Music Lessons

Lesson Timetabling

Students in Junior School have a 30-minute instrumental lesson scheduled at a fixed time on the same day each week.

Your son’s classroom teacher and instrumental teacher will support your son to develop a routine of checking his lesson time each week. From time to time, your son’s lesson time may be changed to accommodate special activities such as excursions or sport. We encourage your son to write his lesson time down in his diary or as a note on his desk. These times are also posted on the music room notice board, on the main Junior School notice board in the play area, and in classrooms.

It is important that students bring their diary to every lesson to record home learning and to note the time for the following week. Teachers will support your son to catch up on the class when they return.

Lessons will occur in class time, unless students are learning two instruments, where one will be a fixed time within class, and the other outside of hours.

Lesson times outside of class times are rare, as we have a busy music program that caters to the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

VCE and Senior School students are prioritised for outside of class time lessons only.

Re-scheduling

If your son is going to miss a lesson, please contact the Music School Office as soon as possible. The Music School Office can be contacted on 9835 1744, or a voicemail message may be left on that number.

Lessons that are missed with less than 24 hours’ notice cannot be made up and will be charged to the School account.

Please note that it will not always be possible to re-schedule a lesson. This is at the discretion of your son’s teacher.

Lesson Discontinuation

(Notice period = 6 weeks)

The Music School must receive written notice by email to music@cgs.vic.edu.au at least 6 school weeks in advance. For cancellation of lessons for the following year, notice must be given at least two weeks prior to the end of Term 4. If you would like to view the current Fees, Charges and Accounts Terms and Conditions please email music@cgs.vic.edu.au.

Lessons: Re-enrolment

At the end of each year enrolments are rolled over automatically to Term 1 of the next year. You do not need to complete a new enrolment form for a continuing instrument.

Lessons: A Commitment to a Learning Experience

Enrolling in Music lessons is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and develop creativity. Music is an important means of self-expression, and it makes a significant contribution to wellbeing. However, learning an instrument requires patience and perseverance. Student’s progress is unique and it usually takes at least one full semester before beginners will be able to make an informed decision about their suitability for an instrument.

Independent Practice

A commitment to learning an instrument requires consistent independent practice outside of the lessons. We encourage families to find a regular time each day to practice. Shorter, daily practice is more beneficial than longer, more infrequent practice. Your son’s teacher will guide him in how to practice but we encourage you to support him in scheduling daily practice.

Ensemble Participation

An important aspect of musicianship is learning to play as part of an ensemble. Ensembles have weekly rehearsals and members are expected to make a commitment to rehearsals to prepare for concerts and performances. All students have individual tuition are expected to be part of a core ensemble.

Your son’s teacher will advise of his readiness to join an ensemble and for his progression through this pathway.

Learning Externally

Students who learn outside of school are very welcome to participate in our co-curricular program and we would encourage you to keep us informed about your progress with your studies. We do not encourage students to study with multiple teachers of the same instrument, as this will create confusion and hinder progress.

Reports and Examinations

DEEDS/Records book

We offer students a Music Record Book and it is a useful resource for monitoring progress and for helping with home practice. Continuous reporting will be provided by your son’s teacher through DEEDS.

Music Books and Accessories

Your son’s teacher will advise you of the titles of any books, sheet music or accessories which can be purchased via yourself or added onto your school account.

It is helpful to provide a named book bag to carry music folders and books, as well as name tags on hired (or owned) instruments.

Examinations

Your son’s teacher will assess his readiness to undertake AMEB examinations as he progresses with consistent independent practice. The AMEB Exams are held every year over 5 sessions. If your son’s teacher would like him to sit an exam they will be in contact to discuss further. These charges are added onto your school account. These exams are generally held at Camberwell Grammar school during the school term but can also be conducted at the AMEB studio in Hawthorn.

It is important that your son realises his commitment once he has been entered for an examination. A refund will not be given if he withdraws for a non-medical reason, nor can his enrolment be transferred from one examination session to another. If the examination is missed due to illness, 50% of the fee may be refunded at the discretion of the AMEB, following submission of a doctor’s certificate to the Music School Office.

If a school accompanist is engaged for your son’s examination, these charges will be added as a separate item(s) to the family Statement of Account at the end of term.

Students are very welcome to undertake internal assessments with their teacher and department Head to develop their performance experience before a formal exam.