Instrumental Lessons

This page contains information for Primary School and Secondary School students and their parents wanting to undertake private instrumental lessons and should not be confused with the Concert Band Programme.

The aim

The Instrumental Music programme aims to provide further opportunities for students in practical music. Instrumental music emphasises performance skills, musical understanding, perceptive listening and positive attitudes.

The benefits

• Develops responsibility and self discipline
• Builds self-confidence, self-esteem and a sense of responsibility
• Cultivates creativity and improves communication
• Develops co-ordination, social skills and the ability to work with others
• Develops a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts in general

Lessons

Lessons are timetabled after school. A list of instrumental teachers being offered this year can be found below. Lessons are generally undertaken for a full year. If lessons are to be terminated, one term’s written notice must be given. All enquiries regarding lesson times are to be directed to Ms Marrie or the teacher concerned. Please do not contact the school office.

Tuition offered

Tuition fees

The charges are CHF 46 per 30-minute lesson which includes the lesson payment, school administration fees and social charges.

All fees will be billed by term with no refunds or exceptions. In the case of the instrumental teacher being absent, he/she will make up the lesson during the term.

ABRSM and Rock School examinations

Students are encouraged to sit for ABRSM and Rock School examinations in Theory and/or Practical. Prescribed fees for these examinations will be charge to you by the accounting department. More information is available from your instrumental teacher or Ms Marrie.

Hiring/Purchasing instruments

It is the responsibility of parents to organise an instrument for each child. There are 2 large music stores in the Lausanne region that may be able to assist with purchase or hire/buy schemes. Please talk to your child’s instrumental teacher or Ms Marrie for more information.

Performances

Students are encouraged to participate in many of the performance opportunities during the year. Music performance teaches our students to conquer fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and something that will occur often in life.

School fieldtrips and excursions

Students will not be billed for lessons during a week when they have a school fieldtrip. In the case of school excursions, the lesson will be made up by the teacher where they have been given at least 48 hours notice. The lesson will be forfeited if there has not been any notification.

Extended illness

Students who miss 4 or more lessons due to an extended illness will be reimbursed upon the presentation a copy of the doctor’s certificate. This should be forwarded to Ms Marrie and the instrumental teacher.

Y10 and Y11 MYP students

It is an expectation for students taking MYP 5 music to enroll in private lessons to be able to complete the practical components of the course.

Y13 students

Students who are in Y13 will be able to have lessons up until they graduate at the end of May. Any further lessons can be arranged privately with the teacher and as such, will not be a part of the Instrumental Lessons programme.

Piano accompaniment for solo recitals

There are a number of opportunities for students to participate at solo recitals throughout the year. Should any performance require an accompaniment by any one of our piano teachers, it is understood that the parents will be charged an amount as agreed to between the accompanist and the parents. This amount is not paid for by ISL and it is understood that this is a private arrangement.

Change of teacher policy

Regarding our changing teacher policy, please note the process below:

• The parent should contact the teacher concerned, (preferably by phone conversation), explaining that they would like to change teachers and if possible, a reason why. This gives the teacher concerned a chance to address these concerns.
• The parent should email the Instrumental coordinator, Ms Marrie, outlining the request for the change.
• The student’s details would then be forwarded onto the newly requested teacher, and if there was availability, the student could begin lessons with the new teacher.
• If there was no availability, the student would then go onto the music lesson waiting list.

It is expected that a term’s notice would be given before the change could be possible and the change may only occur at the end of a term.

Lunchtime lessons

It may be possible for students signed up for ‘After School Activity’ lessons to have lessons at lunchtime.

For Secondary School students, this option is available depending on teacher and room availability. We have a large number of students wanting to learn an instrument with very few practice rooms available.

For Primary School students, the option is only available according to the procedure below:

• The instrumental teacher and parent determine a time that is suitable to both.
• The parent is then required to email the Primary Principal, Mr McBride and the class teacher of the student concerned requesting permission for the lesson to take place.

Lessons may take place once permission has been granted but also depending on room availability. We have a large number of students wanting to learn an instrument with very few practice rooms available.

Please contact Ms Marrie for further information.