Compusory musical instrument loan/lessons

[NotaDisneyMum]

Every child in year 4 of a local school was issued with a brass instrument at the beginning of term, ranging from cornets to tubas, which they take to and from home a couple of days a week, and they have lessons as a class as part of the curriculum. They are also given exercises to practice at home.

The same group of children were previously offered the chance to opt for peripatetic music lessons for other instruments, that parents pay for, so some children are lugging two instruments to and from school, and trying to learn two different instruments simultaneously - one which they chose, and the other which they were allocated.

Is this common practice? It is the first time I've heard of it; but wondered if it was done elsewhere? It has caused a bit of upset amongst the parents (particularly the ones whose children have been allocated euphoniums!) which is how I've heard about it!

Not common, no.

We have compulsory brass in year 5 at ds's school. I'm really looking forward to it - probably because ds is in year 3! This suggests that somewhere along the line some particular foundation or whatever has offered funding for brass instruments in primary schools; perhaps they've been identified as shortage instruments at the moment.

I have to say that as a school I would give fairly short shrift to parents who felt they were being oppressed by provision of free music lessons. However, as ds plays the cello at the mo, no doubt I will feel their pain when the time comes. Could the school identify a locked cupboard and a pre-school/post-school practice room so that there is less lugging involved?

Not remotely uncommon. It's called 'Wider Opportunities' and was an initiative put forward by the previous government. Supposedly all children in state primary schools were to have the opportunity to learn an instrument in the whole class setting.

However, it is likely to disappear in these tighter times.

I reserve judgement on the pros and cons of the scheme.

We had it first of all in year 3 three years ago, one class learnt violin and the other guitar. The following two years they all learnt guitars. This year recorders. It was only for a term and the parents were warned about kyat the transition meeting. There is/was funding the school could apply for. I think communication or lack of it could be the issue here, however it could be that the school has only just got the funding or an opportunity has just come up. There is a lot of evidence to support academic achievement and music. Think of all those children who are getting a chance who don't usually.

I think its a great idea - as nmason says it gives all those children who wouldn't usually play an instrument a chance to try one, including the shy ones who won't 'sign up' for anything as well as those whose parents can't afford lessons.

In my childhood the 'universal' instrument was the recorder mind you, which is easier to carry than a euphonium but it doesn't seem fashionable these days!

I think it's a great idea (excepting that euphonium, however!).

This term dd's class are all learning the violin or cello. As Takver says, many children who wouldn't have touched these instruments with a barge pole before are now keen to carry on playing (including dd).

I agree it is a shame that the recorder is now seen as naff. Everyone played at primary school and as a result could all read music to some extent.

Our local schools teach guitar to Y4. I have a Y4 dd who is enjoying it so I think that it's great.