Why Schools use Fine Tuning

1) Every effort is made to arrive -and on time.

This may sound self evident, but weve heard of some horror stories. In over 20 years Tony has been late only once (breakdown). On many occasions he has arrived after a snowfall, to be told the school is closed. So unless he knows the school is closed- he will set off, rather than let you down. Arrival for A.M start is 7.45 a.m. For P.M- midday. So be assured, every effort is made.

2) Quality - Tony is a professional

I wont say in every sense of the word, because in my experience some professionals get tired and with Tony this doesnt happen. Every day is a new challenge and hell put in 110% He has a rare talent and can make learning great fun. -But its up to you to use the resources to full advantage. Yes, he will judge design/instrument making competitions, (Ive just put 200 pictures on his desk)! Yes, he will give you designs for simple instrument making. Yes, he will identify that strange instrument that lurks in the stockroom. Yes, he can spot kids who have a talent- there are people out there today in professional orchestras, who were started on their instrument by Tony. Yes, he will send you an e-mail picture of a Lur/that instrument that was in that story yesterday. Yes, he will reply to thank you letters (but, please note, only through Teachers or schools E-mail -not direct)-. Any other queries, please ask, -in advance if possible! Why? Because, although Tony knows his subjects inside out and backwards, if you want to know why Wm. Shakespeare was nearly executed for treason, or what the Vikings used as a string instrument, he can bring references, scans, pictures, C.Ds, Bibliographies, URLs, books etc., (you wouldnt believe some of the information here)! Say you want him to come in costume, he has to know in advance. Which brings us to the next point:-

3) Value for money.

Yes, weve heard the one about the Dancer who turned up for a half day session, whose only accompaniment was clapping, who left the children feeling a bit let down and charged over 300 + travel for the privilege. Or the theatre group, who did a play that no-one understood and charged more. This organisation is not run for profit - it does have to break even. Tony keeps the charge as reasonable as possible-which can work out as little as 40p per child. (One of the reasons we dont send out glossy brochures).

You could get in someone who is a friend of a friend who has some instruments, but would they bring about 3000 worth and let all the kids play them? Have they the knowledge needed to put it across to the children?

Have they the knack of teaching the tricks necessary to play?

Are they somebody who doesnt have Errrr& in their vocabulary?

In short, can they instil enthusiasm? The original mission statement was To encourage the young to feel that music is something everybody can play - not just the rarely talented- And that there are more instruments out there than Big Red Guitars (Webmaster's interjection - Yes, there are huge great shiny black drum kits with lots of chrome and chunky gnurlings and reflections and shimmering bronze... <thud!> )

Tony will also put together project proposals if youre trying to get funding.

4) Accepts feedback.

Although the ideas he uses have been devised and maintained with the help of teachers, childrens psychologists and educationalists, Tony is always looking for feedback- and it gets used- as long as you dont suggest he loses the bad jokes!

5) Freebies.

No, I dont know how hes done it Hes had a sort of donation of 50 Mediaeval music C.Ds given him, to pass on to schools.

I know these sell for 13.99 each and include music from 10thC to 15thC from Vikings to early Tudors. Book soon and youll get one free - but there are only 50. So first come(We cant think of a better way, yes, it sounds like an advert, but look at it like this, if you are interested/use Fine Tuning, youll be more likely to use the C.D and not leave it lying in the C.D rack -which is not what its for).

- G.N