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Curriculum Information
Music Department
Music Department
Dear Parents,
Instrumental lessons can commence at anytime during the academic year as long as there is space available. Contact should be made with the Director of Music, who can give relevant information regarding availability. If no space is available pupils will go on a waiting list.
A written notice of at least half a term to the Director of Music is necessary for stopping instrumental lessons.
Music books and accessories will be provided by the school and the cost of these will be added on the term's bill.
Practice Diaries are issued at a small cost to all instrumental pupils where the instrumental teachers write instructions for each week's practice.
N.B. These diaries are not a reliable record of number of lessons received.
Instrumental hire is available for most instruments and will be added onto the end of term bill. The cost of hire per term is £45.00.
Contact with instrumental teachers can sometimes be had at the start or at the end of the school day, but an appointment beforehand is advisable.
Visits to instrumental lessons can be arranged with the instrumental tutor. This can be helpful to establish personal contact with your child's instrumental teacher and to find out how the teacher works with your child. This is also a good way of finding out what you can do to help your child at home should it be necessary. Please make an appointment well in advance with the instrumental teacher concerned.
Yours sincerely,
Ástmar Ólafsson
It is assumed that this policy will remain the same from year to year, but changing circumstances may cause the document to be revised from time to time.
Aims of the Music Department
It is the aim of the Music Department to encourage the children at Craigclowan School to listen to music critically, to study the performance of music according to their ability and inclination and to enable them to create their own music. This should encourage them to be able to enjoy music in all its variety more deeply.
The underlying principle of the work of the department is the assumption that pupils gain in maturity, greater self-discipline and enhanced social skills by participating in organised music activities, thus enriching their all-round learning in the school environment.
Instrumental Tuition
Instrumental tuition takes place during the normal school times on an individual basis. Lessons are of 30 minutes duration once a week From the beginning the pupils are taught the principles of music notation, the appropriate technique for playing the instrument concerned, supported by theory of music and aural skills. As the pupil progresses the repertoire becomes more wide-ranging and may introduce various styles and periods in music history.
To ensure proper progress the pupils will have to practise at least 10 - 15 minutes twice a day but those who are more advanced will need considerably longer practice each day to ensure good progress.
It is advisable that parents monitor the practice of their children at least at the beginner's stage and encourage and help them to follow the instructions of the teacher concerned. Weekly instruction are written by the teacher in a Practice Diary, which all pupils are given. This should enable the parents to monitor what is to be worked on each week. In addition each parent is able to sit in on their child's instrumental lessons at least once each term should they wish at a time negotiated with the instrumental teacher concerned.
It is possible to learn more than one instrument at a time on the understanding that the pupil has to be very organised in terms of practice at home and to be able to make up for missed class lessons. In some exceptional cases pupils study three instruments within the school but these must be seen as special cases and careful planning is needed to ensure that their instrumental programme and class lessons can operate smoothly side by side. The Director of Music must be consulted in these cases.
Woodwind Instruments
The following woodwind instruments can be studied: flute, clarinet, oboe and saxophone. It is generally expected that pupils will start between the ages of 7 - 9 years on these instruments, but an assessment by the instrumental teacher of the pupil's size and maturity may determine the starting age.
The aim is to introduce the pupils to the various techniques required for the instrument, the appropriate repertoire from a range of periods, and music notation. As these instruments are widely used in group music making, pupils are encouraged to participate in woodwind groups as and when they are considered ready by their teacher.
Brass Instruments
The brass instruments taught are trumpet, cornet, trombone and French horn. Starting age is normally 8 - 9 years, but may depend on the size and maturity of the pupil.
The general aim of the brass section is to introduce the pupils to a variety of musical styles and playing techniques as well as how to read music notation. As brass instruments are widely used in bands it is expected that pupils will participate in the Craigclowan Brass Band as soon as the teacher concerned considers the pupil ready for participation.
Percussion
Percussion tuition is offered on drum-kit and the aim is to introduce various styles of drumming from the last 30 - 40 years. Emphasis is from the beginning on reading notation and the appropriate techniques for the instrument. Other instruments from different parts of the world such as the bongos and congas are introduced usually in conjunction with the work of the percussion group, which selected students are invited to join at the discretion of the percussion tutor.
Piano
The starting age for piano studies is usually 7 - 8 years, but depending on maturity some children can start a little earlier. It is a prerequisite that all piano students have unhindered access to a good piano with an adjustable piano stool at home for practice.
The aim of the piano course is to introduce note reading in both clefs simultaneously and to instil the correct techniques for the instrument. Gradually pupils are expected to be able to show stylistic awareness and the ability to play with conviction pieces from various periods of the piano repertoire.
