Pupils eligible for Free School Meals Expand If your child is eligible for free school meals on income grounds we recommend you visit our Prices page as the cost for tuition and hire may be reduced.
How do we pay? Expand If your child begins lessons in the first half of a term and can have eight or more lessons we will send you an invoice as soon as possible for that term's lessons. If your child begins lessons in the second half of a term and cannot receive eight lessons we will not charge you for that term. You will normally receive an invoice for lessons in September, December and April. The invoice is for the current term's lessons and the invoice will be sent by post. The full list of payment options available to you can be found on the reverse of your invoice. If you would like to pay by direct debit please contact us and we can arrange to send you a direct debit mandate form, alternatively you can visit our Reports and Policies page, print out the direct debit form and send the completed form to Durham Music Service. We guarantee your child will be offered at least 24 lessons in a full school year (3 terms - September to July) and we aim to provide 30 lessons. You have the option to pay your invoice in instalments, please note monies owed must arrive in our Durham County Councils bank account before the fifteenth of each month. Failure to meet the instalment date will result in the full amount owed to be paid immediately. Please note that if your child is unable to attend a lesson for any reason outside the control of Durham Music Service (e.g. school trip, illness, exams, forgotten instrument) this will count towards the guaranteed 24 lessons.
Can we change instruments? Expand You may be able to change instruments, we will try to accommodate your requests, however changing instruments is subject to availability. We recommend that you contact us and request to speak with your child's teacher if you are considering changing instruments.
Can we hire an instrument? Expand We have a wide variety of instruments available for hire, if you are interested in hiring an instrument for your child please visit our instruments page for information about how to hire an instrument. We recommend that you speak with your child's visiting Durham Music Service teacher to enquire what instrument will be best suited for your child. If you would like us to arrange a call back request for you please contact us.
What do we do if our instrument gets damaged? Expand If the hired instrument is damaged please contact us, we require the damaged instrument to be returned to the Durham Music Service visiting teacher in order for this to be repaired by Durham Music Service's authorised repairers. Please note, repairs should not be attempted by unauthorised people. Parents/carers are responsible for the safe care of any instrument belonging to Durham Music Service. We are a self-sufficient and a not for profit business, for this reason, you will be charged for any loss or damage to the instrument.
How do we insure our instrument? Expand At this time we are unable to offer insurance recommendations, parents/carers are responsible for arranging "all-risks" insurance cover for their child's hired instrument.
Can we purchase an instrument? Expand We run an instrument purchase scheme which enables parents to buy new instruments at discounted prices. Your child's teacher will be able to offer advice on a suitable instrument. If you buy an instrument privately please contact us so that the hire charge for the following term can be cancelled.
Is private tuition available? Expand We currently do not offer private tuition, we recommend that you keep visiting our news page. If private tuition is made available we will broadcast this to our customers at the earliest opportunity.
Are there any extra costs? Expand Parents/carers may be asked to purchase music books for their child, (these are usually available from local music shops or you can visit www.DurhamMusic.co.uk who stock a large range of sheet music including all examining boards grade books) and occasionally items of equipment such as replacement reeds or strings. Our teachers aim to keep these costs to a minimum.
How do we stop taking lessons? Expand If you wish to stop your child's lessons please contact us via email or write a letter to Durham Music Service. Notice of termination of tuition/hire must be received by Durham Music Service before the invoice for the following term is issued. You will receive an invoice in September, December and April so you must let us know by the last day of the month before (i.e. August, November, March) or the fees for the following term will be payable. If you discontinue lessons/hire part way through a term you will still be required to pay the remaining payments on your issued invoice.
Terms & Conditions Expand Terms & Conditions Please note that by completing and submitting this form, you acknowledge that you are liable to pay all music service fees in respect of your child / children. • You have read the guidance notes for parents and pupils and accept the conditions. • You have been informed of charges for tuition and instrument hire and agree to pay for this service on a termly basis when invoiced. • You understand that you are liable for any loss or damage to any instrument issued to your child by the Music Service.• It is recommended that the instrument is insured for the full replacement value and included in a household insurance policy on an “all risks” basis. • Notice of termination of tuition/hire must be received by Durham Music Service before the invoice for the following term is issued. • Invoices are sent in September, January and April. You must let us know by the last day of the month before or the following term will remain payable. • If you discontinue lessons/hire part way through a term you will still be required to pay the remaining payments on your issued invoice. • You certify that the information you have given on this form is correct to the best of your knowledge. • You understand it will be processed by computer and used in accordance with the registration made by Durham County Council under the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.
