Organisation of training

Learning process

The training is organised at the time that children have off from the general education school. Training takes place in stages as a system of courses, which comprises a four-year basic school, and the following years are considered as additional training. A course is divided into two terms. The school year begins in September and generally ends in May, containing 35 weeks of study. There is no school during holidays. Since 2003, the school has organised preliminary courses for developing children’s sense of rhythm and coordination, to guide pre-school children from play to learning.

Children are admitted to the 1st course in the basic school depending on their results in the entrance tests. The tests are arranged in spring and autumn and are meant for children aged from 7 to 10. If the child has passed the tests, his or her parent submits an application for the child to start at school, along with overview of the organisation of training and internal rules. Before the training starts, an official of the school signs a contract with a legal representative of the child.

The school collects a tuition fee payable under an invoice in advance either by a transfer to the relevant bank account or in cash in the school office.

At the end of the first and second terms in the basic school, children receive certificates showing the grades and assessments in the subjects taken. A pupil is transferred to the next course if the assessments are positive. To finish the Arsis Handbell School, a pupil must pursue the full curriculum of the basic school (i.e. four courses). The graduates receive leaving certificates. After that, they may apply for additional training.

Subjects

• Ensemble: the maximum number of pupils in the group is 20. Handchimes are used throughout the first two courses, while English handbells are taken up in the third year.
• Solfeggio: the maximum number of pupils in the group is 20. Solfeggio lessons focus on teaching notes and theoretical analysis of music. Handbells are used as aids here as well.
• Music History: the maximum number of pupils in the group is 20. In music history the pupils get acquainted with well-known composers, artists and their music styles. Visiting concerts is also part of the programme.
• Piano lessons: groups consist of two to three pupils, and there are three pianos in the room.

Besides that, it is possible to learn to play the guitar in the Tartu school, and again, groups consist of two to three pupils.