INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SCHOOL SERVICES (IMSS) PROGRAM

The Department of Education's instrumental music school services over 400 primary and secondary Western Australian public schools.

At Piara Waters Primary School, we offer students the opportunity to learn a variety of musical instruments. This is provided by the Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS) program. 

Selected Piara Waters Primary students entering Year 4  will have the opportunity to learn to play the Violin or Cello and during selected years, the Viola. Students entering Year 5 are able to select the other instruments on offer; these being Brass (Trumpet or Trombone), Flute or Clarinet.

Lessons are held weekly, during normal class time and run for 30 minutes. There are only a selected number of places. For Cello, there are only 3 places each year. Violin classes consist of 4-8 students. The class sizes for the remaining instruments, Flute, Clarinet and Brass is 5 students.  

Process for Selection

All students complete an Aptitude test in Year 3 and Year 4, in term 3.  At this test, children list – in order of preference – what offered instrument they would like to learn if they had the choice. The test is then marked, and students are ranked from highest to lowest. The coordinator then meets with the students’ classroom teachers and music teachers to attain an idea of the student’s overall effort and suitability.

Once they have been shortlisted, the students have an Expression of Interest sent home (this does not mean they have a place in the program). They then also meet with the Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet and Brass teachers to assess whether the embouchure will impede success.

The final process sees the coordinator making any last-minute alterations and placements/offers are made.

If you have any further queries about this program, please speak to our music teacher, Deputy Principals or find out more online.