Strings
The string section consists of tuition on violin, viola, 'cello - and contrabass (according to demand). Pupils can start string instruments 5 - 6 years old and earlier depending on maturity. The string studies introduce note reading and the relevant playing techniques from the earliest stage. Various styles and music from all periods is introduced. String players are encouraged to participate in various string groups according to ability at the discretion of the string teachers.
Guitar
Pupils can start guitar from the age of 6 - 7 years. Classical guitar forms the basis of all the teaching especially in regard of the note reading and playing techniques, but tuition is available on electric guitar and bass guitar as well. Various styles of music are explored, from the classical repertoire to the modern age.
Electric Keyboard
Electric keyboard can be studied from the age of 7 - 8. An earlier start is not recommended due to the technical requirements of the instrument. The aim is to teach pupils how to read notes for the right hand stave and chord changes for the left hand as well as the numerous sound and rhythmic possibilities the instrument has to offer.
Singing
Singing can be studied from the age of 7 - 8. The aim is to teach pupils how to produce a good and steady sound, good singing posture and appropriate breathing techniques according to age and physical maturity. Note reading is encouraged as well as the importance of diction and singing from memory. Good platform manners are emphasised and pupils are encouraged to perform at various concerts throughout the year at school. A wide variety of songs is introduced, from early baroque to present day show songs.
Bagpipes
Pupils will be able to start chanter from the age of 7 - 8 and depending on progress will move onto the 'goose' or full set of pipes at the discretion of the instrumental tutor. Emphasis is on note reading and appropriate playing techniques right from the start as well as memorisation. Participation in pipe band is encouraged when pupils are considered able to join.
Group Music
There are several music groups operating at Craigclowan. These are open to pupils who have reached a certain standard of playing and are invited to join by the instrumental tutor leading each group. Children, who are studying instruments outside school can join these groups after consultation with the group leader. The groups usually rehearse once a week. They are Senior Strings, Fiddle Group, String Ensemble, Brass Group, Flute Group, Percussion Group and Pipe Band. Other ensembles may be formed as and when the occasion arises.
Choirs
There are three choirs operating at Craigclowan. Junior Choir is open to all children in Forms 2 - 3. Middle Choir is open to all children in Forms 4 - 5 and Senior Choir is open to children in Forms 6 - 8 after an informal audition with the Director of Music.
All work with the choirs aims to instil good singing with clear diction and good posture, team spirit and sense of enjoyment.
Junior and Middle Choirs rehearse once a week and Senior Choir twice a week during lunch breaks.
The Senior Choir is the most advanced choir and a high level of commitment is expected in terms of self-discipline, team spirit and artistic endeavour. The Senior Choir has undertaken several trips abroad and the aim is to continue these trips at least every other year in the future.
Concerts
There are several concerts given at school during the academic year. The biggest of these events are the Carol Service and the Summer Concert. Throughout each term there are several lunchtime concerts held in the Music Room which are open to all pupils to perform in irrespective of whether they learn instruments in or outside school. These concerts are of an informal nature and open to all parents, family and friends to attend.
It is important that parents of children who study instruments outside school alert the Director of Music of their child's studies so that these children can be included in the lunchtime concerts should so wish.
Examinations
Grade examinations are held every term either at school or in examination centres in Perth. Entry for Grade examination is determined by the instrumental tutor as and when he or she considers the pupil ready.
Co-operation with outside organisations.
The Music Department participates regularly with other schools throughout the academic year at events such as the Preparatory Schools' Annual Choral Day at Glenalmond College and the Preparatory Schools' Orchestra Day at Fettes College, Edinburgh.
Co-operation with schools outside the UK have taken place, such as schools from Denmark, Iceland and Germany in the form of visits to the schools with return visits to Craigclowan. It is the aim of the Music Department to continue these visits as it creates a better understanding between children of different countries and encourages friendships with families abroad as well as being an inspirational opportunity for music making.
Class Music
Class music is taught from Nursery age onwards throughout the school. The aim of the Nursery Music is to teach songs and music games related to the topics studied each term.
Form 1 - 5 receive one class music period each week. The basis for most lessons is a song on which all subsequent class activities are based around whether they are listening and appraising, performing or composing. In addition Forms 2 - 4 have class lessons in ocarina playing once a week.
Forms 6 – 8 receive one 30 minutes class music period per week. The emphasis is on electronic keyboard playing in groups using teaching material published by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. The pupils will be assessed according the Music Medals Scheme run by the Associated Board, providing step by step progression in keyboard skills for all pupils.
Further information can be obtained from the Director of Music:
Ástmar Ólafsson
* Tel. 01738 626310
* E-mail: staffaolafsson@craigclowan-school.co.uk
Instrumental lessons can commence at anytime during the academic year as long as there is space available. Contact should be made with the Director of Music, who can give relevant information regarding availability. If no space is available pupils will go on a waiting list.
