Participation

In the first grade, all pupils in participating primary schools automatically participate in "An Instrument for Every Child" at no extra cost. They can then decide at the end of that year if they wish to continue to participate.
In the second grade, the cost of participation is €20 per month; in the third and fourth grades, it is €35 per month.

Fee exemptions and reductions

As a general principle, financial hardship in a family should not be a reason not to participate in "An Instrument for Every Child" or even to stop participating in it. Children from families receiving German unemployment benefit paid after the first 12-18 months of unemployment, income support or similar social benefits are exempt from the fees for participating in “An Instrument for Every Child”. Children whose parents are receiving housing benefit, child support, a training grant or benefits under the German law on benefits for asylum seekers can also be exempted from the fees. If two or more children from one family participate in the programme, the full amount is only charged for the first child, and only half the amount needs to be paid for each additional child.

The "An Instrument for Every Child" scholarship fund is running out. Within the framework of existing funds, it will only be available for the 2011/12 and 2012/13 school years for awarding scholarships to children who are already receiving a scholarship from this fund and are unable to obtain any of the benefits which are listed above. The contact people at the music colleges have all the necessary information.

Participating Schools

"An Instrument for Every Child" is offered in 641 primary schools in the Ruhr region as of the 2010/2011 school year. Little by little, the programme is being extended to all primary schools in the district. The music schools are partnered with the An Instrument for Every Child Foundation; they teach the classes in co-operation with the primary schools. You will find more information about the music schools in the "Music Schools" rubric. 

Click here for a list of the currently participating primary schools.