This page sets out how the Music School of the Societat Unió Musical Santa Cecília de Barx works: who may enrol, how we communicate with families, how the levels are organised and what the fees are.
Who can enrol
Any child from the age of three may join, on the single condition that their parent or guardian is a member of the society. Fees must be paid by direct debit; if a payment is returned, any resulting charges are borne by the payer.
School year
The school year lasts nine and a half months: there are no lessons in July or August, nor during the first half of September. FASOLET classes begin in October, so that course runs for nine months. There are also no lessons during holiday periods (Christmas and Easter) or on official public holidays. Exact dates are on the School calendar.
Communication between families and teachers
- Communication may be by any means, in person or electronic: telephone, WhatsApp, Telegram or email.
- Some instrument teachers keep a lesson diary or record sheet, noting the progress of each session and the work set for the following week.
- Families receive a termly report — except FASOLET students — with the number of absences and the student’s progress in the course and subject. It is sent digitally, by WhatsApp or email.
- If a student exceptionally needs to change music theory group or leave before the end of the lesson, the parent must notify this in writing.
- When a student cannot attend an instrument lesson, please let us know by any means so the teacher can rearrange their timetable.
- To discuss any matter with the instrument teacher, families meet them during their child’s lesson time. For music theory or to speak with the head of the school, appointments can be made any Friday from 5 p.m. or Saturday at 10 a.m.
Rescheduled and missed lessons
Lessons missed by the teacher are made up, except where the absence is due to performance commitments with the band, illness or force majeure, as provided for in the Spanish Workers’ Statute. Lessons missed by the student are not made up.
Student pathway
| Level | What it leads to |
|---|---|
| FASOLET | On completing FASOLET 4, students begin studying an instrument. |
| Introductory | On passing introductory music theory, students begin an instrument if they have not taken FASOLET. |
| Year one | On passing year one of instrument, students may join the Youth Band. |
| Year four | On passing year four, students may join the band after an entrance test. |
| Consolidation or conservatoire preparation year | Passing this level is the minimum required to stay in the band. To prepare for the conservatoire entrance exam, families must inform the teaching staff at the start of the year. |
Level of study
The level taught corresponds broadly to the Spanish elementary grade of music. In the instrumental specialism, studies may continue at intermediate grade, either supporting conservatoire work or extending knowledge.
Joining the Youth Band or the senior band depends directly on the progress the student demonstrates through levels passed. Tuition is individualised, both in music theory and in the instrumental specialism, so a student may pass several levels in one year, or the opposite. To get the most out of instrument lessons, daily practice at home is needed, as well as regular attendance at lessons and rehearsals.
Specialisms and teaching staff
The Barx school teaches almost all the instrumental specialisms that make up a wind band: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, piano and guitar, as well as music theory, harmony and analysis and FASOLET. Our teaching staff is listed on the Teachers page.
Fees
Monthly fees for each subject, the enrolment fee, the sibling discount, the membership fee and the instrument loan charge are detailed on the Enrolment page.
Loan of society instruments
The society keeps a stock of instruments so that students can begin their studies. They are lent for an annual charge of €70, which is in no case rent: it is the minimum cost of maintaining the instruments. The loan runs for two years in principle, extendable if no other student needs the instrument. Percussion students contribute €10 per year towards the upkeep of the society’s percussion instruments.
If you have any questions about this information, write to us at sumsantaceciliabarx@gmail.com.
Download: general information for families (PDF).
School Educational Project: see the school educational project (objectives, course structure, teaching principles and inclusion) or download the PDF.