St Leonards Parental Guidance Expand Why have instrumental or singing lessons? The ability to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also:• help social skills• build teamwork• increase self-confidence• give opportunities to perform• be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities• give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level. Research has shown that children who play an instrument perform better in their other subjects!Playing an instrument or singing does take commitment. Pupils need to bring their instrument or equipment to every lesson and will need to play or sing regularly at home. They will need support and encouragement and there may be times when they will find it difficult. Remember that they will not be able to play tunes straight away and that the early stages may not sound wonderful. Payment You will normally receive an invoice for lessons in September, January and April. The invoice is for the current term's lessons and the invoice will be sent by post. The invoice can be in full or in instalments, which are specified on the invoice itself. If you would like to pay be Direct Debit, please contact us on 03000 262368 and we will send you a Direct Debit mandate form. Please note that if payment of an instalment is not received on / by the due date, all the instalments on the invoice will be cancelled and the full amount will become due. We guarantee your child will be offered at least 24 lessons in a full school year (September to July) and we aim to provide 30 lessons. If your child begins lessons in the first half of a term (and can have at least 8 lessons) we will send you an invoice for that term’s lessons. If your child begins lessons in the second half of a term (and so cannot receive 8 lessons) we will not charge you for that term. If your child is unable to attend a lesson for a reason outside the control of Durham Music Service (e.g. illness, exams, forgotten instrument) this will count towards the 24 lessons. Prices There are charges for lessons and for the hire of an instrument Lessons £91 per term NB this fee is as agreed with St Leonards and may be different to the charge made in other schools. Hire of Instrument £39.00 per term If your child is eligible for free school meals on income grounds the following reduced charges apply: Lessons £41.25 per termHire of instrument £10.25 If your child is eligible for free school meals we must receive proof of this e.g. in the form of a copy of your tax credit award (showing you receive child tax credit only), or confirmation from your child’s school for you to receive the reduced charges. Note: Some schools support music lessons/ hire by paying the termly invoice for both tuition and hire of an instrument from pupil premium funding. This may apply only to pupils eligible for Free School Meals or to pupils eligible for FSM or pupil premium What do you need to do now? Sign up for lessons and a member of staff from Durham Music Service will be in touch to arrange your child's lessons. Instrument Loans We usually lend instruments for 1 year. The loan period for larger or more expensive instruments is longer and can be up to three years for the most expensive to buy. You will be responsible for the instrument loaned to your child. If any damage is caused or if the instrument is lost or stolen we will charge you for the repairs or replacement. You are therefore advised to make sure you have adequate insurance cover. Instruments will often be covered by household ‘contents’ policies or they can be insured separately through specialist insurance policies. Buying an Instrument Once your child is registered with Durham Music Service you can buy an instrument through our instrument purchase scheme – you will not pay VAT and prices are heavily discounted. Unfortunately, this excludes drum kits. We do not make a profit from this scheme and the instrument models available have been tried by our teachers. Your child’s teacher can offer advice on a suitable instrument and give you details about the scheme. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or would like to check on any prices. If you buy an instrument privately please inform Durham Music Service so arrangements can be made for the hired instrument to be returned and your invoicing details to be changed. Private Tuition We do not usually recommend that children receive lessons on an instrument that is being taught to them outside school – it is confusing for the pupil and unfair on other children wanting lessons. We recommend you contact Durham Music Service for advice if you feel this may apply to your child. Changing instruments It may be possible to change instruments but this is at the discretion of the teachers concerned. Sometimes a teacher may recommend a change of instrument e.g. brass teachers may feel that a different instrument would suit your child better or a string teacher may suggest a violin pupil tries the viola. Extra costs You will be asked to buy music books as your child needs them (usually available from local music shops) and occasional items of equipment e.g. woodwind pupils need to buy replacement reeds and string pupils need to buy strings when they break. Brass pupils will need to buy valve oil. Teachers will try to keep costs to a minimum. Thinking about buying instead of hiring? If you think you may do this please seek advice from your child's teacher and consider the following: Buying on the internet - some very poor quality instruments are for sale. Beware of unbranded instruments and those that only offer a money-back guarantee if the instrument is ‘un-played’ as there are many faults that only show up once an instrument is played or checked by an experienced player.‘Customer satisfaction’ responses often refer to delivery and appearance only. Brass instruments – it is often better to hire for a term as sometimes a child suits a different instrument from the one on which they initially start. String instruments (violins, violas, cellos) come in different sizes and it is very important to have the correct size. Percussion PupilsYour child will need a pair of drum sticks to commence lessons and these will need to be replaced as required. Drum sticks are not expensive and are available from the following:o Brotherton’s Music Shop, Bishop Auckland o Durham Music, Langley Moor or o https://www.durhammusicshop.co.uko www.musicroom.como www.amazon.co.ukIt is important that your child uses the correct size of drum stick. Your child's music teacher will inform you of the size they require. DMS strongly recommends the use of ear protection for drummers, particularly if playing an acoustic drum kit (i.e. not an electronic one). Ear plugs (single use or reusable) are not expensive and available online and from the music shops above.
