The Instrumental Teaching Service ( I T S ) has been the basis of the Music Centre's work since it was established in 1971. This in-school service allows schools to enhance their curriculum music provision. The I T S provides shared lessons which introduce pupils to the world of instrumental music, leading to orchestras and bands. Lessons are most successful when they build on an already established school music curriculum comprising listening and responding, performing and composing.

The I T S is much in demand: in 1999-2000 the number of schools selected to benefit from the scheme each week is 122. The selection of a school depends heavily upon the enthusiasm and competence of the school music staff, and a willingness to undertake the considerable additional work and responsibility involved. Other important factors include continuity of provision between primary schools and post-primary schools in the same district, and equality of opportunity between District Music Centre catchment areas.

Since the I T S is a valuable resource, selection of schools is by criteria determined by the South Eastern Education and Library Board:

  • school enrolment is at least 100 pupils
  • musical instruments are frequently used in the classroom
  • suitable tuition accommodation is available, with heat, light, space, ventilation and windows
  • school music staff support by interest, aural training and piano accompaniments
  • pupils attend for lessons regularly and punctually, on a withdrawal from class basis
  • pupils have a developing familiarity with standard musical notation
  • school staff rehearse orchestra, band or ensemble regularly, and actively nurture talent
  • there is in school clerical and administrative support

Research and experience have shown that the optimum time for the selection of pupils for instrumental tuition is between the ages of 8 and 11. In-school selection of pupils is also by Board criteria:

  • an objective assessment of the pupil's musical initiative and intelligence - through such as the Bently Test; in the event of a greater number of eligible pupils than there are places available, the results of the objective assessment will be the final determining factor
  • pupil making positive, enthusiastic responses in class music lessons
  • pupil demonstrating a commitment to the study of instrumental music
  • pupil having home support
  • providing continuity of provision in post-primary schools for pupils with successful instrumental musical experience, but not excluding "new starts"
  • pupil's physical suitability for instrument(s) available, aural develoment, size of hands/fingers/arms, and embouchure (for wind/brass players).

    Since for the benefit of pupils the Music Centre also operates junior groups at District level , and Training, Intermediate and Senior groups at Board level, other factors which help subsequently to indicate the extent to which ITS in schools is being successful are:
  • number of pupils entered for external grade examinations (Associated Board), and the results they achieve
  • number of pupils attending orchestras and bands at District and Board levels.

The Music Centre has approximately 2500 instruments available for I T S , sufficient for about 4% of pupils in the Board's area. The instrument hire fee where necessary is £35 per annum (100% remission to pupils who receive free school meals). The tuition is heavily subsidised by the Board, but attracts a small school contribution (which they can pass on to parents) of £14 per tutor hour.
See information page for more details.

Evening Teaching Service

The Music Centre operates a two tier comprehensive teaching service at each of its four District Music Centres at Bangor (Wednesdays), Castlereagh (Tuesdays), Downpatrick (Wednesdays) and Lisburn (Mondays), between 4.30 pm and 8.30 pm.

The Lower Grades Teaching service (LTS) targets Key Stage 3 pupils with successful instrument learning experience in primary schools. It parallels the good work done in post-primary schools and offers shared tuition to small groups of pupils of similer ages and stages.

Compulsory theory lessons, up to grade 5, are also built into the structure, together with automatic enrolment in an orchestra or band at an appropriate level.

Graduating to the Advanced Teaching Service (ATS), students receive specialist one to one practical tuition. This is dependent on progress and the availability of suitable vacancies for the particular instrument.

It is expected that ATS students will have sufficient experience and ability on their instrument to command a place in an intermediate or senior group. Students will also be expected to take higher grade examinations, and to play when requested in puplic performance.

Tuition is available for most orchestral and band instruments, including pianoforte as a second study and is supported by aural and theory classes.

Course fees and instrument hire charges ( see information page ) are subject to 100% remission where students are entitled to free school meals.

Entry is by completed application form, which for inclusion in the next academic year commencing in September should be submitted to the Music Centre before Easter. For further information including current scale of charges contact the Music Centre office.