Primary Instrumental Programme Wind, Brass and Percussion

“Let us take our children seriously! Everything else follows from this… only the best is good enough for a child.” — Zoltán Kodály

Primary Instrumental Programme Wind, Brass and Percussion

For beginner students in Primary 4 & 5

As part of our Primary Instrumental Programme, we offer young people in Primary 4 & 5 instrumental group lessons in Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. The programme is aimed at complete beginners and is open access with no need to audition.

All classes will take place on Sundays in the RCS during term-time from September 2023 with each participant receiving:

•  a group instrumental lesson
• a practical musicianship class
• and an ensemble session where all participants will come together as part of our P4 & 5 Concert Band!

Led by a team of professional music specialists, sessions are designed to introduce children to instrumental music-making, practical musicianship through play-based learning and interactive activities designed to align with developmental milestones for your child.

Alongside the instrumental performance skills, participants will also develop skills in rhythm, pitch, coordination, and imagination all of which enhance and develop confidence, cognitive development, life skills, and confidence.

Instrumental Lessons

From Primary 4 & 5 onwards, children can access group instrumental lessons on the following instruments:

• Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone)
• Brass (Trumpet, Trombone and French Horn)
• Percussion (Tuned and Un-tuned)

Please be advised that, for session 2023-24, we currently expect to be able to offer group tuition in flute, trumpet or percussion to new students.

Instrumental lessons will last for 30 minutes each week and will be delivered in small groups of up to 4 students. As part of the introductory workshop staff will work with students to identify and match them to the most suitable wind, brass, or percussion instrument to help support their musical development going forward. Each participant will be provided with an instrument at the start of term.

Learning a musical instrument from an early age has so many benefits for young people and their development. The video below is a brilliant animation by Dr Anita Collins which provides a fascinating insight into the unique benefits.

Practical Musicianship

Classes will explore a variety of skills: engaging children in aural, kinaesthetic, and cognitive learning and the practical content of sessions ensures that students develop a confident and competent understanding of each skill presented. Practical musicianship classes last for 45 minutes each week and aim to increase students’ appreciation and understanding of music in a wider context, enabling them to develop as better all-round musicians.

Each level has been carefully designed to help students realise their full potential for enjoying and understanding music as performers and listeners. Classes are capped at a maximum of 12 students to ensure the optimum learning environment and an enjoyable class experience for children in Primary 4 & 5.

Ensemble

In addition to the group instrumental lesson and practical musicianship class, each young person will also benefit from being part our P4 & 5 Concert Band. The Concert Band will comprise of all Wind, Brass and Percussion students and forms an integral part of the Sunday activities.

The musical benefits of participating in an ensemble are innumerable with participants honing additional skills like playing together, accuracy in keeping beat, awareness of blend and balance of sound, intonation, and attention to detail when reading music. Beyond these benefits though, the most important thing is that playing in an ensemble is great fun!

How to Apply

Our application form for session 2023-24 is now closed.

If you have any further queries, please get in touch with us at PrimaryInstrumental@rcs.ac.uk.

Our application form for session 2023-24 is now closed.

Please be advised that applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis in the event that the programme is oversubscribed. Places on the programme are limited and unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee that we can offer a place to every applicant.

Classes are typically held between 10:00-14:00 on Sundays.

If you have any further queries, please get in touch with us at PrimaryInstrumental@rcs.ac.uk.

Term Dates 2023/24

Term 1: 10 September — 10 December 2023
Term 2: 7 January — 17 March 2024
Term 3: 21 April — 16 June 2024

Tuition Fees 2023/24

Fees for the RCS PIP Woodwind, Brass and Percussion programme for session 2023/24 are £965 and cover all classes within the programme:

• group instrumental lesson
• practical musicianship class
• concert band

Fees can be paid in one lump sum at the beginning of term or spread over the duration of the year in monthly instalments.

Please note that musicianship classes are a compulsory element of the Early Years Music and Primary Instrumental Programme. All students receiving instrumental lessons must also attend the musicianship class appropriate to their school year.

Please view our Terms and Conditions.