Cambridgeshire Music and it's teachers communicate with parents principally via email and the internet as this is the most time-efficient way. For more urgent or complex queries we will telephone you using the numbers you have provided.
Parents can also communicate with Cambridgeshire Music and our teachers in a variety of ways. You can use the Lesson Record Notebook, which all our students are provided with to communicate with your child's teacher. If you wish to contact the Cambridgeshire Music Office you can do so by email at cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk (preferred method) or by telephone on 01480 373500 (message system available)
Every Cambridgeshire Music Student will be given a Lesson Record Book. This is a handbook, containing information for families and used as a weekly record for the student, teachers and parent/carer. There is space for listing aims for each block of lessons and for the student to evaluate their own progress. Each record has space for recording homework and practice that is to take place between lessons. Parents can also provide a contact telephone number or email address for the teacher.
It is important that the Lesson Record Book is brought to each lesson and that students take care of the books. If they are lost then a replacement may incur a charge.
CM teachers will provide all parents with an annual instrumental/vocal report. This will be issued at the start of the Summer term and will contain a brief overview of progress, attendance and effort. Parents and students will also be given the opportunity to record their comments to be passed on to the teacher. It is recommended that music reports are sent out in early May - this can be changed by discussion with the teacher. For new learners an "End of First Term Report" is also provided.
Most music and tutor books will need to be purchased by the parent themselves and full details of this will be given in the Lesson Record Book when necessary.
It's important that parents obtain these as soon as possible; whilst teachers are sometimes able to loan copies to students in the lesson, they will need a copy to use at home. As teachers will often write on these books, it is important that students have their own copies, so that they can make their own markings. All local music shops should be able to obtain the music that is required and if not they can usually put in an order.
CM teachers are able to provide a range of music exams and assessments to encourage and measure achievement amongst students. These include Graded music exams, ABSRM music medals and Cambridgeshire Music assessments. The service does not currently manage this provision itself, but provides guidance for its teachers to carry out the necessary organisation. Teachers will enter students for exams when they feel they have reached the required standard. Lesson record books are used to communicate this to parents, and if necessary a telephone conversation can be arranged to discuss this.
For more information on exams
Cambridgeshire Music is able to provide financial help for families eligible for free school meals or who are "looked after students". This provides 100% of the cost of one set of tuition i.e one instrument only per child. A bursary should be applied for on the student registration form or via the data submitted to Cambridgeshire Music by the school during the order process. The school will take responsibility for confirmation of status. Free instruments can also be provided from the County Instrument Library.
For more information on Bursaries