Arnold House School

Instrumental Music at Arnold House School

A Guide for Parents

Learning an instrument can provide your child with a sociable pastime which can be continued long after leaving school. It can also help with literacy, numeracy, self–confidence and the ability to work (and enjoy oneself) in a group. Arnold House provides a wide range of possibilities for learning an instrument. Instruments currently on offer (subject to availability) are:–

• Piano (from Year 2)
• Recorder (from Year 2)
• Guitar (from Year 3)
• Flute (from Year 4)
• Clarinet (from Year 4)
• Saxophone (from Year 5)
• Violin/Viola (from Year 2)
• Cello  (from Year 2)
• Trumpet/Trombone/Baritone/Tuba (from Year 3)

Music Department Staff

• Mrs Kate Davies (Director of Music)
• Mr Andrew Cuthbertson (Piano – 4 days per week)
• Mrs Carol Ioannis–Antoniou (Piano and recorder – 4 days per week)

Visiting Teachers

• Mr Clive Carroll (Guitar)
• Mr Jason Little (Guitar)
• Mr Benjamin Griffiths (Flute)
• Ms Emily Sutcliffe (Clarinet)
• Mr Tom Elliott (Clarinet/Saxophone)
• Mrs Felicity Sadler (Violin/Viola)
• Mr Matthew Lee (Cello)
• Mr David Clewlow (Trumpet)
• Mr Steven Aitken (Trombone)

Which instrument should you choose for your son?

The most important point of reference is that your son has expressed an interest in a particular instrument and likes its sound. However, physical characteristics have to be taken into account, particularly with woodwind and brass instruments. The instrumental teachers will be able to advise you and it is possible to have a consultation lesson to assess a boy's suitability to a certain instrument.

Arrangements for private lessons

Private instrumental lessons are given during school time. Most of the instrumental teachers operate a rotating timetable whereby pupils have their lesson on the same day each week, but at different times. This means that pupils are unlikely to miss the same class lesson more than once or twice a term. Pupils are responsible for finding out what they missed in class whilst having their instrumental lesson and are expected to do any homework that might have been set. The Head of Music organises the timetables for the visiting staff and any queries about lesson times should be addressed to her. Some of the instrumental staff teach before school starts. These slots and break time slots are allocated to Year 8 pupils wherever possible.

Learning more than one instrument

Some pupils at Arnold House who have the organisational skills required learn two instruments. Boys usually learn piano and an orchestral instrument and learn both instruments at school. However, if a pupil wants to learn three instruments (which is not advisable except in exceptional circumstances!) one instrument should be learnt at home. Pupils who find it difficult to be organised and to catch up with work should only learn one instrument at school.
Learning an instrument out of school does not in any way exclude pupils from playing in ensembles and concerts.

How to apply for instrumental lessons

Application should be made in writing to the Director of Music who will then liaise with instrumental staff and discuss the suitability of the boy for the instrument he has chosen. If there are no vacancies, he will be placed on a waiting list until a place becomes available.

Fees

Tuition fees are set annually. Parents are given a full term's notice of any fee increases which apply from the beginning of the academic year in September. Music lessons are invoiced in arrears.

Number of lessons per year and missed lessons

Over a twelve month period, a boy should expect to receive 32 half–hour lessons (unless special arrangements have been made) and in some cases, a number of ensemble sessions in addition. When a lesson is missed (other than through a boy's own fault) the teacher will endeavour to make up the lesson, or alternatively, the end of term charge will be reduced by the Bursar. Lessons missed because a boy was absent through illness cannot be made up, but lessons missed because of the teacher being ill or unavailable will be made up if at all possible. If a pupil is on a school trip, it is usually possible to rearrange the timetable so that the lesson is made up.

Notice of giving up

Early notice that a boy is to cease taking lessons is desirable. This is particularly so if the tutor is a visiting peripatetic tutor who may wish to take on additional pupils elsewhere. Pupils will be charged 4 weeks' notice.

Examinations

Pupils are entered for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations in Theory and Practical Music. The final decision to enter a pupil is taken by their instrumental teacher. The Associated Board Practical Music Examinations usually consist of the following sections:

Pieces and studies (usually 3).

• Scales and arpeggios.
• Sight Reading
• Aural Tests.

