information on guitar
enrolments please contact Swantje Lorrimer (Guitar Group
Coordinator) on 9420 1694 or
SwantjeLorrimer@exemail.com.au
13.
How much does it cost to be involved in the music program in 2010?
Private lessons: all students
have a private lesson which costs $32 per half hour each week.
Shared lessons may be possible if you can arrange it with another
student and the tutor is willing.
Group Fees: In addition to private lessons children are encouraged
to join a school musical group. The cost of these groups varies
depending on the length and number of rehearsals per week. Group
fees are necessary to cover expenses relating to employing
conductors, purchase of music and maintenance of equipment. A
maximum of two groups are charged for; the third and cheapest one is
free. Group fees for 2010 range from $75-$135 per half year.
Instrument Hire: a wide range of instruments are available for hire.
First year hirers and those playing in school groups are given
preference. Second and third year hire may be possible depending on
availability. There is a $50 deposit and rates for each instrument
are as follows:
Guitar
s $35 per half year
Violin/Viola $50 per half year
Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn,
Baritone, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium, Bas guitar, Drum Kit
$70 per half year
All percussion players are charged a $25 percussion levy per half
year.
Instruments are hired to enable children to play in bands, orchestra
or groups. Hire to others not in these groups will be subject to
availability and the external hire fee (twice standard fee) plus
deposit will be charged.
14. If my child learns a string instrument will they use Suzuki or Traditional method?