At this time of year letters are issued to the parents of successful applicants for guitar tuition, including information on the price of recommended guitars. The quick way to do this is to open the letter of the previous year, change any necessary details and re-save under a new name. The resultant digital trail has revealed this pertinent little fact.

In 1998 – the year I first started working in the primary sector, the price of a ¾ size guitar with carrying case (ideal for P5) was £45. This year, the price for the same guitar, from the same source is £33.

This, the result of globalism and a strong pound, is undoubtedly a good thing for our pupils and their families. Whether or not it is such a god thing viz a viz the big picture is outside my area of expertise. From the environmental point of view alone, it would be nice to buy locally, but that option simply does not exist.

In the meantime, it seems wise to be grateful for the situation and perhaps to consider the value. Most pupils who begin tuition in P5 keep their 3/4 size guitar until the end of S2 - unless they experience a early growth spurt. At today"s price, this amounts to a layout of £6.60 a year. Spread over a 39-week academic year this comes to 17p per week!

Categories: Behind-the-scenes, Music