The exam sessions take place three times a year towards the end of each term and usually during school time. An accompanist will be available free of charge. However, if the exam is out of school time, the accompanist may, at his/her discretion, charge a fee that is usually the same as the examination fee, but would include some rehearsal time. Any charges for examinations are added to the music lessons bill.

Practising

If your son is learning an instrument, it is essential that a regular practice routine is followed. Failure to do so means a very slow rate of progress and frustration for both pupil and teacher. It is best to consult the instrumental teacher about how much practice should be done, how long to practise for, and what type of approach should be made to practising. Practice sessions should include exercises such as scales and arpeggios as well as pieces and studies and it is essential that sight–reading is practiced at any level as this is often a 'weak point' in examinations. Aural tests can also be practiced at home with the use of tapes/CDs published by the Associated Board.

Young children may find practice difficult and lonely and some supervision makes it a more pleasurable experience for them. However, there has been an increasing trend for parents to have professionals/students coming to help their children with practice once or twice a week. Although, in theory, this seems like a good solution, in practice, if often ends up with the child having what is essentially another lesson – obviously everyone teaches in different ways and the child can end up being very confused. All of the instrumental teachers at Arnold House find this situation very difficult indeed and would much prefer that the supervision of practice is done by a parent/carer/nanny. Please consult the instrumental teacher before employing anyone to help with practice at home.

Musical opportunities outside of school

There are various 'music centres' in the area where ensembles and instrumental teaching take place on a Saturday. If a pupil is particularly talented, there are 'Junior Departments' at the major London music colleges: Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity College of Music. Entry to these is by audition only. I can also recommend highly the 'Youth Music Centre' in Hampstead Garden Suburb which offers many orchestras/ensembles as well as lessons in instrumental studies, theory and aural. Entry to this centre is not competitive although the standard is excellent and it is in a convenient location for North London pupils. Classes are on Saturday mornings.

There are a variety of holiday music courses for children. The IAPS (Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools) runs numerous courses in the Easter and Summer holidays and over some half terms. The IAPS Courses audition each child but there are many different groups and orchestras of all different standards, from Junior String players of Grade 1–2 standard, to the National Symphony Orchestra, that is made up of some of the most talented preparatory school musicians in the country.

Senior school scholarships/exhibitions

Most public schools have music scholarships and exhibitions at Common Entrance level. The standard required varies, but as a rough guide, they are usually looking for a good Grade 5 or 6 level on a first instrument and a reasonable degree of competence on a second instrument. The ability to sing, and choral experience is also desirable. Sight reading and general musicianship skills are also required. However, schools are also looking for musical potential and so a talented late starter would not be ruled out as a potential scholar. Enthusiasm and commitment are important too.

Instrument hire

Hiring an instrument is advisable when a child is beginning to learn. The shops below run a hire/buy scheme that means you do not have to commit yourself to buying an instrument straight away. This is particularly important for string players as they will need to change the size of their instrument as they grow. Arnold House has a small collection of instruments which can be used for consultation lessons.

Chappells of Bond Street Telephone: 020 7491 2777 (also good for books)
Foote's Musical Instruments Telephone: 020 7437 1811

Instrument accessories

All pupils must attend their lessons fully equipped.
String players need bow resin and spare strings.
Clarinet/Saxophone players need cleaning cloths and spare reeds.
Flautists need cleaning cloths.
Brass players need valve oil.
Home repairs on an instrument are not advisable! It is better to take the instrument back to the supplier, or to take it to the instrumental teacher who will either be able to mend it or advise you what to do with it.

Ensembles

Group music making is an integral part of learning an instrument. The following ensembles provide an opportunity for pupils to participate together. The groups rehearse once a week and usually take part in at least two concerts per year. Pupils are also encouraged to perform alone, in groups in assembly and year group concerts.

• School Ensembles
• Senior Orchestra
• Junior String Orchestra
• Flute Group
• Brass Ensemble
• Jazz Band
• Middle School Choir
• Senior Choir
• Recorder Ensembles
• Chamber music ensembles (String Quartet, Piano Trio)

All of these ensembles are open to boys learning in and out of school. The Director of Music and instrumental teachers will invite boys to join these ensembles when they are considered to be at a suitable standard. If there are two boys of a similar standard, but only one place is available in the ensemble, the older boy will have priority.