Lesson Charges
The cost of each lesson during the academic year 2010 - 2011 is £19.00 and this is added to the child’s term bill. Lessons missed due to a pupil’s absence will be charged for unless the absence is due to a school’s outing where alternative arrangements were impossible. Where the teacher is absent, another time will be offered where possible; no charge will be made if this is not done.A written notice of at least half a term to the Director of Music is necessary for stopping instrumental lessons.
Music books and accessories will be provided by the school and the cost of these will be added on the term's bill.
Practice Diaries are issued at a small cost to all instrumental pupils where the instrumental teachers write instructions for each week's practice.
N.B. These diaries are not a reliable record of number of lessons received.
Instrumental hire is available for most instruments and will be added onto the end of term bill. The cost of hire per term is £45.00.
Contact with instrumental teachers can sometimes be had at the start or at the end of the school day, but an appointment beforehand is advisable.
Visits to instrumental lessons can be arranged with the instrumental tutor. This can be helpful to establish personal contact with your child's instrumental teacher and to find out how the teacher works with your child. This is also a good way of finding out what you can do to help your child at home should it be necessary. Please make an appointment well in advance with the instrumental teacher concerned.
Yours sincerely,
Ástmar Ólafsson
Departmental Policy
The following document is a Departmental Policy for the Music Department of Craigclowan Preparatory School. Its purpose is to state the aims of the music department. This document is for the information of parents, pupils and staff of the school.It is assumed that this policy will remain the same from year to year, but changing circumstances may cause the document to be revised from time to time.
Aims of the Music Department
It is the aim of the Music Department to encourage the children at Craigclowan School to listen to music critically, to study the performance of music according to their ability and inclination and to enable them to create their own music. This should encourage them to be able to enjoy music in all its variety more deeply.
The underlying principle of the work of the department is the assumption that pupils gain in maturity, greater self-discipline and enhanced social skills by participating in organised music activities, thus enriching their all-round learning in the school environment.
Instrumental Tuition
Instrumental tuition takes place during the normal school times on an individual basis. Lessons are of 30 minutes duration once a week From the beginning the pupils are taught the principles of music notation, the appropriate technique for playing the instrument concerned, supported by theory of music and aural skills. As the pupil progresses the repertoire becomes more wide-ranging and may introduce various styles and periods in music history.
To ensure proper progress the pupils will have to practise at least 10 - 15 minutes twice a day but those who are more advanced will need considerably longer practice each day to ensure good progress.
It is advisable that parents monitor the practice of their children at least at the beginner's stage and encourage and help them to follow the instructions of the teacher concerned. Weekly instruction are written by the teacher in a Practice Diary, which all pupils are given. This should enable the parents to monitor what is to be worked on each week. In addition each parent is able to sit in on their child's instrumental lessons at least once each term should they wish at a time negotiated with the instrumental teacher concerned.
It is possible to learn more than one instrument at a time on the understanding that the pupil has to be very organised in terms of practice at home and to be able to make up for missed class lessons. In some exceptional cases pupils study three instruments within the school but these must be seen as special cases and careful planning is needed to ensure that their instrumental programme and class lessons can operate smoothly side by side. The Director of Music must be consulted in these cases.
Woodwind Instruments
The following woodwind instruments can be studied: flute, clarinet, oboe and saxophone. It is generally expected that pupils will start between the ages of 7 - 9 years on these instruments, but an assessment by the instrumental teacher of the pupil's size and maturity may determine the starting age.
The aim is to introduce the pupils to the various techniques required for the instrument, the appropriate repertoire from a range of periods, and music notation. As these instruments are widely used in group music making, pupils are encouraged to participate in woodwind groups as and when they are considered ready by their teacher.
Brass Instruments
The brass instruments taught are trumpet, cornet, trombone and French horn. Starting age is normally 8 - 9 years, but may depend on the size and maturity of the pupil.
The general aim of the brass section is to introduce the pupils to a variety of musical styles and playing techniques as well as how to read music notation. As brass instruments are widely used in bands it is expected that pupils will participate in the Craigclowan Brass Band as soon as the teacher concerned considers the pupil ready for participation.
Percussion
Percussion tuition is offered on drum-kit and the aim is to introduce various styles of drumming from the last 30 - 40 years. Emphasis is from the beginning on reading notation and the appropriate techniques for the instrument. Other instruments from different parts of the world such as the bongos and congas are introduced usually in conjunction with the work of the percussion group, which selected students are invited to join at the discretion of the percussion tutor.
Piano
The starting age for piano studies is usually 7 - 8 years, but depending on maturity some children can start a little earlier. It is a prerequisite that all piano students have unhindered access to a good piano with an adjustable piano stool at home for practice.
The aim of the piano course is to introduce note reading in both clefs simultaneously and to instil the correct techniques for the instrument. Gradually pupils are expected to be able to show stylistic awareness and the ability to play with conviction pieces from various periods of the piano repertoire.