St Bedes Lanchester Parental Guidance Expand Why have instrumental or singing lessons? The ability to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also:• help social skills• build teamwork• increase self-confidence• give opportunities to perform• be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities• give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level. Research has shown that children who play an instrument perform better in their other subjects!Playing an instrument or singing does take commitment. Pupils need to bring their instrument or equipment to every lesson and will need to play or sing regularly at home. They will need support and encouragement and there may be times when they will find it difficult. Remember that they will not be able to play tunes straight away and that the early stages may not sound wonderful. Payment You will normally receive an invoice for lessons in September, January and April. The invoice is for the current term's lessons and the invoice will be sent by post. The invoice can be in full or in instalments, which are specified on the invoice itself. If you would like to pay be Direct Debit, please contact us on 03000 262368 and we will send you a Direct Debit mandate form. Please note that if payment of an instalment is not received on / by the due date, all the instalments on the invoice will be cancelled and the full amount will become due. We guarantee your child will be offered at least 24 lessons in a full school year (September to July) and we aim to provide 30 lessons. If your child begins lessons in the first half of a term (and can have at least 8 lessons) we will send you an invoice for that term’s lessons. If your child begins lessons in the second half of a term (and so cannot receive 8 lessons) we will not charge you for that term. If your child is unable to attend a lesson for a reason outside the control of Durham Music Service (e.g. illness, exams, forgotten instrument) this will count towards the 24 lessons. Prices There are charges for lessons and for the hire of an instrument Lessons £80.50 per term NB this fee is as agreed with St Bedes Lanchester and may be different to the charge made in other schools. Hire of Instrument £39.00 per term If your child is eligible for free school meals on income grounds the following reduced charges apply: Lessons £41.25 per termHire of instrument £10.25 If your child is eligible for free school meals we must receive proof of this e.g. in the form of a copy of your tax credit award (showing you receive child tax credit only), or confirmation from your child’s school for you to receive the reduced charges. Note: Some schools support music lessons/ hire by paying the termly invoice for both tuition and hire of an instrument from pupil premium funding. This may apply only to pupils eligible for Free School Meals or to pupils eligible for FSM or pupil premium What do you need to do now? Sign up for lessons and a member of staff from Durham Music Service will be in touch to arrange your child's lessons. Instrument Loans We usually lend instruments for 1 year. The loan period for larger or more expensive instruments is longer and can be up to three years for the most expensive to buy. You will be responsible for the instrument loaned to your child. If any damage is caused or if the instrument is lost or stolen we will charge you for the repairs or replacement. You are therefore advised to make sure you have adequate insurance cover. Instruments will often be covered by household ‘contents’ policies or they can be insured separately through specialist insurance policies. Buying an Instrument Once your child is registered with Durham Music Service you can buy an instrument through our instrument purchase scheme – you will not pay VAT and prices are heavily discounted. Unfortunately, this excludes drum kits. We do not make a profit from this scheme and the instrument models available have been tried by our teachers. Your child’s teacher can offer advice on a suitable instrument and give you details about the scheme. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or would like to check on any prices. If you buy an instrument privately please inform Durham Music Service so arrangements can be made for the hired instrument to be returned and your invoicing details to be changed. Private Tuition We do not usually recommend that children receive lessons on an instrument that is being taught to them outside school – it is confusing for the pupil and unfair on other children wanting lessons. We recommend you contact Durham Music Service for advice if you feel this may apply to your child. Changing instruments It may be possible to change instruments but this is at the discretion of the teachers concerned. Sometimes a teacher may recommend a change of instrument e.g. brass teachers may feel that a different instrument would suit your child better or a string teacher may suggest a violin pupil tries the viola. Extra costs You will be asked to buy music books as your child needs them (usually available from local music shops) and occasional items of equipment e.g. woodwind pupils need to buy replacement reeds and string pupils need to buy strings when they break. Brass pupils will need to buy valve oil. Teachers will try to keep costs to a minimum. Thinking about buying instead of hiring? If you think you may do this please seek advice from your child's teacher and consider the following: Buying on the internet - some very poor quality instruments are for sale. Beware of unbranded instruments and those that only offer a money-back guarantee if the instrument is ‘un-played’ as there are many faults that only show up once an instrument is played or checked by an experienced player.