At Caistor Grammar School, we consider learning an instrument an important part of a student’s musical development. We have a dedicated and talented team of instrumental specialists who deliver individual lessons within the Music Department.
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer individual lessons during term time on the following instruments:
Strings- Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Woodwind- Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone
Brass- Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone
Piano
Keyboard
Singing
Drum Kit/Percussion
Guitar- Bass, Electric, Acoustic, Rock School and Classical
Percussion
Lessons are provided by teachers employed by the Lincolnshire Music Service (LMS) or by our own music staff within the department. All lessons take place during the school day (in curriculum lesson time) and are on a rotating timetable which is given to the students at the start of every new term. Students will need their own instruments, but we can advise on instrumental hire.
ENSEMBLES:
Students are able to take part in the following school ensembles once they reach the required standard:
Whole School Choir
Lower school Choir
CGS Orchestra
Chamber Choir
Intermediate Strings
Senior Strings
There are also various small ensembles (String quartets etc) which may form during the year depending on student interest and ability.
Students taking lessons are more than welcome to join these ensembles to support their progress in their instrument. If students begin a rehearsal schedule leading up to a concert, we expect them to respect that commitment, attend rehearsals regularly and perform at the concert. Students who have private lessons outside of school are also encouraged to join school ensembles.
MUSICAL CONCERTS
There are two main concerts each year, at Christmas and at the end of the school year. In both of these, students are encouraged to perform, whether in a small group or as a soloist. The School Choir and Orchestra also perform in these concerts. We also have a school musical every year which is performed to the general public and is always of a very high standard. All students are welcome to audition for the production, regardless of whether they have a musical background or not.
BOOKING LESSONS:
All requests for lessons must be made by completing an application form. To request an application form please contact Mrs Thompson, frances.thompson@caistorgrammar.com.
It is very important that we get all requests for music lessons before the beginning of each term. New students joining CGS will need to have application forms completed by the end of the Summer Term prior to them starting school in September. Please make sure you indicate clearly your choice of instrument.
For Woodwind, Guitar, Drum, Bass and Singing lessons you will need to complete a CGS application form (available from Mrs Thompson), AND apply to the Lincolnshire Music Service using this webpage https://lincsmusicservice.org/booking-landing-page/
All lesson timetables will be published and displayed in the music department on the first week of term, and a separate timetable will also be given to each student. It is likely that lessons will begin within the first two weeks of term. New starters will be informed of their instrument and their teacher via their form registers.
CANCELLING MUSIC LESSONS
If a parent wishes to cancel a student’s place on the timetable, we must have notice in writing. Please email Mrs Thompson, frances.thompson@caistorgrammar.com to make a cancellation. We cannot accept cancellations verbally, or from students. Refunds will be given in line with the dates set by the Lincolnshire Music Service.
Cancellations must be requested by the half term before the following full term in order for the cancellation to take effect. For example, if a student wishes to cancel their lessons from the January, a letter of cancellation must have been received by the previous October half term. If the school does not receive any notice of cancellation, we will assume that your child wishes to continue with their lessons, and we will expect a full payment for the following term.
If the school cancels a student’s place on the instrumental timetable for any reason, outstanding fees will be returned to the parent, subject to LMS requirements.
MISSED LESSONS:
Instrumental teachers keep a register of students’ attendance, including reasons for any absence. If a student misses an instrumental lesson through the absence of an instrumental teacher, this will be made up during the year. If this is not possible, the cost of the lesson will be credited for the following year, or a refund will be given.
If a student misses a lesson through absence from school, the instrumental teacher will not be able to make this up and the lesson will be charged for.
Please note: It is the responsibility of the student to make sure they attend their music lesson, refunds for lessons will not be issued if a student fails to attend.
HOW MUCH WILL MUSIC LESSONS COST.
We provide between 10 and 12 lessons per term.
Strings (including Cello) and piano are charged at £47.22 per hour (£15.74 per 20-minute lesson.) You will be bill via ParentMail on a termly basis.
Woodwind, Guitar, drums, Brass and singing lessons – The hourly rate is set by the Lincolnshire Music Service, currently set at £39.00 per hour (£13.00 per 20-minute lesson). Lincolnshire Music Service will bill you directly.
PAYING FOR MUSIC LESSONS
For lessons provided by our own music staff, termly invoices will be sent using our ParentMail service. Each term of lessons must be paid before lessons can commence.
Enquiries:
For all teaching and timetable enquiries please contact Mrs F Thompson (Head of Music)
Frances.thompson@caistorgrammar.com
For all payment and billing enquiries please contact the Finance Department. Finance@caistorgrammar.com