Instrument Course

From 8 years old


Introduction

The Interartes Instrument Course guides students from beginners to advanced levels, combining technical learning, theoretical training, ensemble practice and individual artistic development. It is available for all instruments (piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, bowed strings, woodwinds, brass, among others) and adapts to each student's age, maturity and learning pace.
This model continues a pedagogical tradition of more than 50 years, inspired by the foundational work of Jorge Lee, and is built on rigour, creativity and musical integration.


  • Flexibility: Levels I to IV may be completed in 1 or 2 semesters, depending on the chosen workload, the student's maturity or the need to consolidate skills. Level V has a duration of 2 semesters.


Progressive Path

Introduced in 2025/26, the progressive level system (I to VIII) structures and enhances each student's learning journey. Each level has its own curriculum with defined objectives, graded content and planned lessons, allowing for clear, consistent and transparent guidance.

Included Subjects

  • Individual Instrument Lessons – technique, reading, interpretation and repertoire.

  • Music Theory – theory, reading and harmony applied in practice.

  • Ear Training – melodic, rhythmic and harmonic perception.

  • Combo / Ensemble – integrated group practice from intermediate levels onwards.

  • Music History – stylistic context at advanced levels.

  • Music Technology – introduction to recording, editing and production (advanced level).

    All levels include theoretical classes within the weekly workload, ensuring that students understand musical language and apply it independently on their instrument.

What sets us apart


Clear progression structure

From beginner to advanced consolidation, each level presents specific goals, graded content and repertoire adapted to the student's age and maturity.

Pedagogical planning and transparency

All lessons are planned with defined objectives and available for consultation, allowing students and families to follow progress and understand every stage of the journey.

Integrated theoretical training

Music theory taught in a practical, contextual way, including reading, harmony, ear training and music history.

Integrated ensemble practice

From the intermediate levels onwards, ensemble and combo are part of the curriculum, promoting listening, interaction and teamwork.

Music-applied technologies

At advanced levels, students work with recording, editing and music production, developing relevant technical skills for today's musical world.

Flexibility and commitment

Interartes ensures the achievement of pedagogical goals while respecting each student's pace and the expectations of every family.

Advantages

  • Motivation and rigour – clear goals and structured assessment to recognise progress and define next steps.
  • Comprehensive training – technique, theory, expressiveness and ensemble practice in balance.
  • Pathway alignment – suitable for leisure, school enrichment or professional preparation.
  • Transferable skills – discipline, creativity, communication and confidence, both within and beyond music.

Level Structure and Duration

I - Inititation

18 Instrument Lessons · 2 Music Theory Lessons | First contact; reading, rhythm, coordination; short pieces; final performance.

1 semester*

II - First Repertoires

18 Instrument Lessons · 2 Music Theory Lessons | Technical and expressive consolidation; scales, arpeggios, introductory improvisation.

1 semester*


III – Ensemble Work

16 Instrument Lessons · 2 Combo/Ensemble Lessons · 1 Music Theory Lesson · 1 Ear Training Lesson

1 semester*

IV – Stylistic Expression

16 Instrument Lessons + 2 Combo/Ensemble Lessons + 1 Music Theory Lesson + 1 Ear Training Lesson

1 semester*

V – Consolidation and Artistic Identity

16 Instrument Lessons + 4 Combo Lessons + 2 Music Theory Lessons + 1 Ear Training Lesson + 1 Music History Lesson + recital

2 semester

  • programme may be extended across two semesters if needed.

Assessment and Guidance

Assessment is continuous and formative, considering technical, expressive and artistic development. Each level also includes a final summative assessment (practical and theoretical) confirming content consolidation.
From the intermediate levels onwards, students take part in public performances, recitals and collective projects, which serve as milestones of progress and stage experience.

Programme Consultation

The full Instrument Course programme, including detailed content for each level and the corresponding lesson plans, is available for consultation at the school office.

FAQ

1. Structure and Progression

What does it mean for the course to be organised into levels?
The course is divided into five levels (I to V), each with defined pedagogical goals and progressive content. This structure makes it possible to follow the student's technical and musical development in a clear and continuous way.

How long does each level last?
Levels I to IV normally last one semester, but may be extended to two semesters depending on maturity, the chosen weekly workload or the student's learning pace. Level V lasts two semesters.

Do all students start at Level I?
Not necessarily. After a brief initial assessment (diagnostic), the student may be placed in the level that best matches their knowledge and musical experience.

Is it possible to progress more quickly?
Yes. Progression depends on attendance, commitment and the consolidation of each student's skills. Teachers and pedagogical coordination assess each case individually.

2. Subjects and Classes

Which subjects are included in the course?
All levels include individual instrument lessons and music theory. In the intermediate and advanced levels, ensemble/combo, ear training, music history and music technology are added.

What happens in the theoretical classes?
The theoretical classes include music theory, ear training, harmony and music history, always with practical application to the instrument.

Which instruments can I choose?
The course is available for all instruments taught at the school: piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice, bowed strings, woodwinds, brass and others depending on availability.

Are the lessons individual or group-based?
Instrument lessons are ideally individual. Music theory, ear training and ensemble lessons may be held in small groups.

3. Assessment and Certification

How are students assessed?
Assessment is continuous and formative throughout the semester, with a final summative assessment that includes both practical and theoretical components.

Is there a written assessment?
Yes. In levels that include theoretical content, a short written test is carried out at the end of each semester.

Are younger students also assessed?
Yes, but in an adapted way: for students up to 12 years old, assessment is practical and formative only, with no written theory test.

Is there any kind of certificate at the end?
Yes. Each successfully completed level results in an internal Interartes certificate, confirming the student's progression and acquired skills.

4. Practice, Performance and Technology

How are students assessed?
Assessment is continuous and formative throughout the semester, with a final summative assessment that includes both practical and theoretical components.

Is there a written assessment?
Yes. In levels that include theoretical content, a short written test is carried out at the end of each semester.

Are younger students also assessed?
Yes, but in an adapted way: for students up to 12 years old, assessment is practical and formative only, with no written theory test.

Is there any kind of certificate at the end?
Yes. Each successfully completed level results in an internal Interartes certificate, confirming the student's progression and acquired skills.

5. Schedules, Duration and Logistics

How many lessons are there per semester?
Each semester includes around 18 to 20 lessons plus rehearsals and recitals (depending on the instrument and calendar).

How long are the lessons?
Individual lessons may last 30, 45 or 60 minutes, depending on the chosen plan.

How are schedules arranged?
Schedules are set together with the teacher, taking into account the student's availability and room occupancy.

What happens if a student misses a lesson?
Absences must be communicated in advance. Make-up lessons are only possible in justified situations and within the teacher's availability.