Email Contacts
Music Secretary Ola Omar oomar@alsson.com
Performing Arts and Music Coordinator deyres@alsson.com
Q I do not have an instrument but I am interested in seeing if I would like to play.
A Come and talk to David Eyres, (Performing and Music Coordinator) in the secondary school. It is a good way to discuss. Ola oomar@alsson.com can also explain everything.
Q How much are lessons?
A 400LE For 4 Lessons. That is 4 lessons each month. Once you have agreed to take the lessons you are committed to take them and the fees cannot be refunded.
When months are shorter, e.g. after Eid break, you are charged a proportionate rate – 300LE for 3 Weeks.
Q How do I pay?
A Miss Ola In primary Reception. Money can be paid directly to her and she will arrange your lessons.
Q What if I want to change to a different instrument?
A That is no problem providing your teacher has been given due notice and we can find somebody to teach the instrument that you do want to play.
Q How many lessons do I need?
A Music is not like a driving test. It is one of the most exciting things that you will do and you will continue to do for the rest of your life. Your learning has no end and you decide when you have had enough lessons. Obviously, the more you work and the more you learn the better to you will be. You choose.
Q What happens if I am ill and cannot make my lesson?
A Your teacher has been booked. He or she has prepared for your lesson, driven in and taken time off from doing other work. You still have to pay for his or her time. Occasionally, at the discretion of the teacher, it may be possible to reschedule a lesson.
Q What will happen if my teacher is ill?
A At the beginning of the day you will be informed. Go to your normal lessons and your teacher will make up for the missed lesson at another time.
Q Can I play electric guitar?
A YES!!!!!!!
Q Is there any instrument I cannot play?
A In principle any instrument is possible, but we will have to find a suitable teacher and this can be a problem at times. For example, we have not come across anybody who teaches Irish bagpipes – but then we do not know anybody that wants to play that. More common instruments such as Saxophone, Oud, Harmonica, or Tuba might be easier. We will endeavour to find an appropriate instructor.
Q When can I start?
A Most lessons will start in the first week of October. If you have chosen an instrument for which we do not currently have a teacher, we will contact you as soon as we find one. Lessons can start once the teacher is ready.
Q Which lessons do I miss?
A You will be given a timetable, which guarantees that you will not miss more than one lesson per subject each half term. If you have any free periods or wish to have a lesson in the lunch break we will try and fit you in there.
Q How much time should I practice at home?
A Doing no practices will mean that each lesson is a bit like starting again. This is boring for you and for the teacher. The more you practice the quicker you will progress and the music will get progressively more interesting and exciting. Technically, the bare minimum is 15 minutes a day.
Q Do I have to learn how to read music first?
A No. Your teacher will decide on a suitable strategy for learning to read music.
Q I only want to play rock. Is that all right?
A Yes.
Q I do not have an instrument. Can I borrow one?
A You are expected to provide your own instruments for the lessons. These can be bought from any music shop. We are at present negotiating with a trusted music shop to arrange for hire from them directly. The school does have some guitars that can be borrowed for free providing you put new strings on them. There is a deposit of 150LE required and this can be fully refunded when the instrument is returned in a suitable condition.
Q What do I have to bring to my lessons?
A Your instrument is essential. Everything else depends upon what your teacher requires.
Q What happens if I didn’t enjoy my lessons and I would like to stop?
A You must give 2 weeks notice.
Q Can I learn more than one instrument?
A If you have the time, that is fine, but any additional lessons must be done in lunch times or after school.
Q What is the best instrument for me to learn?
A You choose. You will improve much better playing something that excites you and allows you to develop passion.
Q I have had one lesson, but now I have changed my mind.
A Your payment for the lessons is nonrefundable. You must give two weeks notice to stop. It is recommended, however, that you attend all your allocated sessions.
