The Scottish Government have confirmed the abolishment of all charges for instrumental instruction as part of their commitments for the new Government's first 100 days. Following this announcement all charges for instrumental instruction have now ended.
We currently provide instruction in 20 different instruments:
- accordion
- brass (baritone horn, euphonium, cornet, tuba, tenor horn, trumpet)
- drums
- fiddle
- strings (violin, viola, cello double bass)
- piano
- voice
- woodwind (clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe, recorder)
Guitar is currently available in the following schools for pupils in P5-7, delivered through the Youth Music Initiative: Aith, Bell's Brae, Brae, Cunningsburgh, Dunrossness, Sandwick, Scalloway, Sound, Tingwall and Whiteness.
For more information regarding guitar instruction, please contact Noelle Henderson on 01595 744013 or email noelle.henderson@shetland.gov.uk
How do I add my child to the Waiting List?
You can add your child the Instrumental Instruction Waiting List, using the forms below. Applications are invited for children who will be in Primary 5 or above from August. Please note that space for some instruments is very limited and tuition therefore cannot be guaranteed. Places are offered based on a first come, first served basis.
Waiting List Form for Instrumental Instruction
Currently the below Instruments are available in Schools:
| AHS | Accordion, Brass, Drums, Fiddle, Lower Strings, Piano, Voice, Woodwind |
| Aith | Accordion (remote only), Brass, Drums, Fiddle, Piano, Woodwind |
| Baltasound | Accordion (remote only), Fiddle, Piano, Woodwind |
| Bell's Brae | Accordion, Brass, Drums, Fiddle, Lower Strings, Piano, Voice, Woodwind |
| Brae | Accordion (hybrid - remote/in person), Brass, Drums, Fiddle, Lower Strings, Piano, Voice, Woodwind |
| Burravoe | Piano, Woodwind |
| Cullivoe | Fiddle |
| Cunningsburgh | Fiddle, Piano |
| Dunrossness | Accordion, Fiddle, Piano, Lower Strings, Voice |
| Fair Isle | Fiddle (remote only) |
| Hamnavoe | Accordion, Fiddle, Piano, Lower Strings, Voice |
| Happyhansel | Fiddle |
| Lunnasting | Fiddle (remote only) |
| Mid Yell | Accordion (hybrid - remote/in person), Fiddle, Piano, Woodwind |
| Mossbank | Brass, Piano |
| Nesting | Fiddle, Piano |
| North Roe | Fiddle, Piano, Woodwind - all remote only |
| Ollaberry | Fiddle, Piano, Woodwind |
| Sandness | Brass, Piano |
| Sandwick | Accordion, Drums, Fiddle, Lower Strings, Piano, Voice, Woodwind |
| Scalloway | Accordion, Fiddle, Lower Strings, Piano, Voice, Woodwind |
| Sound | Accordion, Drums, Fiddle, Piano, Woodwind |
| Tingwall | Fiddle, Piano |
| Urafirth | Fiddle, Piano, Woodwind |
| Whalsay | Fiddle, Piano |
| Whiteness | Piano, Woodwind |
**Other instruments may be available as a remote only option depending on demand and availability of instructor time.**
Can my child borrow an instrument?
Some instruments are available to be loaned from the authority. Piano/ keyboards and drum kits cannot be loaned. Generally if a pupil is loaning an instrument they will be expected to return it after their first term and should supply their own instrument. Assistance towards the purchase of an instrument is available through the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme.
How many lessons will my child receive?
Each pupil should receive a minimum 750 minutes (equivalent to 30 lessons at 25 minutes each) of instruction during the school year.
What happens if my child wants to stop their instruction?
If a pupil wants to discontinue their instruction, notice must be given to Children's Services prior to the start of a new term.