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Renfrewshire Council Plan 2008 - 2012 Music lessons
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Instrumental music lessons are provided in all primary and secondary schools as well as in our Saturday morning music centre. There is a range of musical instruments that pupils can learn to play including brass, strings, percussion and woodwind instruments. The choice of instruments will vary from school to school. Music instructors visit each school to deliver music tuition within the school day although some specialised tuition is delivered in the Saturday morning music centre in Paisley Grammar School.
Getting started with lessons
Recruitment stage varies across instruments but will typically take place in Primary 6. All pupils will be given an opportunity of being considered for instrumental lessons. As there is a limited number of places available in each school interested pupils are asked to take part in a short listening and practical test prior to selection.
Cost of lessons
Until now, many of our out of school services have been heavily subsidised, with some being provided completely free of charge. Given the serious financial situation facing Renfrewshire Council, we can no longer afford to provide services this way. From 1 April 2011, we will therefore be increasing charges for music tuition. As music tuition is billed annually, the revised fees will be implemented from the beginning of the new academic year in August 2011.
- The charge will increase to £150 per year, with a 10% increase then being added each subsequent year until 2014.
- The charge is for one set of lessons for one instrument. Further lessons for a second instrument will result in an additional charge.
- Charges will also be introduced for children who currently receive tuition free of charge.
- Charges will apply for all music tuition, including additional children where there is more than one family member receiving music tuition, those who are entitled to free school meals and extra tuition for those who take music as a Standard Grade, Higher or Advanced Higher subject.
- Pupils who receive tuition as part of our Endangered Species programme will continue to benefit from free tuition in session 2011/12. This is because the cost of this tuition is paid from Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative fund.
 | Annual charge 2011 (£) | Annual charge 2012 (£) | Annual charge 2013 (£) | Annual charge 2014 (£) |
| Standard charge for music tuition | 150 | 165 | 182 | 200 |
| Charge for those who are entitled to free school meals | 50 | 80 | 110 | 140 |
| Charge for siblings of other children who receive music tuition at the standard charge | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 |
| Extra tuition charge for pupils who take music as an SQA subject (Advanced Higher, Higher or Standard Grade) | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 |
Other costs
- An instrument is provided free of charge for the first two terms of tuition. Parents/carers are asked to purchase their own instrument after this period if the pupil wishes to continue with lessons. Speak to the instrumental teacher at the school for advice on this.
- Pupils may be asked throughout the year to purchase music recommended by the music instructor.
- email: music.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 840 8925
