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Instrumental Instruction Survey

Schools Service Review of Instrumental Instruction

During the last year, the Schools Service has been reviewing how it delivers musical instrumental instruction in schools.  Shetland Islands Council requested a full review of the provision and a report will be table at the first committee cycle of 2011.
This questionnaire invites input to the review process from all interested individuals or groups.  Please answer as many of the questions as you wish, it will be very useful if you can also give the reasons behind your response. 
The facts below are intended to inform your consideration.

The Schools Service currently employs 20 people to deliver instrumental instruction in its schools this equates to 15.72 full-time jobs. Almost all of the instructors travel between several schools; 

  • We provide instruction in 22 different instruments plus voice. These are:

    Drums – approx 6% of overall provision.
    Woodwind - Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Recorder – approx. 13% of overall provision. Brass - Cornet, Trumpet, Tenor Horn, Trombone, baritone horn and tuba – approx 6% of overall provision Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass – approx 8% of overall provision.
    Traditional - Accordion, Fiddle, Mandolin – approx. 33% of overall provision.
    Voice – approx. 2% of overall provision

  • 775 children or 21% of the current total pupil population receive instruction on a musical instrument or voice with 55 vacancies;
  • The annual budget for this provision is approx. £600K which is almost entirely salary costs;
  • Pupils learning to play may be studying towards grade examinations, as part of an Scottish Qualifications Authority course or as part of their broad general education.

Copies of the questionnaire can be accessed and completed either in MicrosoftWord, PDF, or through the survey monkey links below.
The link to the word document can be accessed here .
The link to the PDF document can be accessed here.
The link to survey monkey is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DBB5VCD

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