Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I choose tuition on any instrument?

A. Yes, provided that we have a viable number of pupils wishing to learn a particular instrument at a school, we can provide the expert staff.

Q. When should my child start to play?

A. You should refer to the chart on your brochure for suitable starting ages – they do vary. If your child wishes to learn a woodwind or brass instrument they will need to have their second teeth nicely settled. Usually years 4 and 5 classes provide most beginners.

If your child “missed out” at primary school, don’t despair, many high school beginners go on to be very good players.

Q. Why offer tuition in groups?

A. In our experience and that of many similar services, group tuition really works. The benefits of being able to learn and perform together from the earliest stage are very considerable. Lessons are masterclass in style and there will be a significant amount of individual tuition given within the group.

Q. What size are tuition groups?

A. This will vary. Normally pupils will be in a group of four players, but group sizes can sometimes change to ensure the best educational benefits.

Q. As a beginner, will my child be able to learn for a trial period?

A. In practice, yes. Although we ask you for a two term commitment (in order that we can plan efficiently,) we will in fact be assessing your child during the first term. If we feel that your child is not progressing as we would wish, we will advise and talk to you about this. There could be a number of reasons for initial difficulties and we would need to identify your child’s particular problem.

Q. Will my child have a lesson during the school day?

A. Tutors visit primary schools at set times. Secondary schools are usually offered a rota system so that pupils are taught at different times each week. In addition, where possible, there are opportunities for older students to have a lesson during their lunch break or after school.

Q. Can my child have an individual lesson?

A. Normally individual lessons will only be available to those students who are of a Grade 5 standard of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and above.

Q. Is there a reduction for members of the same family?

A. Yes, please see the scale of charges in the brochure. (Standard Fees only).

Q. What is Bury Music Service’s commitment to my child?

A. We guarantee 30 lessons per year for your child. It is possible that your child may receive more than this number of lessons – at no extra cost to you. The extra lessons are offered to take into account such things as teacher illness.

Free use of an instrument*, if you are a resident of the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, or your child attends a Bury LEA school. * Please note this does not apply to guitar, piano, keyboard or percussion .

An assessment system with certificates awarded at different stages of progress for the early grades. We thus monitor your child’s progress continually. The system is flexible and informal, and tests take place in school during the music lesson.

Thereafter, your child may be entered for external music exams, with either the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, or Trinity College, London. Parents are required to pay the fee for these exams

Annual parents’ evenings. You can come and discuss your child’s music making with his/her tutor.

Easy access to Bury Music Centre’s weekend performing activities. The tutor will advise as to when vacancies in junior groups are available

Q. What does the Service ask of us as parents?

A. That termly fees are paid in advance. A Direct Debit scheme is available, please ask for details.

We would ask you to give half a term’s notice in writing if you wish your child to discontinue lessons. We regret that lessons may only be discontinued at the end of a school term and that if your child is unable to attend a scheduled lesson, there can be no refund of fees.

We ask you to encourage your child, particularly during the early stages of tuition. Competence on a musical instrument is not acquired overnight! However, the rewards for patience and perseverance are very tangible and lasting.

We hope that this leaflet has been of help to you. If you would like any more information, please contact us between the hours of 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.