‘Customer satisfaction’ responses often refer to delivery and appearance only. Brass instruments – it is often better to hire for a term as sometimes a child suits a different instrument from the one on which they initially start. String instruments (violins, violas, cellos) come in different sizes and it is very important to have the correct size. Percussion PupilsYour child will need a pair of drum sticks to commence lessons and these will need to be replaced as required. Drum sticks are not expensive and are available from the following:o Brotherton’s Music Shop, Bishop Auckland o Durham Music, Langley Moor or o https://www.durhammusicshop.co.uko www.musicroom.como www.amazon.co.ukIt is important that your child uses the correct size of drum stick. Your child's music teacher will inform you of the size they require. DMS strongly recommends the use of ear protection for drummers, particularly if playing an acoustic drum kit (i.e. not an electronic one). Ear plugs (single use or reusable) are not expensive and available online and from the music shops above.
Framwellgate School Parental Guidance Expand Why have instrumental or singing lessons? The ability to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also:• help social skills• build teamwork• increase self-confidence• give opportunities to perform• be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities• give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level. Research has shown that children who play an instrument perform better in their other subjects!Playing an instrument or singing does take commitment. Pupils need to bring their instrument or equipment to every lesson and will need to play or sing regularly at home. They will need support and encouragement and there may be times when they will find it difficult. Remember that they will not be able to play tunes straight away and that the early stages may not sound wonderful. Payment You will normally receive an invoice for lessons in September, January and April. The invoice is for the current term's lessons and the invoice will be sent by post. The invoice can be in full or in instalments, which are specified on the invoice itself. If you would like to pay be Direct Debit, please contact us on 03000 262368 and we will send you a Direct Debit mandate form. Please note that if payment of an instalment is not received on / by the due date, all the instalments on the invoice will be cancelled and the full amount will become due. We guarantee your child will be offered at least 24 lessons in a full school year (September to July) and we aim to provide 30 lessons. If your child begins lessons in the first half of a term (and can have at least 8 lessons) we will send you an invoice for that term’s lessons. If your child begins lessons in the second half of a term (and so cannot receive 8 lessons) we will not charge you for that term. If your child is unable to attend a lesson for a reason outside the control of Durham Music Service (e.g. illness, exams, forgotten instrument) this will count towards the 24 lessons. Prices There are charges for lessons and for the hire of an instrument Lessons £121.50 per term NB this fee is as agreed with Framwellgate School and may be different to the charge made in other schools. Hire of Instrument £39.00 per term If your child is eligible for free school meals on income grounds the following reduced charges apply: Lessons £41.25 per termHire of instrument £10.25 If your child is eligible for free school meals we must receive proof of this e.g. in the form of a copy of your tax credit award (showing you receive child tax credit only), or confirmation from your child’s school for you to receive the reduced charges. Note: Some schools support music lessons/ hire by paying the termly invoice for both tuition and hire of an instrument from pupil premium funding. This may apply only to pupils eligible for Free School Meals or to pupils eligible for FSM or pupil premium What do you need to do now? Sign up for lessons and a member of staff from Durham Music Service will be in touch to arrange your child's lessons. Instrument Loans We usually lend instruments for 1 year. The loan period for larger or more expensive instruments is longer and can be up to three years for the most expensive to buy. You will be responsible for the instrument loaned to your child. If any damage is caused or if the instrument is lost or stolen we will charge you for the repairs or replacement. You are therefore advised to make sure you have adequate insurance cover. Instruments will often be covered by household ‘contents’ policies or they can be insured separately through specialist insurance policies. Buying an Instrument Once your child is registered with Durham Music Service you can buy an instrument through our instrument purchase scheme – you will not pay VAT and prices are heavily discounted. Unfortunately, this excludes drum kits. We do not make a profit from this scheme and the instrument models available have been tried by our teachers. Your child’s teacher can offer advice on a suitable instrument and give you details about the scheme. