FAQs

In addition to vocal training (voice), Panther Music offers instruction for the following instruments:

• Classical and Electric Guitar
• Clarinet
• Drums
• Flute
• Piano
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Violin/Viola

(It may be possible to facilitate additional instruments or lessons depending on demand. Please contact the coordinator to discuss.)

Those who wish to sing up for a music lesson should contact the Panthers Music Coordinator at panthermusic@isb.ac.th prior to registration to discuss your preferred lesson time and the length of the lesson.

Then, during the registration window, you will make your selection using the online CHQ registration system. The link to this system is available during the registration window through your PowerSchool login. Those who are not ISB students will receive an external link to the registration system and should contact the Panther Music coordinator in advance of registration.

Registration is complete once full payment is received.

Information about registration will be sent out to the ISB community about a month before the semester begins (July and December of each year). Announcements will also appear in the ISB all-school eNews.

Returning families can “pre-register” for the coming semester at the end of each semester and will be notified through a separate email. During the July/August registration window, families may choose between registering for the entire school year or for just one semester.

Registering for the entire school year will ensure that the student has the same spot for the full year. There is also about a 10% discount for those who register and pay for the full school year. It may be possible to change time slots for the second semester if your student’s schedule changes. Please contact the Panther Music coordinator with questions.

Generally, lesson slots are booked on a “first come, first served” basis. Since students are often busy with many activities, it is important to contact the Panther Music coordinator before the registration window opens to discuss music lesson schedules and availability.

From time-to-time, it is likely that a student or teacher will have to miss a class. If a teacher must cancel a class, he or she will provide advance notice to the student, and together they shall agree on an alternative time for the lesson.

If a student is aware of a conflict with a scheduled lesson (i.e., an ISB sporting event, medical appointment, school trip, etc.), the Panther Music coordinator must be notified by email at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled class, and a make-up lesson will be scheduled. If no notification is provided within the 48-hour window, no make-up lesson will be provided.

In the event of a medical emergency or illness, please notify the Panther Music coordinator by email before the scheduled lesson time if possible. Make-up lessons will be offered at the discretion of the coordinator. In the event of a long-term illness or unscheduled transfer out of the country, refunds may be made on a pro-rated basis.

If a student is currently part of a choir, band or orchestra, it is likely that the instructor will work with him or her on that assigned music. The instructor may also recommend lesson books available for purchase from the teacher or at a location such as the downtown bookstore, Kinokuniya. This information shall be provided to the student at the first lesson.

Students who practice progress more quickly and learn more. The instructors will work with each student to advise on practice and practice materials. Students should practice regularly and attend lessons on time. Please see the following link for a helpful practice guide: A Guide to Home Music Practice

If your student is beginning an instrument as part of the ISB middle school curriculum, vendors are present at the introduction event where students choose their preferred instruments. Finding good value when purchasing new or used instruments can be difficult. The teachers and specialists are happy to provide advice about obtaining instruments.

Students who wish to play large instruments in the ISB band or strings programs may be able to borrow these instruments from ISB and should discuss this with their band or strings instructors. Unfortunately, ISB does not offer rental programs for instruments.

The Panthers Music program is available to all ages, regardless of whether you’re a student at ISB. Band and orchestra are offered to ISB students beginning in middle school, however music appeals to children who are much younger, and to adults who have long since graduated from high school.

An important component of developing musical skills is to perform in front of an audience. An informal recital is held for all Panther Music participants in the Performing Arts Center near the end of each academic school year. This performance is open to families and allows students of all abilities to showcase their progress.

Students are encouraged to undergo periodic musical examinations run by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Working towards these exams encourages practice and helps students to set goals. Students who wish to take an ABRSM exam should discuss this with their Panthers Music teacher to find out which grade is appropriate and whether he or she is ready for such a challenge.