Music Department
Instrumental Music
There are 25 visiting music teachers, and lessons are offered on the following instruments: piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute (and piccolo), oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone (all types), trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, percussion (orchestral and kit), harp, accordion, voice, guitar (classical and electric) and highland bagpipes (and chanter).
Individual Music Lessons
Lessons are taught in a course of 30 per year. Parents are notified in writing of the name and contact details of their childʼs music teacher before lessons commence.
In the Main School, lessons are timetabled on a weekly basis, with the time of the pupilʼs lesson changing every week. This ensures that pupils do not miss the same academic lesson for music lessons during the course of a term. Music Timetables are displayed on the school notice board and in the Parents' Section of the School website.
Instrument Hire
Orchestral instruments may be borrowed from the School. This loan is free in the first term, and thereafter a small charge is made to cover the cost of the upkeep of the instrument.
Practice
Regular practice is absolutely essential if progress is to be made. There is opportunity for Main School pupils to practise before breakfast, during morning break and at lunchtime at school in one of the many practice rooms. These practice sessions are supervised.
Music Examinations
Orwell Park School presents many candidates for both Theory and Practical examinations each term. Most are Associated Board examinations, but a small number of Trinity/Guildhall and Rock School also take place. Orwell Park itself is recognised as an examination centre, and examinations take place at the school.
Billing
Music tuition currently costs £210 per term. As the terms vary in length, pupils will usually receive twelve lessons in the autumn term, and nine in each of the spring and summer terms. Parents receive an invoice from their childʼs music teacher. Payment is due on the first day of term, and is made directly to the relevant music teacher. The cost of sheet music, exams and instrument hire is added to the termly school bill in arrears.