Dear Parents
In 2012 the Cordwalles Music Department offers tuition in the following:
- Piano
- Beginner Violin
- Saxophone
- Clarinet
- Drum Kit (Drum-line if taking lessons)
- Folk guitar (Guitar group)
- Recorder
- Theory
Please note the following conditions and points of interest, which apply to the Music Tuition Programme:
- 1.Fees:
The fees for music tuition at Cordwalles range from R620.00 – R875.00 per term 8 – 10 lessons per term (depending on the teacher). In the event of a pupil starting with lessons during the course of the term, the charge will be pro rata. Where pupils share a lesson (e.g. theory) the fee will be adjusted according to the shared scale. Please note that should your son require accompaniment for exams and eisteddfods, this will be charge separately and should be paid directly to our school accompanist.
- 2.Instruments:
All pupils must have an instrument on which to practise regularly. Boarders taking lessons do have access to practice rooms, but please bear in mind that your son will need to continue practising during the holidays in order to progress. Drum pupils must have their own drumsticks, but need not have a full drum kit of their own. It is also possible to rent instruments where appropriate.
- 3.Cancellation of lessons by the pupil:
Please keep a close eye on the school calendar card or any other communications from your son’s class teacher re. class outings: It is your responsibility to let your son’s music teacher know if a lesson is going to be missed because of an outing. If enough notice of this is given (at least 2 days), it will be possible to re-schedule such a lesson, but if the teacher is not informed, you are liable for payment. Most of the Music staff also teach at other schools and although we endeavor to inform them of changes to the usual timetable, the Music Department is not always aware of internal changes.
1. 4.Cancellation of lessons by the teacher:
If a teacher misses a lesson (through illness, Eisteddfod commitments, etc.), the lesson will be made up within a reasonable time. Failing this, you will be credited for the lesson missed.
Regular lessons are of the utmost importance to your son, both where his progress is concerned, as well as his continued interest.
1.5.Payment of fees:
Monthly or termly invoicing and payment of fees is negotiated directly with the teacher involved.
1. 6.Notice Period:
If a pupil decides to discontinue lessons, one month’s notice in writing, signed by the parent or guardian needs to be given. This rule is negotiable where a pupil has been playing for less than a term and has decided that the instrument is not the right one for him. We would like to encourage boys to try to find the ‘right’ instrument for him, hence the leeway where notice for beginners is concerned.
- 7.Music books and exam fees:
The cost of music, books and exam fees is not included in the tuition fees. The teacher will assist in the ordering of books where possible, but neither the teacher nor the school is responsible for payment thereof. Due notice will be given to parents when books are needed, or when exam fees are due. Please note that photocopying of sheet music is illegal, and although there are some books, which the school as an educational institution is allowed to photocopy for tuition purposes, we try to keep photocopying to a minimum.
- 8.Parental involvement:
Learning a new instrument is an exciting, but often also a daunting task for a young learner. Your involvement, interest and encouragement can make all the difference where your sons’ progress and continued interest is concerned. Please help him to get into the habit of daily practising by reminding him to do so – there are lots of other things also taking his attention and a gentle reminder will not go amiss! The self-discipline he learns this way will stand him in good stead for many years.
Please fill in the accompanying slip and return to the Music Department if you would like your son to learn an instrument.
Music Greetings
Lillemor Blunt
Director of Music
