Years 5 and 6 Ukulele Classes
The ACT Instrumental Music Program provides group instruction on ukulele to students in Years 5 and 6 at participating primary schools. This particular program of instruction currently operates in four of Canberra’s 56 public primary schools and is designed to supplement the music education of students in Years 5 and 6. It is not the intention or purpose of the Instrumental Music Program to be the sole provider of any student’s music education.
IMP staff are qualified ACT Education Directorate teachers employed under the same conditions as teachers in ACT public schools. All IMP teachers hold qualifications in music and/or education and have experience in instrumental music performance and pedagogy.
Each ukulele class will be supported by a teacher from the school. This teacher is called a School-Based Teacher (SBT) and is integral to the success of the group. The SBT is the first point of contact for parents/carers for ukulele class-related matters. The SBT also facilitates performance opportunities within the school.
While musical terminology is presented and used with students, this program does not include the teaching and learning of formal music notation.
Singing is an integral part of the ukulele classes. Students are expected to sing along while playing their ukuleles. Repertoire includes a wide range of popular genres including pop, rock, folk and music theatre.
At regular intervals throughout the year (usually once per term), ukulele classes from different schools will combine to rehearse together. This provides students with the opportunity to play and perform as part of a larger ensemble.
Student Selection
Participation in the IMP ukulele program is a two-year commitment, and the only point of entry is the beginning of Year 5. Students are expected to remain in the class for the full two years. Families are asked to consider this commitment carefully before accepting or declining an offer of place. Once the Year 5 program has begun, students cannot be ‘recruited’ to join the program to replace students who have left.
A selection process is undertaken by school staff and the IMP teacher assigned to that school. This selection process was reviewed in 2019 by Dr Anita Collins, and the recommendations from this review were implemented.
- Year 4 teachers provide information to the IMP on every student in the year group on four key attributes that have been shown to influence the success of beginning instrumental music learners – Work Habits, Group Etiquette, Reading Skills, Completion of Home Tasks. Note that ‘Completion of Home Tasks’ takes into account a variety of skills and is not limited to completion of formal homework.
- All Year 4 students undertake an aural music perception activity administered by an IMP teacher. This activity does not rely on previous music experience or knowledge and is designed to determine each student’s ability to differentiate between different pitches, rhythms, chords and melodies. It is important that no student is excluded from having the opportunity to undertake this activity.
- The IMP provides a list of students to each school with results given for the four key attributes and the music perception activity. This list is ranked by total score on both the four key attributes and the music perception activity.
- School staff selects students based on the above information as well as their own knowledge of the students. Offers are made to families by school staff until the maximum number of students has been reached. Families who don’t wish to accept their offer are welcome to decline. Students accepting a place in the band program are accepting a place on any instrument and are not able to specify a preference of instrument at this stage.
Please note that at some schools, this selection process will not apply, as all students in the year group may automatically be included in the ukulele program. This depends on the needs and size of the school.
Resources Provided
Students accepting a place in the Year 5 Ukulele Ensemble at their school will be provided with a ukulele. This ukulele is the property of the student and does not need to be returned to the school upon completion of the program. Students will also receive all required printed music. Parents/carers are welcome to purchase instruments for their students if desired, but there will be no reduction in IMP fees payable. Students who misplace or damage their instruments may be asked to purchase another instrument from the IMP. Please note that at most schools, students will be required to take their ukuleles home between lessons.
Students will receive two group sessions per week with a specialist IMP teacher. Typically, these sessions total 1.5 hours per week per group, but this may vary slightly depending on school timetables.
Cost
There is a cost associated with participation in the IMP ukulele program. This is set by the IMP and is charged to each school in Term 1 each year. Each school will determine how to pass this cost on to families and will provide this information to families along with the offers of place. The IMP does not charge families directly. The fees paid by schools and families is a contribution only and is not reflective of the true costs of the provision of this program to students.
Parent/Carer Support
Parents/carers can support their developing musicians by:
- spending time with their student exploring their instrument
- offering praise and encouragement to their child
- providing a space and time for regular practice at home
- providing a music stand
- providing a secure place for storage of the ukulele at home
- helping students to bring their ukulele and other necessary equipment to school on lesson days
- providing opportunities for their child to perform for family members at home
- attending school performances when possible
- helping their child to balance their activities and fulfill their commitment to the ukulele program
Benefits of Instrumental Music Learning
The benefits of instrumental music learning are well-documented and tend to outweigh any challenges presented by withdrawal from other lessons. If applicable, parents/carers are advised to contact their child’s school with any questions about how their student’s learning schedule may be affected by withdrawal for ukulele classes.
Private Instrumental Music Lessons
Students in Years 5 and 6 Bands are not required or encouraged to take ukulele lessons. It can be confusing and stressful for young students to receive regular instruction from several different teachers. In addition, it is desirable that students within any particular school group are working at a similar level. It is also not the aim of the IMP to remove the livelihood of private instrumental tutors.