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or would like to check on any prices. If you buy an instrument privately please inform Durham Music Service so arrangements can be made for the hired instrument to be returned and your invoicing details to be changed. Private Tuition We do not usually recommend that children receive lessons on an instrument that is being taught to them outside school – it is confusing for the pupil and unfair on other children wanting lessons. We recommend you contact Durham Music Service for advice if you feel this may apply to your child. Changing instruments It may be possible to change instruments but this is at the discretion of the teachers concerned. Sometimes a teacher may recommend a change of instrument e.g. brass teachers may feel that a different instrument would suit your child better or a string teacher may suggest a violin pupil tries the viola. Extra costs You will be asked to buy music books as your child needs them (usually available from local music shops) and occasional items of equipment e.g. woodwind pupils need to buy replacement reeds and string pupils need to buy strings when they break. Brass pupils will need to buy valve oil. Teachers will try to keep costs to a minimum. Thinking about buying instead of hiring? If you think you may do this please seek advice from your child's teacher and consider the following: Buying on the internet - some very poor quality instruments are for sale. Beware of unbranded instruments and those that only offer a money-back guarantee if the instrument is ‘un-played’ as there are many faults that only show up once an instrument is played or checked by an experienced player.‘Customer satisfaction’ responses often refer to delivery and appearance only. Brass instruments – it is often better to hire for a term as sometimes a child suits a different instrument from the one on which they initially start. String instruments (violins, violas, cellos) come in different sizes and it is very important to have the correct size. Percussion PupilsYour child will need a pair of drum sticks to commence lessons and these will need to be replaced as required. Drum sticks are not expensive and are available from the following:o Brotherton’s Music Shop, Bishop Auckland o Durham Music, Langley Moor or o https://www.durhammusicshop.co.uko www.musicroom.como www.amazon.co.ukIt is important that your child uses the correct size of drum stick. Your child's music teacher will inform you of the size they require. DMS strongly recommends the use of ear protection for drummers, particularly if playing an acoustic drum kit (i.e. not an electronic one). Ear plugs (single use or reusable) are not expensive and available online and from the music shops above.
Durham Johnston Parental Guidance Expand Why have instrumental or singing lessons? The ability to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also:• help social skills• build teamwork• increase self-confidence• give opportunities to perform• be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities• give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level. Research has shown that children who play an instrument perform better in their other subjects!Playing an instrument or singing does take commitment. Pupils need to bring their instrument or equipment to every lesson and will need to play or sing regularly at home. They will need support and encouragement and there may be times when they will find it difficult. Remember that they will not be able to play tunes straight away and that the early stages may not sound wonderful. Payment You will normally receive an invoice for lessons in September, January and April. The invoice is for the current term's lessons and the invoice will be sent by post. The invoice can be in full or in instalments, which are specified on the invoice itself. If you would like to pay be Direct Debit, please contact us on 03000 262368 and we will send you a Direct Debit mandate form. Please note that if payment of an instalment is not received on / by the due date, all the instalments on the invoice will be cancelled and the full amount will become due. We guarantee your child will be offered at least 24 lessons in a full school year (September to July) and we aim to provide 30 lessons. If your child begins lessons in the first half of a term (and can have at least 8 lessons) we will send you an invoice for that term’s lessons. If your child