Music Specialist School Discussion

Oh kutik - it's a difficult decision of course.

But ultimately no-one has a crystal ball - it's impossible to say what will happen in the future and whatever you choose at this point you may end up having regrets. Everyone will have a different experience to share - some positive, some negative but of course what is best for others might not be the best for your DS and your family.

It seems to me that your DS will have more regrets if he is not allowed to follow his dream at this point. And as you have already identified, it will be easier in the future for him to move from the specialist music path to a different one (should he ultimately decide to go a different way) than it would to try to move from a more mainstream choice to a specialist one.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

I was a very musical child. I had Grade 8 recorder, Grade 5 violin/piano/oboe by 11. I was obsessed by music, had perfect pitch, did nothing but music, all driven by me.

I begged my mum NOT to send me away to music school because I was an incredibly anxious/homesick/sensitive kid (probably undiagnosed SPD) and couldn't cope with the thought of boarding.

As secondary school progressed, I suddenly found myself hating being put in the musician box, and wanting other things. I did do Music at Oxford eventually, but hated the degree and wished I'd done languages or politics/psychology. I hated practising by that stage, too (not a perfectionist!).

It's just another perspective I suppose. Good luck with your decision!

It's good you have the voices of caution. On the other hand I think from your DS's point of view he's just been offered a place at Hogwarts and you're not going to get very far telling him he might not want a career in magic.

One thing stuck out - I gave up Latin at normal secondary school because I wanted more time for music practice. We also didn't have a triple science option. Neither of these hindered my academic career in the slightest. Your DS may well end up making academic compromises for music wherever he goes, from what you've said so far they don't seem like huge ones.

We had this too Kutik, from dd’s teacher and head of local music service and head of her primary school.
I ignored all, as it was what dd wanted. I’m not saying I didn’t have any doubts at all, but I can say that it was definitely the best decision- she went, and she’s as happy as anything.
I would go on what mini-Kutik wants and what you feel will make him the happiest.
Others may think they know what’s best for him- but only you, mini-Kutik and your husband will know that.

Congratulations Kutik, it sounds as if the decision won't be as difficult as you first thought.

I agree with folk .

Also, I would say that six very very long days a week (week days with full day at secondary school + super early practice + long commute, followed by j.d. on Saturday) is not impossible. Many of our children will do similar. But it is a tough life and mini- kutik will probably be happier in his ‘dream school’.

If he is academic, and he decides music is not for him, he will easily catch up in 6th form or uni. Believe me, as a university academic, I have seen students from all sorts of backgrounds flourish at different ages. For example, one of our highest flying post doctoral researchers was an international level gymnast, who had a very limited school education (much more limited than at specialist music school!). When she retired, age 18, she quickly picked up high A levels at a sixth form college and is now on her way to being a successful academic. The self discipline she learnt in the gym has served her well.

When considering this problem, you need to consider the risks both sides (of going and of not going) and the opportunities. It is not a given that mini- kutik will get this opportunity again, and in time he may resent that he didn’t go.

Some claimed they felt like they were living in a prison, some expressed unhappiness (even though they recognised the benefit and appreciated their fortunate position), some teachers talked about very able young musicians going to specialist school as a huge mistake, etc…

Every year a number of children are assessed out, this is quite often best for the child and the tax payer
It's a catch 2 situation, whilst the schools take children with potential, sooner or later they have to realise this potential.
If their heart isn't in it and they aren't bouncing to a practice room, because they see practice as a chore they need encouraging or cajoling to do, they won't last long.
They expect far more as you move up the school and some children can't cope with it, in fairness they are boot camps for musicians.
It doesn't matter if they come in at grade 8 or no grades taken at all, grades aren't really considered as a mark of improvement, more of an additional. They do take grades but they aren't seen as important.
You can have a grade 5 student working at undergrad level in some aspects.
DD said it's regularly stated that grade 8 if they have it is the starting point to begin study

Kutik I have been chewing on this for my car journey. I only know you all in the virtual world, but fwiw here are my thoughts.

You are not putting all his eggs in one basket. Not one bit. There is no time limit on academic achievement- my extremely intelligent cousin (deliberately) flunked School and later went back abc now has 3 undergrad degrees and is half way through a PhD. As you have said, children change their direction and leave the school to go back to 'normal' academic life with the Head's support.