Strings
The string section consists of tuition on violin, viola, 'cello - and contrabass (according to demand). Pupils can start string instruments 5 - 6 years old and earlier depending on maturity. The string studies introduce note reading and the relevant playing techniques from the earliest stage. Various styles and music from all periods is introduced. String players are encouraged to participate in various string groups according to ability at the discretion of the string teachers.
Guitar
Pupils can start guitar from the age of 6 - 7 years. Classical guitar forms the basis of all the teaching especially in regard of the note reading and playing techniques, but tuition is available on electric guitar and bass guitar as well. Various styles of music are explored, from the classical repertoire to the modern age.
Electric Keyboard
Electric keyboard can be studied from the age of 7 - 8. An earlier start is not recommended due to the technical requirements of the instrument. The aim is to teach pupils how to read notes for the right hand stave and chord changes for the left hand as well as the numerous sound and rhythmic possibilities the instrument has to offer.
Singing
Singing can be studied from the age of 7 - 8. The aim is to teach pupils how to produce a good and steady sound, good singing posture and appropriate breathing techniques according to age and physical maturity. Note reading is encouraged as well as the importance of diction and singing from memory. Good platform manners are emphasised and pupils are encouraged to perform at various concerts throughout the year at school. A wide variety of songs is introduced, from early baroque to present day show songs.
Bagpipes
Pupils will be able to start chanter from the age of 7 - 8 and depending on progress will move onto the 'goose' or full set of pipes at the discretion of the instrumental tutor. Emphasis is on note reading and appropriate playing techniques right from the start as well as memorisation. Participation in pipe band is encouraged when pupils are considered able to join.
Group Music
There are several music groups operating at Craigclowan. These are open to pupils who have reached a certain standard of playing and are invited to join by the instrumental tutor leading each group. Children, who are studying instruments outside school can join these groups after consultation with the group leader. The groups usually rehearse once a week. They are Senior Strings, Fiddle Group, String Ensemble, Brass Group, Flute Group, Percussion Group and Pipe Band. Other ensembles may be formed as and when the occasion arises.
Choirs
There are three choirs operating at Craigclowan. Junior Choir is open to all children in Forms 2 - 3. Middle Choir is open to all children in Forms 4 - 5 and Senior Choir is open to children in Forms 6 - 8 after an informal audition with the Director of Music.
All work with the choirs aims to instil good singing with clear diction and good posture, team spirit and sense of enjoyment.
Junior and Middle Choirs rehearse once a week and Senior Choir twice a week during lunch breaks.
The Senior Choir is the most advanced choir and a high level of commitment is expected in terms of self-discipline, team spirit and artistic endeavour. The Senior Choir has undertaken several trips abroad and the aim is to continue these trips at least every other year in the future.
Concerts
There are several concerts given at school during the academic year. The biggest of these events are the Carol Service and the Summer Concert. Throughout each term there are several lunchtime concerts held in the Music Room which are open to all pupils to perform in irrespective of whether they learn instruments in or outside school. These concerts are of an informal nature and open to all parents, family and friends to attend.
It is important that parents of children who study instruments outside school alert the Director of Music of their child's studies so that these children can be included in the lunchtime concerts should so wish.
Examinations
Grade examinations are held every term either at school or in examination centres in Perth. Entry for Grade examination is determined by the instrumental tutor as and when he or she considers the pupil ready.
Co-operation with outside organisations.
The Music Department participates regularly with other schools throughout the academic year at events such as the Preparatory Schools' Annual Choral Day at Glenalmond College and the Preparatory Schools' Orchestra Day at Fettes College, Edinburgh.
Co-operation with schools outside the UK have taken place, such as schools from Denmark, Iceland and Germany in the form of visits to the schools with return visits to Craigclowan. It is the aim of the Music Department to continue these visits as it creates a better understanding between children of different countries and encourages friendships with families abroad as well as being an inspirational opportunity for music making.
Class Music
Class music is taught from Nursery age onwards throughout the school. The aim of the Nursery Music is to teach songs and music games related to the topics studied each term.
Form 1 - 5 receive one class music period each week. The basis for most lessons is a song on which all subsequent class activities are based around whether they are listening and appraising, performing or composing. In addition Forms 2 - 4 have class lessons in ocarina playing once a week.
Forms 6 – 8 receive one 30 minutes class music period per week. The emphasis is on electronic keyboard playing in groups using teaching material published by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. The pupils will be assessed according the Music Medals Scheme run by the Associated Board, providing step by step progression in keyboard skills for all pupils.
Further information can be obtained from the Director of Music:
Ástmar Ólafsson
* Tel. 01738 626310
* E-mail: staffaolafsson@craigclowan-school.co.uk