begins lessons in the second half of a term (and so cannot receive 8 lessons) we will not charge you for that term. If your child is unable to attend a lesson for a reason outside the control of Durham Music Service (e.g. illness, exams, forgotten instrument) this will count towards the 24 lessons. Prices There are charges for lessons and for the hire of an instrument Lessons £80.50 per term NB this fee is as agreed with Durham Johnston and may be different to the charge made in other schools. Hire of Instrument £39.00 per term If your child is eligible for free school meals on income grounds the following reduced charges apply: Lessons £41.75 per termHire of instrument £10.25 If your child is eligible for free school meals we must receive proof of this e.g. in the form of a copy of your tax credit award (showing you receive child tax credit only), or confirmation from your child’s school for you to receive the reduced charges. Note: Some schools support music lessons/ hire by paying the termly invoice for both tuition and hire of an instrument from pupil premium funding. This may apply only to pupils eligible for Free School Meals or to pupils eligible for FSM or pupil premium What do you need to do now? Sign up for lessons and a member of staff from Durham Music Service will be in touch to arrange your child's lessons. Instrument Loans We usually lend instruments for 1 year. The loan period for larger or more expensive instruments is longer and can be up to three years for the most expensive to buy. You will be responsible for the instrument loaned to your child. If any damage is caused or if the instrument is lost or stolen we will charge you for the repairs or replacement. You are therefore advised to make sure you have adequate insurance cover. Instruments will often be covered by household ‘contents’ policies or they can be insured separately through specialist insurance policies. Buying an Instrument Once your child is registered with Durham Music Service you can buy an instrument through our instrument purchase scheme – you will not pay VAT and prices are heavily discounted. Unfortunately, this excludes drum kits. We do not make a profit from this scheme and the instrument models available have been tried by our teachers. Your child’s teacher can offer advice on a suitable instrument and give you details about the scheme. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or would like to check on any prices. If you buy an instrument privately please inform Durham Music Service so arrangements can be made for the hired instrument to be returned and your invoicing details to be changed. Private Tuition We do not usually recommend that children receive lessons on an instrument that is being taught to them outside school – it is confusing for the pupil and unfair on other children wanting lessons. We recommend you contact Durham Music Service for advice if you feel this may apply to your child. Changing instruments It may be possible to change instruments but this is at the discretion of the teachers concerned. Sometimes a teacher may recommend a change of instrument e.g. brass teachers may feel that a different instrument would suit your child better or a string teacher may suggest a violin pupil tries the viola. Extra costs You will be asked to buy music books as your child needs them (usually available from local music shops) and occasional items of equipment e.g. woodwind pupils need to buy replacement reeds and string pupils need to buy strings when they break. Brass pupils will need to buy valve oil. Teachers will try to keep costs to a minimum. Thinking about buying instead of hiring? If you think you may do this please seek advice from your child's teacher and consider the following: Buying on the internet - some very poor quality instruments are for sale. Beware of unbranded instruments and those that only offer a money-back guarantee if the instrument is ‘un-played’ as there are many faults that only show up once an instrument is played or checked by an experienced player.‘Customer satisfaction’ responses often refer to delivery and appearance only. Brass instruments – it is often better to hire for a term as sometimes a child suits a different instrument from the one on which they initially start. String instruments (violins, violas, cellos) come in different sizes and it is very important to have the correct size. Percussion PupilsYour child will need a pair of drum sticks to commence lessons and these will need to be replaced as required. Drum sticks are not expensive and are available from the following:o Brotherton’s Music Shop, Bishop Auckland o Durham Music, Langley Moor or o https://www.durhammusicshop.co.uko www.musicroom.como www.amazon.co.ukIt is important that your child uses the correct size of drum stick. Your child's music teacher will inform you of the size they require. DMS strongly recommends the use of ear protection for drummers, particularly if playing an acoustic drum kit (i.e. not an electronic one). Ear plugs (single use or reusable) are not expensive and available online and from the music shops above.
