Provision of musical instruments
Part of Salford's Music & Performing Arts Service
Instrumental tuition takes place in schools throughout the city in groups of up to four pupils per half hour. More time can be allocated as the pupils reach higher grades; this can also include individual tuition. We offer support to schools through practical work with pupils doing GCSE and 'A' level music courses.
Tuition is offered on all string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Vocal, piano and electric keyboard lessons are also offered. Pupils may purchase instruments at a vastly reduced rate through our Assisted Purchase Scheme. A limited number of instruments are available from MAPAS for pupils receiving tuition. MAPAS also have a number of instruments available for loan to pupils who are receiving music tuition in the LEA Authority from MAPAS. A limited number of minority instruments such as bassoon, oboe, french horn and double bass, are available to pupils wishing to learn and attend the Arts Centre groups.
Instrumental lessons are given weekly, with work, practice and performance monitored and planned by the teacher. Where possible, lessons are based on a rotation system; every effort is made to accommodate a pupil's requirements to fit into their school timetable. Some lessons are offered out of school hours. Pupils may have tuition from the same instrumental teacher throughout their school career enabling trust, continuity and loyalty from both pupil and teacher. Pupils may take external music exams and are given rewards for their progress and effort. The exam sessions are held three times throughout the academic year. Parents receive an annual progress report from their child's instrumental teacher and an opportunity to attend parent's evening once a year. Parents are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their child's musical development.
Our teams of teachers at MAPAS receive training and development, attending staff meetings and courses in order to keep their teaching strategies up to date and to enhance and develop their skills and meet other instrumentalists from other Authorities. Our instrumental team gives demonstrations in schools to encourage new players and open their eyes and ears to live music. MAPAS regularly organises joint school musical projects and performances. Staff are encouraged and supported in their own playing within the Authority and throughout the music profession. Links have been forged with professional players and orchestras.
Our team includes specially trained suzuki violin teachers to enable the very young pupils to begin playing. Musical talent can often be discovered in the very young through the recorder. Young players are encouraged to experience playing an instrument by beginning on the recorder to develop the skills, which gives an excellent basis to begin more advanced instruments.
Throughout the year we hold special event days such as Brass Day, Recorder Day, Percussion Day and Woodwind Day in order to concentrate on certain areas and give pupils a chance to view and play other instruments available at the Arts Centre Ensembles.
Players have the opportunity to play at concert venues such as The Lowry, The Bridgewater Hall and Salford University. There is also an opportunity for the older players from the senior groups to go on musical tours abroad experiencing outdoor venues and different cultures.
More information
For further details about instrumental provision please email mapas@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 31 October 2006
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