FAQs
We know there are always a lot of questions when you are deciding to play an instrument – it’s a big decision!
The Music Partnership team has put together a list of our most frequently asked questions to help you find the answers you are looking for.
If you are still unable to get some answers, please don’t hesitate in emailing us your query to info@musicpartnership.com.au
Band Programs
How do I sign up for band or string ensemble?
Please complete our online Band and Lesson Enrolment Form if you would like to join your school’s band program. If you would like to join your school’s string ensemble, please complete out online String Ensemble Enrolment Form. Once submitted, we will email you further information as quickly as we can.
Who can join band?
Children in Years 3-6 are eligible for our band programs, and children in Years K-6 are eligible for our string ensembles.
Why do I have to give 3 instrument preferences when signing up for band?
It is very important for us to achieve a balanced sound when setting up our bands. We aim to give you your first instrument choice but to maintain a balanced sounding band, we need as many options as possible, so we ask for three (3). A balanced sounding band will enhance your child’s overall band experience.
Thinking of pulling out of band?
Sometimes band is not for everyone. If your child does not want to continue, please send us an email to info@musicpartnership.com.au or alternatively, you can submit our online Renew/Cancel Enrolment Form. The request to cancel band enrolment must be made prior to the commencement of the next school term. It is not possible to drop out during the middle of a term.
Where will the bands perform?
We aim to have our bands perform each term at school assemblies, fetes and special events. We also encourage participation in band festivals and workshops throughout the year.
What type of music will the band/string group play?
We aim to choose music that is both popular, current and relevant to our ensemble members. Our music choices aim to teach our students to read music notes proficiently and to learn basic to advanced music knowledge.
What are the band fees and when do I pay them?
Band fees are additional to your private lesson fees. You will receive an invoice for both at the beginning of each term. To find out how much you pay, please log-in to your school’s page by selecting your school from the drop-down menu.
How do I pay my band program fees?
We have a variety of payment options –
1. Online Transfer: Our bank details can be found on your invoice.
2. Cheque: Please make cheques payable to: The Music Partnership Pty Ltd and post to: PO Box 108 Enmore NSW 2042.
3. Credit Card: You can pay by credit card over the phone. Please call Lee Dellit on 0414 448 545 to make your payment.
4. Credit Card Direct Debit: We can automatically deduct each term fee from your nominated credit card on the invoice due date. Simply fill out a Credit Card Authorisation Form to use this hassle-free payment option.
When and where are band rehearsals held?
Our bands rehearse weekly for 1 hour with our specialist Music Partnership conductors, on school premises. Your child’s additional weekly private or group music lesson on their chosen instrument will be led by one of our highly skilled Music Partnership tutors, who comes directly to your school to teach before, during and after school hours. Days and times vary according to each school. Please select your school from the drop-down menu here to find out exactly when lessons operate at your school.
How does The Music Partnership select band conductors?
Our music conductors (and tutors) are graduates of Australia’s finest tertiary institutions and are passionate about their music! Most are studying or have graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Many have also studied at prestigious international schools.
Our specialist Music Partnership conductors are reliable, punctual and professional, and can cater for any students learning needs and musical experience. All of our conductors are handpicked by The Music Partnership’s director Alex Bieri. All are interviewed, reference-checked and screened by the NSW child protection authority.
We are a school interested in starting or changing our band/string program.
That’s exciting! The Music Partnership can create an exciting opportunity for your students! If you would like to know more about the services The Music Partnership can offer your school in starting a band/string program or reinvigorating your existing program, simply Make An Enquiry. We will then be in touch to get the conversation started!
How do I keep up to date with my child’s band progress?
The Music Partnership takes care of communication and management of our band programs. We monitor attendance, administrate all aspects of the band program and communicate regularly with parents. Parents receive regular band newsletters keeping them up to date with what’s happening within their school band program.
Music Lessons
How do I enrol in music lessons?
Please complete our online Band and Lesson Enrolment Form and we will contact you as quickly as we can. We will discuss lesson details and an appropriate lesson day/time. You will need to agree to our music lessons terms and conditions agreement to proceed.
How much notice do I need to give to cancel my music lesson?
24 hours notice (for illness) or 7 days notice (for school excursion or general absence) must be given directly to the tutor. Where inadequate notice is given, the lesson is forfeited. Make up lessons may be organised at the discretion of your tutor where adequate notice has been given.
The Music Partnership may issue credits to your next term’s invoice, subject to approval. Please check your music lessons terms and conditions agreement for more details of lesson cancellation.
How do I change my music lesson time?
Please email us at info@musicpartnership.com.au to work out an alternative lesson time.
Are music lessons held during the school holidays?
There are no lessons held during the school holiday periods. Lessons run according to the NSW school terms.
Why do I need to have a private music lesson?
The Music Partnership provide private individual and group instrumental lessons on all concert band and stringed instruments. Having a private lesson on your chosen instrument is essential to your child’s progress. These individual lessons are where your child learns the skills and techniques required to play their instrument. They will work with a specialist tutor who will guide them every step of the way.
