Incentive to be music scholar?

[MyrtleSuperstore]

My son has just been offered a music scholarship for secondary school, which means he can have one half lessons for his instrument every week with a music teacher in school. My son is good because his teacher outside of school is very good and and he teaches during school holidays so he has progressed faster than his fellow school friends.

The school will not give a financial discount on the school fees (to the value of what the lessons would cost the school) so I’m wondering what is the incentive for him to be a music scholar. The school will obviously lose the commitment from my son to take part in musical events at school, even though he would love to take part, he doesn’t have to.

Is it still worth accepting the status of ‘music scholar’ but not actually receiving the financial benefit. I.e. what does my son get out of it? How will this label enhance his University application etc.?

It’s not very clear what you are saying. What do you mean by “one half lessons for his instrument every week”? Do you mean one half-an-hour lesson, perhaps? Charged to you at full cost, or free?

Ultimately you will have to consider why you applied for the scholarship and whether the terms offered provide any significant net benefit.

I very much doubt that an honorific title of music scholar will have any bearing whatsoever on university applications in due course. It’s really just a school thing. If what they have offered is just a title with more obligations than benefits, you might well conclude it’s not worth the bother.

Could he keep his current teacher for his current instrument and take up a new instrument, being taught at school ?

I would check with the school what (if any) other incentives there might be. At my children's school, as well as the financial incentive (which, when they were there meant money off fees), there were opportunities for music scholars that weren't open to others. For example, they had coaching in chamber groups and the opportunity to play in scholars' concerts.

As far as university applications were concerned, I don't think the scholarships made a scrap of difference, even to the one who went on to do a music degree.

Apologies yes I meant half hour lesson.

What you get for music scholarships is really school specific.

DD's music scholarship at a state school got her a place at the school, free half-hour lessons in her first study, free theory lessons, access to huge numbers of groups and ensembles and scholars concerts/workshops, and lots of support from the music department. In return she had to take GCSE music and participate in the concerts. So not onerous and more opportunities on offer than slave to the department.

Indie schools we looked at/applied to all had 10% fees reduction and free tuition in two instruments/voice. You were expected to participate in the music department - but that was somewhat dependent on instrument.

Just getting free 30 minute lessons doesn't sound like much of an offer and I'd be weighing up if it was worth it.

(FWIW, 30 minutes/week is not really enough if they are really serious about music. We negotiated paying to extend DD's school lessons to an hour, plus she sees her original first study teacher for an hour a week all year outside school plus teachers for second study instruments, composition etc.)

30 minutes a week at beyond beginner is nowhere near enough. You will be expected to top up so not much incentive.

I agree your child should take up a second study instrument. Their instrument teacher probably won't want someone else teaching them anyway.

I think the "what's in it for me" / "have to attend concerts" attitude is a bit strange.

My son is at state school with a great music department and it is an honour and privilege to be given solos in concerts etc, for the teachers to give up their time practicing after school etc.

If your child doesn't love music and doesn't want to be involved in these events then decline it for a child that would like to.

Another vote for take up another instrument at school. This is what my DS did. If he's serious about music it's normal to play two instruments.

My assumption would be that a music scholar already had 2 instruments?

I would also suggest asking if the lesson can be on his other instrument , or for starting one.

I don't think it will have any direct relevance to Uni applications, unless he applies for music and really throws himself into every music opportunity offered between then and now and something that stands out as unusual happens! Music scholars aren't rare.

Exactly 30 minutes is not enough, the current teacher outside of school is very dedicated, takes a group of his students to the city orchestra, organises concerts of his own. Leading up to festivals and exams he will provide more lessons.

Also my son plays two instruments already, Piano and Cello, the piano teacher is also outside of school and she again is amazing.

My son loves music but he gets more out of the lessons and inspiration from the teachers he already has. He performs in concerts and festivals all organised by my self and the teachers he has, so really the school is not offering anything other than the ‘honour’ as you put it. That is why I am asking, what is it worth? He plays two instruments very well and has won in festivals. At this stage I feel the school should be honoured to have him showcase as opposed to the other way round.

Schools vary greatly. At my school, being a music scholar gets you the cash equivalent of two instruments' fees, which isn't much in percentage terms. But students also get weekly chamber music rehearsals with a pro, get preference for solo opportunities and partnership projects, and social events. I would hate it if any parent thinks we should be honoured to have their child though; please don't be that parent (for the sake of your child if nothing else)