Making Progress the Maestros way!

Learning to play an instrument or to sing should always be enjoyable, but there is no doubt that without regular practice, support from everyone around and regular lessons, this enjoyment can turn to a struggle only too easily. If the sense of struggle becomes overwhelming, then motivation dwindles and the inevitable happens – you will give up! Naturally this is not something that we want to happen, so what can we do to avoid this?

Practice Notebook

Firstly, all of our teachers are passionate about what they do and really want each one of their pupils to succeed. In your first lesson, you will be given a practice notebook which is specifically designed for your lessons with Maestros. (Don’t forget to bring it to each lesson!). You, other people in your group and your teacher will set targets for each half term so that you know what you are aiming for at all times and at the end of the series of lessons you will be able to see how much you’ve improved.

Reports

Once a year – in the summer term – your teacher will write a progress report for you and your parents. This will not only describe what you have achieved during the year, but also what you should be aiming for next. All aspects of your lessons will be commented on. Our teachers will use a marking scheme to show how you have progressed in certain areas and they will also provide some general comments.

Continuous Assessment

The main way that we help you to check your progress is through continuous teacher assessment. The great thing about this is that it happens regularly so you should be able to make steady progress set against realistic goals. However, many people – both teachers and pupils – like the idea of an independent person giving you a view on how you are matching up to a national standard. This is where external exams can be very helpful.

Exams

Maestros do not have a rigid policy on music examinations or indeed examination boards. This is because we strongly believe that they should be used flexibly and should be integrated, wherever appropriate, into your learning rather than using them as the thing that drives it. By taking this view, we are confident that exams form a valued yet non-threatening part of our policy on assessment. After all, having your playing and singing acknowledged by a national body is something worth aiming for and the certificates will add nicely to your Record of Achievement folder!

Playing Together

We strongly encourage all pupils who learn with us to become members of at least one ensemble. There are literally hundreds to choose from and as you progress through the levels, you will find that you need to go through an audition. This can seem a bit daunting, but actually it is yet another way that you can measure your achievement. Just think of it as someone other than your own teacher letting you know how they think you are getting on!

Performing

What’s more, all of our ensembles play regularly in concerts and one of the most enjoyable forms of assessment has to be applause from the audience!
Enjoy!