Music lessons

[brentfordmum]

Hi,
My son is in Yr 6 & they have been learning to play the recorder in the school for the last 3 yrs. But they don't do any grading as a part of the course. Is there any place where he can continue to learn the recorder/ get graded etc. Also I'm interested to get my DC2(year 1) to play piano/ keyboard. I have no idea at all about music lessons or music. any idea on how to get my DC2 started?

thanks

[Waiting_For_Godot]

What about looking at the county music services? Do you think he'll want to continue with the recorder once he's gone to secondary school as it doesn't have much "street cred"? It may be waiting a term as you wouldn't want to employ a teacher to then have your son give it up.

Where possible, I'd always avoid lessons in school.

[mystery]

If he wants to take the recorder seriously, you might find a local branch of the recorder society (I can't remember the name, do some googling). They might have a skilled player who can also teach; there are also some very famous recorder players who do school visits and workshops.

[Reading Mum]

our local independent music store holds lists of local music teachers. I contacted them about finding a piano teacher once and they supplied a list with contact details and charging rates. Very helpful

[brentfordmum]

thanks for all ur replies, for DC1 maybe i'll wait till he starts secondary school, only a few months away. For DC2 i'll start looking in the web for keyboard/ piano teachers. How is the grading done? Are these independant teachers qualified to do the grading? Forgive me my ignorance but is there any kind of centralised board for grading different musical instruments?

I just thought that since he's been learning recorder for the last 3 years and his teacher says he is doing well, it would be a good idea , if he could have a grading. maybe I could just try & talk to her?

[hermanmunster]

I am really not sure if there are recorder exams. Some kids go onto try clarinet or other instruments if they enjoyed the recorder.

This is one of the organisations that arranges exams http://www.abrsm.org/en/exams" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It is a while since we did any so can't remember if there are others


edit: they DO have recorder ...sorry http://www.abrsm.org/regions/fileadmin/ ... lete10.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[laretta]

Hi
You can also take recorder exams in "Trinity Guildhall"
Both ABRSM and Trinity are recognised exam boards and the higher grades give UCAS points towards uni.
Grades go from one to eight, with eight being the most difficult. One can achieve a pass, merit or distinction. You should check directly with any teacher you might be considering as to how far they can take your child and which exam board they use, as most will have a preference. Not all teachers will be capable of taking a child through to grade 8.

L

[Guest55]

Ignore the UCAS points as most Unis don't count them!

The in-school lessons have worked well for us - they can be scheduled so lessons are not missed.

[Reading Mum]

We do in-school too or we would simply not fit things in. They schedule the lessons instead of either art (which DD loves) or PE ( which she hates and happily misses).

[ourmaminhavana]

I agree entirely with WFG that out of school lessons are far preferable.