Frequently Asked Questions
General - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the first thing we should do if we are interested?
- Is Aberdeen City Music School just for people in Aberdeen?
- How much does it cost?
- Can you have lessons at the music school and not be a pupil at Dyce academy.
- Can you enter the music school at any age?
- Do you have to pass an audition to get in?
- What instruments/voice can you learn?
- Do you have to board?
- Do you have to go on to a musical career?
- How do you know if your child has real musical potential?
- What is the first thing we should do if we are interested?
Ring the Director on 01224 774773 for an informal chat with no commitment whatsoever. This may lead to a pre-audition when you can have a look at us and we can give you some helpful advice.
- Is Aberdeen City Music School just for people in Aberdeen?
No. It's a national specialist music school with boarding facilities and so open to all. People come from distances as far apart as Ayr to Shetland.
- How much does it cost?
There is a boarding charge of £1600 per annum taken in four instalments of £400. This is highly subsidised and represents less than 15% of actual cost. There is a taxi travel charge for day people of about £1000 per annum. Again highly subsidised. Those on free school meals don't pay anything at all.
- Can you have lessons at the music school and not be a pupil at Dyce academy.
No. All secondary pupils attend Dyce Academy although those with primary bursaries are external students until secondary school age.
- Can you enter the music school at any age?
Yes. Except we do not take adults. Primary school children have lessons here but remain at the current primary school before transferring to us following an audition.
- Do you have to pass an audition to get in?
Yes. Except primary school bursaries are given resulting from an informal assessment.
- What instruments/voice can you learn?
Just about everything. We also take singers.
- Do you have to board?
Most people do, but we have a cohort of day pupils who come in each day by taxi and we subsidise the fares.
- Do you have to go on to a musical career?
Most do, but it is not a requirement. Students have gone on to read Maths, English Philosophy and Law at University.
- How do you know if your child has real musical potential?
If they talk about music and are playing regularly and are excited by it they may well be the sort of people we are looking for. Give us a ring on 01224 774773
