Tuition
Individual tuition by accredited teachers from beginner to advanced levels is available in voice, piano, organ, harpsichord, guitar, clarsach, recorder, percussion, bagpipes and all orchestral instruments. Individuals receiving tuition must be Music Centre members.
The tuition fees are set in line with national Incorporated Society of Musicians rates.
If you would like tuition on an instrument for which we currently do not cater, please let us know, as we may be able to find a suitable teacher.
Once the Music Centre has established the initial contact with an appropriate teacher, it is up to the student and teacher to keep track of the lessons received. Timetables may be rearranged if required, by mutual agreement.
Absence: If you have to miss a lesson, please phone the office as soon as possible. If your teacher has given you his/her personal contact details, please contact them as well. Where suitable reason and notice of unavoidable absence is given, Associate Teachers may rearrange lessons but are under no obligation to do so. If inadequate notice is given, the lesson may be forfeited at the Associate Teacher's discretion. Only in exceptional circumstances are fees refunded. If after the first lesson either teacher or student is unhappy in any way, he or she should immediately discuss the situation with the Director of Music.
The Music Centre has a number of instrumental scholarships available to University Students, awarded on a competitive basis, which cover the cost of a year's tuition. In addition, a small number of awards are available annually to students in financial need, administered by the Hebdomadar's Office.
Dates for the semesters in 2011-2012 are as follows:
Semester 1 (10 tuition weeks)
| Monday 3 October - Friday 4 November 2011 (5 weeks) |
| (No lessons during Reading Week: Monday 7 November - Friday 11 November 2011) |
| Monday 14 November - Friday 16 December 2011 (5 weeks) |
Semester 2 (11 tuition weeks)
| Monday 6 February - Friday 23 March 2012 (7 weeks) |
| (No lessons during Spring Vacation: Monday 26 March - Friday 6 April 2012 |
| Monday 9 April - Friday 4 May 2012 (4 weeks) |
Teaching may be restricted on days when the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will be performing in the Younger Hall and on certain University occasions such as St Andrews Day Graduation (30 November).
Courses and Group Classes
The Music Centre offers a number of group tuition courses.
Two beginners' guitar classes (one for children and another for students/adults) aim to bring new players to the point where they can benefit from individual tuition. The cost of the classes is £5 per week. Members must also join the Music Centre.
Short courses of introduction to the hardware and software available in the Music Centre Studio are offered throughout the year. This includes the use of the Sibelius and Cubase composition packages.
For any of these courses, please register your interest at the office. Other courses may be arranged during the year, according to demand.
External Examinations
Music teachers may prepare candidates for the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Trinity College, London and for External Diplomas of the Colleges of Music. The Music Centre usually has an annual Special Visit from an Associated Board examiner each April. This allows candidates to sit their examinations in familiar surroundings and without the need for travel. If you are interested in preparing for any examinations, please discuss the details with your teacher, or contact the Music Centre Office.