Instrumental tuition with the Lancashire Music Service.
Information from LSA Music Department.
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So you want to learn an instrument….
The Music Department understands that learning an instrument for the first time can be a risky thing. Many people worry about spending money on an instrument only to find out a few weeks later that they don’t like it. For some people the cost of lessons can be too much.
For this reason the Music Department have arranged with Lancashire Music Service to offer the loan of an instrument (but not Drum kit) and starter lessons on that instrument for £20 for the year. The lessons will be given in a large group with a visiting music teacher on a Thursday at 4pm. These lessons will take the form of a band and the students will slowly learn how to play that instrument through playing simple parts in that band. This band will be run by Mr Miller and all instruments, but not drums, will be included.
It is the Music Department’s hope that this will enable those students who might be worried about learning an instrument to take a chance.
Which instrument should I learn?
The choice is yours. All instruments (but not Drum kit) are available for loan. The Music Service team Leader, Gary Fox, has agreed to give any student the chance to come in to school on a Thursday evening for a free trial of the instrument to see if playing that instrumentis what they imagined it to be.
What happens when I get better at the instrument?
After learning the basics many students feel that they would benefit from further lessons on their instrument. For those students there are two options: They could have lessons during the normal school day with any of the visiting instrumental and vocal teachers. The other option is to have individual, paired or group lessons with the Music Service teachers on a Thursday evening.
These lessons cost: £12 for an individual 30 minute lesson
£10 for an individual 20 minute lesson
£6.25 for a group lesson lasting 30/20 minutes.
(the 30 minute lessons have larger groups, 20 minute lessons have smaller groups)
The list of Instruments available is as follows:
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Trumpet, Trombone, Cornet, Euphonium, Tenor Horn, Tuba,
Why should I learn an instrument?
You will be acquiring a skill that will eventually bring you immense personal satisfaction. Make no mistake, it will be both slow and difficult. Think of the pride you will and should feel when you are able to play your first tune, or make it into the school orchestra or band for the first time.
This is something that will be all your own. Nobody else can do it for you. No matter how encouraging the people at home are, no matter how good your teacher is, this is something you have to do for yourself. And once you have made a success of it, you will be entitled to all the credit!
One part of being a musician that brings great pleasure to many young people is the "social" aspect of music-making. To meet and work with other people of your own age and with similar tastes is always enjoyable.
Music makes you clever!It helps you focus and persevere on a difficult task. Pupils who take instrumental tuition tend to be intelligent and well-motivated. The self-discipline and organisational skills required to learn an instrument (and it does take a lot of discipline and organisation to remember when your lesson is each week, to remember to take your instrument and music to school, to set aside time in each busy day to practise, and to organise that practice time in a useful and productive way) will help in every aspect of your school life. By taking up a musical instrument you are more likely to become a better, more motivated student.
Who do I contact for more details?
If you are interested in trying out an instrument please contact Gary Fox, the Lancashire Service team Leader on 01257 234450 or 07887 830990. Alternatively you could speak to him on a Thursday at 3.30pm in the school reception.
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