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School Information
Instrumental Music Service
- Aims of the service
- Music centres
- Youth Music Initiative
- Kodaly Singing Programme
- Opportunity for P3 to P5 new starts
- Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra
- Youth Brass Extravaganza
- Contact details and application forms
There are 50 instrumental instructors, full and part-time, teaching in Aberdeenshire schools. The Instrumental Music Service offers pupils instrumental tuition in:
- brass
- woodwind
- violin/viola
- cello/double bass
- percussion
- piano /keyboard
- guitar
Aims of the service
- To enrich the lives of pupils and to contribute to their personal, social and intellectual development
- To provide opportunities for as many pupils as possible to learn a musical instrument
- To provide opportunities for pupils to become involved in a wide range of ensembles
- To work in partnership with schools
- To enable students to develop self-confidence and self-esteem through the successful acquisition of instrumental skills

Music Centres
Aberdeenshire Council provides a comprehensive music centre
service, designed to meet the needs of pupils of all ages, from very young to advanced players. Junior groups meet on Saturday mornings in Stonehaven, Inverurie and Fraserburgh, and on Wednesday afternoons in Banchory. Senior groups meet on Tuesdays and Fridays after school in Westhill and Mintlaw. ![]()
Youth Music Initiative
In February 2003, the Scottish Executive announced funding to improve the quality and availability of musical experiences to young people in Scotland. The Scottish Arts Council administer the funding.![]()
Kodaly Singing Programme
Kodaly was a Hungarian composer and music educator. He was passionately devoted to helping children of all ages to develop their singing and musical skills. His philosophy of music education led to a highly sequential system of teaching music. The system was developed by those influenced by Kodaly's vision of music education. To meet the initial Youth Music Initiative target, that by 2006 every primary school pupil would have the opportunity to access one year's free music tuition by primary 6, a team of Kodaly Singing Programme instructors have visited all 153 priamry schools in Aberdeenshire. Following the announcement of a further 2 years of Youth Music Initiative funding, the programme is to develop and continue its work in schools.![]()
Opportunity for P3 to P5 new starts in Instrumental Music
Commencing 22nd August 2006
The opportunity has arisen to offer instrumental beginners in P3 to P5 one year free tuition. This will be funded through the Scottish Executive's Youth Music Initiative administered by the Scottish Arts Council.
This is subject to availablility of resources in terms of teachers, timetabling and location. Normal Instrumental Music Service procedures will apply.
This does not affect the authority's existing policy whereby pupils who are entitled to free school meals are exempt from charges.![]()
Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra
This new project is being funded by the Scottish Arts Council through the Scottish Executive's Youth Music Initiative. This project is accessible to primary and secondary Saxophonists of all levels, including those at the initial stages. It is free for all participants. Players will have to make their own way to rehearsals. It is envisaged that there will be one rehearsal per calendar month.
Initially the ensemble will be led by Richard Ingham, one of the most prominent Saxophone educators in the UK.
Saxophone Orchestra Rehearsal Dates
You will notice that there will be a rehearsal every week until the end of term. This is because of the huge profile of SaxFest at the beginning of November.
Wednesday 17th September – Inverurie Academy
Wednesday 24th September – Portlethen Academy
Wednesday 1st October – Portlethen Academy
Thursday 9th October – Portlethen Academy
Wednesday 29th October – Inverurie Academy
Saxophone Orchestra leaflet (pdf 204kb)
Contact: Justin Brook
(Project Administrator)
IMS Coordinator
Hut 9, Inverurie Academy
Jackson Street
Inverurie AB51 3PX
Tel: 01467 629963
Email: justin.brook@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
- 2008 Information for parents (pdf 122kb)
- 2008 Enrolment Form (pdf 156kb)
- Central Aberdeenshire Music Centre Leaflet (pdf 185kb)
- North-Central Aberdeenshire Music Centre Leaflet (pdf 185kb)
- North Aberdeenshire Music Centre Leaflet (pdf 185kb)
- South-Central Aberdeenshire Music Centre Leaflet (pdf 185kb)
- South Aberdeenshire Music Centre Leaflet (pdf 185kb)

