FAQ for Students

Q. Do I need to take my instrument home after my lesson?

A. Yes!! You will need to practise it at home regularly so never leave your instrument at school; take it home at the end of your lesson day.  

Q. How often do I need to practise my instrument at home?

A. Every day is desirable but 5 days a week should be a minimum. If you have just started, aim for seven days per week, as your practice amounts are very short (see below)

Q. How long should I practise my instrument for at home? 

A. Mr McIntyre will tell you in your lessons. If you have just started, 5 - 10 minutes is OK for a beginner until you have built up your lip muscles. By the end of your first term, 15 minutes should be possible in one session, building to 20-25 minutes by the end of the year. From your second year of learning onwards, 20-30 minutes per session. Year 11 and 12 students may need to do 45 minutes per session or two sessions per day of up to 30 minutes each session, to meet the requirements of ATAR courses.

Q. Help, my instrument is broken.

A. STOP. Don’t try and fix it yourself (and don’t panic). Bring it to Mr McIntyre at your next lesson and he will advise as to the next step. There are some things, such as a stuck mouthpiece, that he can fix. If he can’t fix it, he knows the man (Max) that can!

Q. I missed my lesson. What should I practice?

A. Ask other members of your group what we did in the lesson you missed. Email me if they don't know (!).

Q. My class teacher wouldn’t let me come to my lesson.

A. Let me know the name of the teacher, and I will pursue this further at your school. Sometimes, your class teacher may have an ‘unmissable’ assessment at the same time and it will not be possible to attend your lesson. But always ask to come, and inform me if there’s a problem the next time I see you at your brass lesson, or sooner by email. It should only be a very rare occasion when your class teacher won’t allow you to leave for your brass lesson. Whatever, don’t worry if you are not allowed to come to your lesson, just give me the details and I will help sort it out.

Q. I have forgotten my instrument (books, journal etc) . should I come to my lesson?

A. YES!! How are you going to know what we have done, what to practice etc, if you don’t come? Better still, be fully organised.

Q. Is my journal important?

A. Sure is! It is a record of communication between your parents and me. The Department of Education spends about $75,000 a year producing these journals. So, let’s use it regularly and effectively.

Q. Does my  journal have to be signed by a parent?

A. Yes. It is the main method of communication between your parents and me.

Q. I have lost my journal.

A. Where did you last have it? Look for it carefully. If it can’t be found, I can provide a replacement if you provide a note from your parent.

Q. I have lost my music book.

A. Sorry, you will need to buy another one if you can’t find it. (Again, check where you last had it; is it still in your lesson room at school?)  Sharing in a lesson is not going to help you at home when you practice, and photocopying is illegal.

Q. My valve oil is finished.

A. As per the milk in my fridge; you needs to buy some more (valve oil, not milk…….)

Q. When is my lesson?

A. Check the front of the journal for a fixed time lesson (same time, same day each week) as happens at primary schools, or the timetable I have produced for rotating lessons (same day, different times each week) displayed in your high school’s music room/block.