PREP SCHOOL 2024/25
INTRODUCTION
The Instrumental Opportunities Programme (IOP) has been created as an affordable introduction for families to help all students at RST access instrumental music. It allows students to try a variety of instruments, seeing which they like and which they show natural talent for, before selecting an instrument and participating in the 8-week programme.
WHY LEARN AN INSTRUMENT?
“Music is a manifestation of the human spirit, similar to language. Its greatest practitioners have conveyed to mankind things not possible to say in any other language.” (Zoltan Kodaly)
Give your child the chance to connect with this language through instrumental music.
Academically, there is a plethora of research into music's effect on the brain with a number of benefits, including:
Improved academic achievement
Increased attention
Improved auditory processing skills
Better cognitive health
Better language acquisition
Development of prosocial behaviours
Increased wellbeing
Increased working memory
Improved aural memory
Increased fine Motor Skills
and many more. For supporting research papers and studies supporting these benefits follow this link.
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
Students who sign up to this programme will have up to 8 lessons on their chosen instrument with one of RST’s instrumental music teachers. These lessons will be in small groups of 2-3 students held weekly. Lessons will be held on the same day each week with the lesson time being rotated to minimise the time missed from any one subject.
Students will also take part in a beginner ensemble where they will consolidate their learning in a friendly, fun group setting.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
1. Register your interest
Use the QR code to register to attend the Instrument Trial session
2. Instrumental Trial
Parents and interested students are invited to attend a brief overview of the IOP before having the opportunity to meet the instrumental teachers and trial a range of instruments. After the trial students will submit their preferred instrument choices via an online form.
3. Confirmation and information
Parents will be informed of their child’s instrument, instrumental teacher and first lesson time via email. Whilst we will try to accommodate every student's first preference please understand there are limited positions available. If we are unable to provide the opportunity this round students will be placed in a waiting list for next term's intake.
4. Lessons
Over the next 8 weeks students will have lessons with their instrumental teacher with the focus of developing their love of the instrument, basic technique and learning some beginner repertoire. Note, due to the nature of group lessons, missed lessons due to illness or absence may not be able to be made up.
5 Report
At the end of the programme your child’s instrumental teacher will provide a short written report.This report will focus on what they have achieved and provide recommendations for future learning.
6 IOP Concert
At the end of the program, there will be a short concert for all of the Instrumental Opportunities Program students to show what they have learnt in their first eight weeks playing.This is a great opportunity for our students to celebrate the first steps in their instrumental music journey.
7. Moving forward
Alongside the final report will be a form for you to indicate whether or not you wish your child to continue lessons. By this stage you should have a good indication of their commitment, achievement and connection with instrumental playing.
Continuing lessons will be on an individual basis with their IOP teacher and charged at the normal rate of 750 baht per lesson, paid termly in advance.
Current instruments offered:
Clarinet
Oboe Woodwind
Brass
Trumpet/Cornet
P.Bone (Trombone)
French Horn
Violin Viola Cello Strings
How to apply:
Register your interest to attend the Instrument Trial afternoon by scanning the QR code. If you wish for your child to take part in the programme, details will be given to you during the Instrument Trial session.
DATES & TUITION FEES
28October
Trialdayregistrationopens 29November
3December
Week3,Term2
Trialdayregistrationcloses
Trialday;5.15pminRoomC2344
Lessonscommence (20January) Youwillbenotifiedofday/timeviaemail
25March
IOPConcert;5.15pminRoomC2344
Reportsshared 28March Conclusionformsdue
Fees:2,750baht,includes8lessons,instrumenthire,sheetmusic,initial reed,strings(additionalreeds,stringsorinstrumentdisposablescharged accordingly).
Itishighlyrecommendedtopurchaseaninstrumentforyourchildshould theywishtocontinue.Ifyoudonotwishtobuyyourown,youmaycontinue tohiretheinstrumentfromtheschoolforafeeof2,000bahtperterm.
Instrumentallessonsaftertheprogrammewillbeonanindividualbasisand arechargedat750bahtperlesson(30lessonsperyear). Thisischargedatthebeginningofeachterm.
pcain@rugbyschool.ac.th