Plymouth youth music service (PYMS) - information for schools

PYMS provides a comprehensive music education service to Plymouth schools and colleges and we seek to keep them up to date about our services.

Remission policy for instrumental and vocal tuition 2008 to 2009

The vision of PYMS is that everyone in Plymouth LA involved in music education will work together to provide the framework and focus needed to deliver a universal music education to all children, from early years onwards, where they can take an active part in high-quality music making.

We are working towards:

• a culture of inclusive music provision for all
• excellent in-service provision and support for teaching staff and other providers
• the provision of high quality and cost effective services for any young person who wishes to engage in music activities
• developing opportunities for young people to perform in city-wide ensembles
• creating effective partnerships between schools and colleges, and a range of music providers, organisations and industry
• all musical cultures and forms being valued and encouraged.

As part of the Plymouth Youth Music Strategy, the remission policy will promote access to instrumental and vocal lessons based on a set of criteria. Further details can be downloaded from the documents table below.

The changes to charges for music tuition regulations

The new charging regulations for music tuition during the school day (The Charges for Music Tuition (England) Regulations 2007) came into force on 1 September 2007. They provide the possibility of tuition in groups of an appropriate size and allow charging for vocal tuition. A summary of the key changes and a more detailed guidance document can be downloaded from the documents table below.

Wider opportunities funding

Wider opportunities is an important part of Plymouth Youth Music Service’s Strategy 2007 to 2010 'making every child’s music matter in Plymouth'. To apply for continued funding in 2008 to 2009 please complete and return the short application form, which can be downloaded from the documents table below.

Plymouth youth music traded services

Charges for traded services, which include instrumental, singing lessons and the provision of wider opportunities music tutors, have remained unchanged since the establishment of the Music Service in 2004.

In order to cover increased costs, the hourly charge to schools for tutors, currently £26 an hour, will necessarily rise to £28 an hour from September 2008. We believe that this is still a very competitive price in comparison to those of other music services and we will continue to maintain our present high standards of service and our remissions policy.

The 2008 to 2009 wider opportunities funding has already been calculated incorporating this increase but schools passing on the charges for individual or group music tuition will need to notify parents and carers and review their budgets accordingly.

Procedures for paying invoices for instrumental or singing tuition (including tutors for wider opportunities KS2)

Schools may order their instrumental and singing tutors from their preferred providers and may charge for it under the regulations provided by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Guidance on the invoicing procedures can be downloaded from the documents table below.

Music resources available on loan to Plymouth LA schools

The purpose of the PYMS loan of resource scheme is to enable school music teachers to expand the range of musical experiences they are able to offer in their schools. The Djembes can provide the opportunity for a module on rhythm and African drumming and similarly the Samba kit could provide the focus for a project on Brazilian music. Teachers may also wish to run extra-curricular activities developing the ensemble and performing skills of pupils and preparing them to perform in concerts and assemblies.

The marimbas can be used in a variety of teaching and learning contexts and provide access to timbres and techniques often beyond the financial reach of many schools. They can be used in combination with other percussion instruments in an ensemble in or out of the classroom.

Laptop computers can be used at a variety of levels. At KS3, 4 and 5 they offer packages such as Sibelius 4, Cubase VST, Band in a Box, Music Ace and the Dums. KS2 teachers can also use some of this software as well as using Compose World 2 and Super Dooper Music Looper. The free software Audacity is installed on the computer which provides an excellent platform for an introduction to recording and layering sound.

It is intended that a school be allocated the loan of a resource for a period of one term in order for a successful project to be initiated and completed. For those new to any of the resources, advice and support is available from the music team and advanced skills teachers. The music consultant reserves the right to call in resources from their placements when necessary for the purpose of training initiatives and large projects.

These resources are available for loan free of charge. The only requirement is that schools complete an evaluation outlining how the resources were used at the end of the loan period.

The range of equipment is growing year on year. Please let me know of any suggestions you may have for inclusion as centrally held resources.

A booking form may be downloaded from the documents table below. All equipment will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please return the booking form via email to gwyn.price@plymouth.gov.uk or mail to Gwyn Price, LA Music Consultant, Children’s Services (Lifelong Learning), Windsor House, Plymouth, PL6 5UF (free of charge using the green bag!)

Hearing damage from exposure to excessive noise - what do you need to know?

The draft 'Sound Advice' web guide has been consulted on and is being revised. The final version will be available in July 2008.

Teachers of music are often exposed to high levels of noise at work and have a responsibility to make noise awareness part of a complete musical education, from infant music classes onwards. The choice of location needs to be suitable for the instrument or music being played and the length of exposure is as important as noise level.

In order to establish whether teachers or students are at risk, you can carry out a noise risk assessment. You can control, reduce and monitor exposure to noise and many of the controls are simple and cost-effective. The students and teachers can still enjoy the learning experience with the controls in place. Noise induced hearing loss is irreversible damage to the ears and is caused by exposure to high levels of noise. For more details on this including how to carry out a risk assessment please visit the Sound Advice website.

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