New Applications
Do I need to find a music teacher before making an application?
Ideally, yes you will have already found a music teacher and they will need to be registered with Amber before the application deadline. If you have not found a music teacher before the deadline this may delay the outcome of your application.
How do I find a music teacher?
Amber has a Music Teacher Directory here.
You can also contact your local Music Hub.
Alternatively, Amber’s Music Awards Manager may be able to advise: contact@ambertrust.org
How should my teacher register with Amber?
The music teacher registration form can be found here.
Please note that we require all registered teachers to have a recent enhanced criminal records check (DBS, PVG, AccessNI) issued within the last 3 years (for DBS we will also accept those on the update service.)
On the registration form, the music teacher will need to:
- Confirm that they have read our safeguarding policy
- Confirm that they have their own safeguarding policy
- Provide the date of recent safeguarding training and give details
- Confirm they have their own Public Liability Insurance
- Confirm that they have read the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Amber will also need to check the music teacher’s photo ID
If the teacher is missing any of these safeguarding requirements, they will not be able to register as a music teacher.
Should I apply for instrumental/vocal lessons or Music Development lessons?
If your child is not quite ready for instrumental or vocal lessons then Music Development lessons might be appropriate. Music Development lessons:
- develop your child’s foundational musical skills (musical understanding, sense of rhythm and pitch, enjoyment)
- take place regularly at home or at school, with a music teacher
- are for children and young people, aged 5 or above, who are able to sing or play small groups of notes, for example, ‘call and response’ chants
- are more flexible than formal instrumental or vocal tuition
Amber will award one term of Music Development lessons in the first instance. Following this, we will liaise with your child’s teacher to see if they are ready to move on to instrumental or vocal lessons. If not, further Music Development lessons may be offered, or we may suggest an alternative Amber programme.
How much funding can I apply for?
New applicants can apply for a Music Award to fund up to one school term of music lessons (a maximum of 12 lessons). You will then be able to reapply for up to three school terms (a maximum of 36 lessons) at the following application deadline.
Which subsidy band should I select?
You can choose whichever subsidy band is most appropriate for your family circumstances:
- You do not have to justify your subsidy band choice or provide any evidence of your financial circumstances
- There will be no means testing involved at all and the subsidy band that you choose will not be factored into any decisions about your child’s music award
- There will be no limit on the number of 100% subsidies that we award
- If circumstances change for a family at any time they will be able to change their subsidy level quickly and easily by contacting the Music Awards Manager
- If a teacher has concerns about the invoicing process they can contact us and we will find a bespoke solution
- If a family fails to pay their contribution, then just as they would for any other pupil, the teacher should pause lessons until the outstanding invoice has been paid
- If a family defaults on their contribution and no longer wants lessons, Amber will cover any unpaid invoices (up to a maximum of one term’s lessons)
- Families will not lose their Award once it has been granted
- Families will not be disadvantaged in any way if they choose the 100% subsidy level
Is my child likely to be put on a waiting list?
If we receive more applications than we are able to support we will use waiting lists to manage demand. When we are reviewing applications, we always prioritise children who have a terminal diagnosis / life limiting condition so please make sure you notify us about this at the point of application.
We also prioritise the following children:
- 16 and 17 year olds
- Those moving from Little Amber or AmberPlus
- Advanced musicians, those studying GCSE or A-level Music or having braille music lessons
- Those from our partner music service areas (currently Southampton & Isle of Wight, Lancashire, Merton, and the Tri-borough Music Hub)
- Those who have already found a suitable teacher
Can I change my child’s music teacher?
Yes, but you must notify the Music Awards Manager before any lessons take place with the new teacher. The new music teacher will need to register with Amber and lessons can start as soon as the registration is approved. If lessons do continue before the new music teacher has been approved, then these lessons will not be funded by Amber.
What happens if my child decides to stop having music lessons during their Music Award?
Please notify the Music Awards Manager as soon as possible so that funds can be reallocated to other children.