What are the music lesson fees and when do I pay them?
We will email you an invoice at the beginning of the term for payment of lessons in advance. To find out how much you pay, please refer to our fee schedule which is found on your school’s page. Simply log-in by selecting your school from the drop-down menu.
How do I pay my music lesson fees?
We have a variety of payment options –
1. Online Transfer: Our bank details can be found on your invoice.
2. Cheque: Please make cheques payable to: The Music Partnership Pty Ltd and post to: PO Box 108 Enmore NSW 2042.
3. Credit Card: You can pay by credit card over the phone. Please call Lee Dellit on 0414 448 545 to make your payment.
4. Credit Card Direct Debit: We can automatically deduct each term fee from your nominated credit card on the invoice due date. Simply fill out a Credit Card Authorisation Form to use this hassle-free payment option.
Who do I contact to stop my music lessons?
Please email us at info@musicpartnership.com.au if you would like to discontinue your lessons. Alternatively, you can submit our online Renew/Cancel Enrolment Form. You need to give notice at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the next school term.
When and where are music lessons held?
Your child’s weekly private or group music lesson on their chosen instrument will be led by one of our highly skilled Music Partnership tutors, who comes directly to your school to teach before, during and after school hours. Days and times vary according to each school. Please select your school from the drop-down menu here to find out exactly when lessons operate at your school.
Do I have to be enrolled in band to receive private music lessons?
Whilst it is a requirement that students who join band need to be having a private music lesson, students can also just sign up for music lessons without being part of the school’s band program. You can enrol your child for private tuition on their chosen instrument by simply filling out our online Band and Lesson Enrolment Form which will ask you to list your instrument preferences and your current contact details. Then we will get in touch with you as quickly as we can to get the ball rolling! You do not need to enrol your child if they already receive private lessons from an external tutor.
How does The Music Partnership select music tutors?
The Music Partnership works with only the very best tutors from our ever-expanding database of musicians. Our fantastic, fun and highly skilled tutors are reliable, punctual and professional, and can cater for any students learning needs and musical experience. All of our tutors are handpicked by The Music Partnership’s director Alex Bieri. All are interviewed, reference-checked and screened by the NSW child protection authority.
How do I keep up to date with my child’s music lesson progress?
The Music Partnership sends out twice yearly progress reports on your child’s music lessons.
Are there exams that my child can apply for on their instrument?
Yes! The AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) runs exams on all instruments throughout the year at the Sydney Conservatorium and their Clarence street studios.
How do I find out more about AMEB exams?
You should speak to your tutor to find out if they think your child would benefit from sitting an AMEB exam. It can mean a lot of extra practice and work at home.
Does The Music Partnership have information available about AMEB exams?
Yes. Please click here to view some details that should supply you with most of the information you need to know about sitting an AMEB exam. Or, visit the AMEB NSW website.
Instruments
How do I know which instrument to choose?
Choosing your instrument can feel like a big decision. Try looking at pictures online and listening to YouTube clips of people playing instruments. This will help give your child a better idea of each instrument and help them make a choice. Please visit our Instruments page for more detailed information about your instrument options.
How do I obtain an instrument for my child?
You will need to hire or purchase your own instrument. The Music Partnership does not provide an instrument for you, but we are happy to assist you in hiring an instrument. We recommend Presto Instruments. Please email sales@prestoinstruments.com.au for all rental enquiries.
Are certain instruments easier to learn than others?
All instruments have their challenges. The best way to get off to a great start is to practice at home every day! 10-15 minutes of regular practice each day is our advice.
Should I hire or purchase my instrument?
Hiring is usually the best way to go for the first 3-6 months. We recommend Presto Instruments for instrument hire. Once your child has decided to commit fully to learning an instrument, we recommend that you purchase your own quality instrument.
How long does it take to become proficient at playing an instrument?
This is a hard question to answer! Your child’s progress is really up to them. Practice practice practice! Usually within the first few months of learning and practicing, your child should be able to make a good sound and play a basic scale. Then the sky’s the limit! Mastering an instrument is something we can spend a lifetime achieving.
Fees and Payment
What are the band fees and when do I pay them?
Band fees are additional to your private lesson fees. You will receive an invoice for both at the beginning of each term. To find out how much you pay, please log-in to your school’s page by selecting your school from the drop-down menu.
What are the music lesson fees and when do I pay them?
We will email you an invoice at the beginning of the term for payment of lessons in advance. To find out how much you pay, please refer to our fee schedule which is found on your school’s page. Simply log-in by selecting your school from the drop-down menu.
How do I pay my fees?
We have a variety of payment options –
1. Online Transfer: Our bank details can be found on your invoice.
2. Cheque: Please make cheques payable to: The Music Partnership Pty Ltd and post to: PO Box 108 Enmore NSW 2042.
3. Credit Card: You can pay by credit card over the phone. Please call Lee Dellit on 0414 448 545 to make your payment.
4. Credit Card Direct Debit: We can automatically deduct each term fee from your nominated credit card on the invoice due date. Simply fill out a Credit Card Authorisation Form to use this hassle-free payment option.