Standard Parental Guidance Instrumental, Percussion and Vocal Tuition guidance for parents across Durham and Darlington schools. Expand Why have instrumental or singing lessons? The ability to play an instrument or to sing will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Playing and singing will not only increase their understanding and enjoyment of music it can also:• help social skills• build teamwork• increase self-confidence• give opportunities to perform• be a fulfilling hobby that can open up new opportunities• give children a head start in music lessons, from Primary school to GCSE, AS and A Level. Research has shown that children who play an instrument perform better in their other subjects!Playing an instrument or singing does take commitment. Pupils need to bring their instrument or equipment to every lesson and will need to play or sing regularly at home. They will need support and encouragement and there may be times when they will find it difficult. Remember that they will not be able to play tunes straight away and that the early stages may not sound wonderful. Payment You will normally receive an invoice for lessons in September, January and April. The invoice is for the current term's lessons and the invoice will be sent by post. The invoice can be in full or in instalments, which are specified on the invoice itself. If you would like to pay be Direct Debit, please contact us on 03000 262368 and we will send you a Direct Debit mandate form. Please note that if payment of an instalment is not received on / by the due date, all the instalments on the invoice will be cancelled and the full amount will become due. We guarantee your child will be offered at least 24 lessons in a full school year (September to July) and we aim to provide 30 lessons. If your child begins lessons in the first half of a term (and can have at least 8 lessons) we will send you an invoice for that term’s lessons. If your child begins lessons in the second half of a term (and so cannot receive 8 lessons) we will not charge you for that term. If your child is unable to attend a lesson for a reason outside the control of Durham Music Service (e.g. illness, exams, forgotten instrument) this will count towards the 24 lessons. Prices There are charges for lessons and for the hire of an instrument Lessons £60 per term Hire of Instrument £39.00 per term If your child is eligible for free school meals on income grounds the following reduced charges apply: Lessons £41.75 per termHire of instrument £10.25 If your child is eligible for free school meals we must receive proof of this e.g. in the form of a copy of your tax credit award (showing you receive child tax credit only), or confirmation from your child’s school for you to receive the reduced charges. Note: Some schools support music lessons/ hire by paying the termly invoice for both tuition and hire of an instrument from pupil premium funding. This may apply only to pupils eligible for Free School Meals or to pupils eligible for FSM or pupil premium What do you need to do now? Sign up for lessons and a member of staff from Durham Music Service will be in touch to arrange your child's lessons. Instrument Loans We usually lend instruments for 1 year. The loan period for larger or more expensive instruments is longer and can be up to three years for the most expensive to buy. You will be responsible for the instrument loaned to your child. If any damage is caused or if the instrument is lost or stolen we will charge you for the repairs or replacement. You are therefore advised to make sure you have adequate insurance cover. Instruments will often be covered by household ‘contents’ policies or they can be insured separately through specialist insurance policies. Buying an Instrument Once your child is registered with Durham Music Service you can buy an instrument through our instrument purchase scheme – you will not pay VAT and prices are heavily discounted. Unfortunately, this excludes drum kits. We do not make a profit from this scheme and the instrument models available have been tried by our teachers. Your child’s teacher can offer advice on a suitable instrument and give you details about the scheme. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or would like to check on any prices. If you buy an instrument privately please inform Durham Music Service so arrangements can be made for the hired instrument to be returned and your invoicing details to be changed. Private Tuition We do not usually recommend that children receive lessons on an instrument that is being taught to them outside school – it is confusing for the pupil and unfair on other children wanting lessons. We recommend you contact Durham Music Service for advice if you feel this may apply to your child. Changing instruments It may be possible to change instruments but this is at the discretion of the teachers concerned. Sometimes a teacher may recommend a change of instrument e.g. brass teachers may feel that a different instrument would suit your child better or a string teacher may suggest a violin pupil tries the viola. Extra costs You will be asked to buy music books as your child needs them (usually available from local music shops) and occasional items of equipment e.g. woodwind pupils need to buy replacement reeds and string pupils need to buy strings when they break. Brass pupils will need to buy valve oil. Teachers will try to keep costs to a minimum. Thinking about buying instead of hiring? If you think you may do this please seek advice from your child's teacher and consider the following: Buying on the internet - some very poor quality instruments are for sale. Beware of unbranded instruments and those that only offer a money-back guarantee if the instrument is ‘un-played’ as there are many faults that only show up once an instrument is played or checked by an experienced player.‘Customer satisfaction’ responses often refer to delivery and appearance only. Brass instruments – it is often better to hire for a term as sometimes a child suits a different instrument from the one on which they initially start. String instruments (violins, violas, cellos) come in different sizes and it is very important to have the correct size. Percussion PupilsYour child will need a pair of drum sticks to commence lessons and these will need to be replaced as required. Drum sticks are not expensive and are available from the following:o Brotherton’s Music Shop, Bishop Auckland o Durham Music, Langley Moor or o https://www.durhammusicshop.co.uko www.musicroom.como www.amazon.co.ukIt is important that your child uses the correct size of drum stick. Your child's music teacher will inform you of the size they require. DMS strongly recommends the use of ear protection for drummers, particularly if playing an acoustic drum kit (i.e. not an electronic one). Ear plugs (single use or reusable) are not expensive and available online and from the music shops above.