Mini Kutik has driven this, right from the start. As you said, it's his 'dream school'. And for those that argue how can a 10yr old know what they want, my 10yr old musician (admittedly not as advanced) is not banging on at me about music school!! Now that he has the place, what would the consequences be for your relationship if you say he can't go??

I really think fate takes a hand in these situations. The way everything happened, (no spaces, send in video, come for trial, oh look we found a space!) I genuinely think this is the path he is meant to be on. And if it's not, nothing is permanent.

Those 'capable' musicians that got by on an hours practice a day... just think what they might have been with 3-4 hrs per day in a specialist environment!! If Music is to be Mini Kutik's life (and who knows the answer to that right now!!) this would give him the absolute best chance xx

I agree with Gilly - everyone will have their views but take it in, consider and use it to test your thinking. The right answer for your family will pop out 😀 and def agree re practice etc - for strings building finger strength etc take much time now. Dd’s Teacher told her today an hour enough is not right anymore 2-3 hrs building to 3-4 are needed for cello. She may be being rather extreme but I take her general point that there may be a choice to be made. Not that we are aiming for the world stage but if dd was and had that talent then I would def be considering alternative routes

Kutik

It's the same as dd school, like I posted above. What does it matter if the child is happy and yours will get to do his sport on a Saturday.

She is right it's putting all your eggs in one basket for a while, but your ds knows what he wants to do, if he is like my dd wild horses wouldn't stop him.

Maybe, in their own way the teacher is playing devils advocate which ime was good and served us well. There wasn't anything we weren't really aware of when we started.
Or the teacher may just be a cynic and not wanting to lose your ds as a pupil.

That's where many get it wrong I'm afraid. Yes, you can do well with just one hour practice a day, but it takes much more practice to become a reputed musician.
Even rank and file in orchestras are past jd and conservatoire students.
When you are looking at becoming professional, or world renowned you are looking at 4+ hours a day.
Mine is expected to do more practice during the holidays than term time as there is more time due to no academic classes.
So she will do 2 hours first study, one hour second study and 2 hours 3rd study, as advised, throughout the holiday.

Maybe she just wants to keep him Kutik???

I'm not sure that's necessarily the case Kutik, some JD's are more selective than others...

What does Mr Kutik think of it all? Does he have a clear preference?

That is wonderful, and I am sure he will be very very happy! The younger kids all run around a lot, constant football, so even though there isn't much PE, they are active and lively.

The kind and supportive atmosphere among the kids is the best thing about the school-

Congrats to miniKutik!

Congrats mini Kutik and Kutik- I knew he would get a place! 🤣
Good luck with all the prep- I’m sure he’ll love it!

2ndSoprano

I'm so sorry, I missed your post. Likewise, I'm not an authority but dd is just finishing her third year there and if I can help, I will.
There is so much to know about these schools before you commit.
I agree with others though, if it doesn't suit you can leave.

I think it's only our school that don't encourage jd's at the weekend as they have full orchestra rehearsals on a Saturday morning, and some sectionals, plus the ensembles.
Mine is usually free after lunch, and will get the train home to return after tea on Sunday.

Reading your OP, the question of making a wrong decision for the child is something you have to weigh up.
You can read a lot between the lines through their websites, look at the reports both boarding and ofsted.
E.g we realised there would be very little PE it was stated on one of the inspection reports. It's pretty obvious with individual programmes and so few children, team sports are pretty much out.
We knew which subjects wouldn't be an option for GCSE, they offer the same each year.
We didn't know there would only be two option for GCSE but it's worked out ok. I'm glad dd will do 8 at most.
I think whichever specialist music school you attend unless Wells, which isn't really music specialist, you have to know that the education is usually the min hours allowed per subject, the music always has to come first, as it's why they are there.

They do get extremely tired and although they have downtime, fun and games it's unlikely that boarders would be able to fit in any regular extra curricular activities that requires commitment.
During the evening they have prep, sometimes supervised and maybe practice or a rehearsal.
Saying that, once a week dd does Scouts, the group come into school, and they do go camping a few times a year.

Drop me a pm Kutik, will help with anything I can, I know there will be obvious differences but from what I've heard, they all share certain similarities.