Instrumental Music Programme

Bangkok Patana School has a strong tradition of extra curricular music making. Our Instrumental Music Programme has been developed to offer as many students as possible the chance to benefit from individual tuition on a variety of instruments as well as voice. Lessons present a balance of repertoire and technical skills, and students play music in a variety of styles. Students learn performing skills and have frequent opportunities to share their musical endeavours with each other and parents through Assemblies and Informal Concerts.

Music making and the enjoyment of music are age-old human pastimes, which can continue to give pleasure throughout a lifetime. Making music with others can be a valuable social experience and when students have reached the required standard they will be encouraged to join one of our performing ensembles, e.g. Elementary School Band, Choir or String Ensemble, and Secondary School Orchestra, Rock Band, String Ensemble, Choir or Band.

Lesson Arrangements Early Years Division

One half-hour lesson is taught per week at a fixed time. The time of this lesson is decided by consulting with individual class timetables and taking account of literacy and numeracy hours as well as specialist lessons. Tutors will always fetch Early Years pupils from their classroom. Regular practice is required and participation in performances is encouraged. Parents must indicate in writing, giving four weeks notice, if lessons are to be discontinued.

Lesson Arrangements Primary Division and Secondary School

One half-hour lesson is taught per week on a rotation basis, i.e. students come at a different time each week, so that the music lesson does not affect the same curriculum subject too often. It is the student's responsibility to check the rotation each week and inform the class teacher ahead of time of the music lesson. We encourage students to keep a copy of their rotation timetable in their contact book, but the times can be checked on the instrumental music notice board. Lessons cannot be made up if a student simply forgets to attend, but tutors will fetch Primary Division students from their class if they are five minutes late. Regular practice is required and participation in performances is encouraged. Parents must indicate in writing, giving four weeks notice, if lessons are to be discontinued.

Instruments

The school has a limited number of instruments available for beginners. These may be hired for a fee of THB1000 per term, subject to availability. The school can assist with purchasing instruments and recommends Lucky Musical Instrument Co. Ltd which is situated just off Petchaburi Road approximately opposite Pantip Plaza Tel: 02 253 2961, 02 251 3319 Mobile: 01 644 4064.

Absenteeism

When students miss a lesson for no explained reason a letter will be sent home to parents. This ensures that parents are kept informed of any problems with attendance. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child's progress by listening to them play and by signing their contact book each week.

Staff

		Khun Waan Guitar anja@patana.ac.th		Khun Lek Guitar chuk@patana.ac.th		Khun Pearl Singing rapr@patana.ac.th		Khun Duriyang Violin duva@patana.ac.th		Khun Chok Violin poku@patana.ac.th
		Khun Jiw Cello sike@patana.ac.th		Khun Paul Piano vima@patana.ac.th		Khun Aek Piano kipi@patana.ac.th		Khun Cherry Piano kaki@patana.ac.th		Khun Sim Piano raph@patana.ac.th
		Khun Wallop Clarinet/Saxophone waje@patana.ac.th		Wirote Trumpet wisr@patana.ac.th		Khun James Drums thbh@patana.ac.th		Khun Vichit Flute vite@patana.ac.th		Khun Tong Thai Instruments chki@patana.ac.th
						Khun Natty DJ jisa@patana.ac.th

Examinations
Students are encouraged to enter for exams run by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (AB).
Working towards these exams encourages practice and sets goals for students, enabling them to chart their progress over the years. If your would like your child to enter for these exams, you should discuss it with the instrumental teacher to find out which grade is appropriate and whether he/she is ready for such a challenge (it usually takes between 1 and 2 years to reach Grade 1 standard). These exams are held at school every year and each exam has an associated fee. The schedule of fees is available from the Instrumental Music Coordinator.

Practice
It is of vital importance that any student taking instrumental music lessons should practice regularly. Playing every day reinforces what students learn in their lessons and gives them the chance to refine their skills and improve their musical technique and tone quality. During the early stages as little as 15 minutes a day is required. This time will increase as your child progresses, but it is very common for students to avoid practice at some point in their musical career. This is where the support and encouragement of parents can be so helpful. Getting into a routine of practising at the same time every day can minimise disputes and confrontations and help to form regular habits. The vast majority of students who excel in music have benefited from having very supportive families.

Terms and Conditions of Instrumental Lessons
1.   Lessons are charged at a fixed termly fee of 4600 baht (subject to change)
2.  Students will be allocated times with tutors depending on availability at the beginning of the term. if lessons times are
      full, students are placed on a waiting list and allocated and contacted upon availability. Most lesson times occur on
      a rotational basis throughout the day. After school and lunch time slots are very limited, and in most cases, require a
      waiting period.
3.   Students must attend lessons promptly and with all necessary books and equipment.
4.   Lessons can only be rescheduled if tutors are given one week advance notice.
5.   Lessons missed through forgetfulness or absence cannot be made up.
6.   Students are only given one opportunity to attend a rescheduled lesson. If they miss that, no other rescheduling will
       be possible.
7.   Lessons which fall within the Residential Visits week are accounted for in the termly schedule.
8.   Cancelled lessons require a minimum of 4 weeks notice. (billing to the nearest half-term)
9.   When students enrol in the Instrumental Programme, their names will be automatically entered in to the next term's
       programme for the rest of that academic year unless notification to the contrary is received.
10.  Lesson can be rescheduled for students who have other authorised school events.
11. The music assistant will do their best to collect Early Years and Primary students from their classrooms; however,
       Secondary students must make their own way to their lesson.
12.  Instrumental reports will be issued every term.
13.  Parents may attend lessons with prior notification.
14.  Students who reach the required level of proficiency will be expected to participate in one of the performing groups
        at school.
15.  Accounts need to be settled each term. An invoice for the cost of lessons will be sent to you along with the general
        tuition fee invoice later in the term.  In the meantime, please do not send any payment.
16.  As a way of charting student progress, students are expected to participate in the Associated Board of the Royal
        Schools of Music external examinations.

 If you have any queries or want more information about our Instrumental Programme, please contact:

David Larking
Co-ordinator of Individual Instrumental Music Tuition
Bangkok Patana School
Email: dala@patana.ac.th
Tel: 02 398 0200 ext. 156