Dover Campus Instrumental Teaching Programme
Students are given the opportunity to learn a wide range of instruments within the Music Department’s Instrumental Teaching Programme (ITP).
The College has brought together some of Singapore’s finest musicians to provide a comprehensive scheme of instrumental teaching.
We have eight full-time instrumental specialists and 42 visiting instructors teaching brass, percussion, piano, strings, woodwind and voice. The ITP is open to students from Grades 2–12.
Instrumental options
Grade 2
• cello1
• piano
• recorder
Grade 3 Same as Grade 2, plus:
• clarinet 2
• flute2
• baritone3
• euphonium3
* Beginner strings players: please see note below.
Grade 4 Same as Grade 3, plus:
• bassoon
• clarinet
• double bass
• ukelele
• viola1
• violin
• tenor horn3
• trumpet/cornet 3
• trombone3
• tuba3
• oboe
• voice
* Beginner brass, strings and woodwind players: please see notes below.
Grades 5–12
Same as Grade 4, plus:
• drum kit and percussion
• french horn
• guitar—electric, acoustic, classical, bass; please specify on registration form*
• jazz piano (students must be Grade 5 or higher)
• saxophone
* Beginner brass, strings and woodwind players: please see notes below.
1 The beginner string programme offers group lessons (6-8 students) for Junior and Middle School students wishing to learn the cello or viola. For further information, please email Ms Jacq Hanna at jqh@uwcsea.edu.sg.
2 It is recommended that beginner woodwind players initially register for the beginner woodwind programme through the College’s Activities programme rather than registering for ITP lessons. For further information, please email ITP at itp@uwcsea. edu.sg.
3 It is recommended that beginner brass players initially register for the beginner brass programme through the College’s Activities programme rather than registering for ITP lessons. For further information, please email Mrs Lisa Hill at lch@uwcsea. edu.sg.
Music theory lessons: for more information, please contact the ITP coordinator at itp@uwcsea.edu.sg.
Fee schedule
The cost per half-hour lesson is:
$45 Individual lesson
$25 Lesson in pairs*
* Lesson in pairs:
• only possible if there is a suitable partner
• in order to avoid delays, it is advisable to have a partner before applying for paired lessons
• please provide name of the partner when completing the online registration
• paired lessons may be suitable for beginners of the same age but not suitable for intermediate or advanced players
• piano and drum kit/percussion are not taught in pairs
Advanced students (higher grades, ABRSM or Trinity diploma) may opt for 1 hour lessons ($90) or two half hour lessons per week.
Instruments and hire
The College offers certain instruments for hire (guitars and ukuleles, pianos and percussion instruments are not available for hire). Students who hire College instruments such as violins, violas, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, horns and trombones should aim to purchase their own after one year of tuition. However, it may be possible for more expensive instruments, e.g. tubas ($10,000+) to be hired indefinitely. We recommend that parents consult their child’s Instrumental Teacher before purchasing an instrument. The instrument hire fee is $110 per term inclusive of GST and administrative charges.
All instruments must be returned at the end of the academic year for cleaning and repairs. Students may keep their instruments over the other holidays for practice.
Piano
It is essential that students taking piano lessons have a piano at home for practice.
Privately owned instruments should be covered under the owner’s insurance. UWCSEA cannot be held liable for any damage, loss or theft occurring on campus.
Lesson timings
For Junior School students (Grades 2–5), lessons can be scheduled any time during the school day with the approval of the parent and class teacher.
For Middle School and High School students (Grades 6–12), lessons are scheduled at break, lunchtime or after school.
Termination of lessons
Termination of lessons can only take effect at the end of each term. Written notice from the parent must be sent to both the Instrumental Teacher and the ITP Coordinator. Please email to itp@uwcsea.edu.sg.
Lesson attendance
If absence from a lesson is unavoidable, students must give 24 hours notice to the Instrumental Teacher directly. Genuine illness (when the student is off school), dress rehearsals or curricular school trips are legitimate reasons for nonattendance, however a minimum of 24 hours notice must be given to the teacher.
Excessive homework, social reasons, non-UWCSEA trips and medical appointments (except in the case of an emergency) are not legitimate reasons for missing lessons, and on these occasions, no make-up lesson will be offered.
Make-up lessons are not possible for paired lessons.
Lessons cancelled by the Instrumental Teacher will always be made up or credited.
Students on suspended timetable for internal exams must arrange to reschedule their lessons.
Grade 10 IGCSE and Grade
12 students must inform their Instrumental Teacher if they wish to continue lessons in Term 3.
Practice routines
All students are required to keep a practice diary, which is used by the Instrumental Teacher each lesson. Parents are requested to sign the diary regularly to ensure they are well informed about their child’s progress. Students are expected to practise at least five days per week.
Examinations
Students are encouraged to enter for Trinity or ABRSM examinations. At present, there are two examining sessions, in June and December.
Ensembles
We hope that all students will become involved in our ensembles. This not only improves their musical skills, but also involves the student socially and gives them added motivation. Opportunities are available from Junior School onwards.
Registration
Registration is done online through the parent portal logged in via the College website, under Learning links:
https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/portal/ learning/instrumental-teachingprogramme.
For further information
Email itp@uwcsea.edu.sg
Telephone +65 6419 9321