Music and music tuition
This guide describes the availability and application process for specialist instrument tuition.
Primary Music Day Sunday 12 May 2024
Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Piano/Keyboard and Guitar players
The Primary Music Day aims to help our younger musicians enjoy ensemble music making, and to promote the skills required to play in larger groups. The day is particularly suitable for primary 6 and 7 pupils.
This year, along with our Instrumental Music Tutors, we are delighted to welcome two fantastic instructors from the Tolbooth Jazz project. This will allow us to offer a new musical experience to interested young musicians while still offering and developing our established ensembles.
There is an informal concert from 3pm to 4pm on the Music Day, and all parents are warmly invited.
Date: Sunday 12 May 2024
Times: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: No Fee
Venue: McLaren High School, Mollands Road Callander FK17 8JH
Transport: Own
Lunch: Packed lunch required.
Parental Help: We require some help throughout the day. Please contact Chris Gibb if you can help: gibbc48s@glow.sch.uk
Dress: Casual
Other: Please bring a music stand if you have one (with identity tag)
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You must submit the parental consent form by Monday 6 May 2024
Music tuition applications closed
Music Tuition and Continuing Music Tuition applications for 2023/24 are closed.
We are currently in the process of updating the information for the new application form and instrument choices for 2024/25.
Types of tuition available
Expressive arts education within the Curriculum for Excellence gives all pupils a broad introduction to playing a musical instrument. In addition, there are opportunities for children to receive specialist instrument tuition.
Tuition is limited to one instrument per pupil. In exceptional circumstances, SQA Music pupils may be able to learn a second instrument, but only if no other pupils are requiring this space.
Types of tuition available
Tuition is currently available for these instruments:
Brass |
trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, tenor horn, cornet, baritone horn |
Woodwind |
oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon |
Strings |
violin, viola, cello, double bass (from S1) |
Other |
bagpipes, pipe band drumming, voice (from S1), timpani and percussion (from S1), guitar, piano, keyboard |
Not all instruments will be available in every primary school. Check the music availability in primary schools list for information about availability at your child’s school.
When does specialist music tuition begin?
Tuition is normally available from the year groups set out here.
Instrument |
School year |
||
Strings |
from P4 |
||
Piping |
from P4 |
||
Pipe band drumming |
from P4 |
||
Brass |
from P5 |
||
Woodwind |
from P5 |
|
|
Piano and keyboard |
from P6 |
|
|
Guitar |
from P6 |
|
|
Timpani and percussion |
from S1 |
|
|
Voice |
from S1 |
|
|
Benefits of specialist instrumental tuition
- instruction from professional and highly skilled teaching staff
- opportunities to participate in an ensemble, band, orchestra or choir, and take part in regular public performances
- excellent preparation for the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music and other awarding bodies
- a written report of your child's performance, progress and prospects with his or her instrument or voice
Personal enjoyment is one of the key motivators in learning a musical instrument. We believe that children who show a reasonable aptitude for their instrument and join one or more ensembles will gain the most from the experience.
After a time, we hope that pupils will feel confident enough to take part in school extra-curricular activities on their instrument or voice and to represent their school or Stirling Council by performing at events.
How to apply for tuition
You can apply online. Remember to check tuition availability first when the music tuition application is open.
What happens next
At the start of the new session, we assess all new applicants and allocate spaces where they are available.
Pupils who are not initially offered a space will be held on our reserve list for the remainder of the academic year as spaces can become available.
There are other Council music schemes out with school and this information is given to applicants at the appropriate stage.
Continuing music tuition
If your child already receives music tuition you will need to complete an annual Continuing Music Tuition form at the start of a new session. If your child no longer requires music tuition let us know by emailing musictuition@stirling.gov.uk.
Ensure you have read and understood the Terms and Conditions and Declaration.
Music strategy
Our Music Strategy reflects Stirling's strategic outcomes:
- Prosperous: people are part of a prosperous economy that promotes inclusive growth opportunities across our communities.
- Healthy: people are healthy and live full and positive lives, within supportive communities.
- Achieving: people are skilled and supported to make a positive contribution to communities.
- Resilient: people are part of safe and caring communities with an attractive, safe and sustainable environment.
The Curriculum for Excellence framework covers all aspects of a child’s learning from age 3 to 18. Music education is a key to helping learners achieve
Musical instrument loan
Where possible, Stirling Council lends instruments to pupils free of charge for two years. After that, pupils are expected to buy or hire their own instrument.
If you’re interested in hiring or buying an instrument, speak to your child's instrument tutor first. You can do this by contacting the school.
Further information
For more information email musictuition@stirling.gov.uk or speak to your child's tutor.
Pass it on musical scheme
If you have any unwanted instruments or related items and would like to donate them, you can find out how by reading about our Pass it on scheme.