About us
Instrumental Programme
Our programme works in conjunction with the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music) exam board where pupils are able to prepare for all grades (1 to 8) with the teacher of their chosen instrument. Students are entered for exams by their teachers when they are ready. Our pupils are taught by a team of visiting musicians during and after the school day. This year, we can offer lessons in music theory and the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, trumpet, recorder, guitar (classical/acoustic/electric), drums and bass. Lessons may be taken individually or in groups of 2-3 pupils. Recorder is recommended for children in Reception to Year 2. This instrument is perfect for children with small fingers and gives them the opportunity to receive a solid musical foundation at an early age.
Our instrumental programme runs a rock band and other musical groups to encourage students to play their instruments together. These initiatives have been great successes and the performances are always among the many highlights in our annual concerts. We offer a 50% discount to band students who take individual instrumental lessons in our programme.
INSTRUMENTS for Hire
In order to allow pupils the opportunity to try out an instrument before buying it, we offer violins, cellos, guitars, bass guitars, drums, keyboards, flutes, saxophones and clarinets for hire. A deposit of 3 months rental must be paid in advance before a pupil can take an instrument home. A minimum of 3 months rental is charged if the instrument is returned within the first 3 months. If, however, a pupil wishes to move on to another instrument in that period, the deposit can be transferred. Monthly rental charges (between €15 and €40) are related to the value of the instrument and must be paid one month in advance. *Please note that deposits are not required for guitars or violins. A full calendar month’s notice in writing to the instrumental teacher is required in order to discontinue either rentals of instruments or lessons.
Piano
Pupils who wish to learn the piano must have their own instrument at home on which to practice. This can be either an acoustic piano (which is preferable), or a full size (7 octave) weighted electric piano/keyboard with pedals. Small (5 octave) keyboards are only sufficient on a temporary basis.
Fees
During the school calendar year, instrumental lessons average out at 3 lessons per month. Fees are payable monthly in advance to the instrumental teacher. Alternatively, parents may pay for 3 months in advance with a €10 discount. Please note that discounts only apply to payments made in advance.
Attendance Policy
Students are responsible for arriving at the designated classroom on time for their lessons. Teachers must be informed by the parents in writing, of any absences, at least 48 hours in advance. In the event that students or teachers are required to isolate due to the pandemic, no refunds will be given, however, students may continue their lessons online.
If you would like your child to be included in our programme, please fill in the Application Form. Teachers will be assigned to pupils in the order that the forms are received.
