Thanks for considering an enrolment into the Schools Program for your child. We are passionate about music education and look forward to the opportunity to work with your child should they decide to join their school band.

In order to get started, here’s what you will need to do:

Step 1: Decide on which instrument your child is interested in learning. It’s a good idea to have a couple of options in case we aren’t able to give your child their first choice. For more information on the instruments that are available click here.

Step 2: Decide on whether you will hire an instrument or purchase one. Hiring is popular with beginning students and the Conservatorium has a large range of instruments available for hire. Some schools also have instruments available for hire – please check with us if you are unsure or choose “Hire” on the enrolment form and we will get in contact with you.

If you decide to purchase an instrument, please click here to see our guide on what to look for.

Please Note – All percussion/drum students and bass guitar students will need to purchase their own instrument as drum kits and bass guitars are not available for hire.

Step 3: Complete our enrolment form here.

Step 4: Before commencing in the Schools Program, your child will need the following:

• A music stand for home practice – can be purchased at all music stores or various sites online.
• Training Band students – the current Training Band book – details of what to buy and where to get it will be sent to you prior to commencement.
• Concert Band students – an A4 size display folder for storing the band music that we supply.

Term 1: Mon 12 Feb – Fri 12 Apr

Term 2: Tue 30 Apr – Fri 5 Jul

Term 3: Tue 23 Jul – Fri 27 Sep

Term 4: Mon 14 Oct – Fri 20 Dec

If you need help deciding which instrument what would be the right choice for your child, you’ve come to the right spot. Below is a list of instruments that are available to students who join the Schools Program with some information about each to help you decide.

It is recommended that your child choose a couple of options as it may not always be possible for us to give your child their first choice. If you are unsure on what to choose, please contact us for more advice as we would be more than happy to guide you towards the right instrument choice for your child.

Guitar Programs are offered at St John Fisher Catholic School and St Patrick’s Catholic School. Like the school band programs, students learn in small groups at school, making the lessons affordable and easily accessible. The are taught all the necessary skills needed to successfully play acoustic guitar while enjoying the experience of learning alongside their peers.

Students are required to have access to their own acoustic guitar as well as a music stand for practicing at home. Any books required will be communicated directly to you by the teacher prior to commencement.

The acoustic guitar group lessons cost between $184 – 194 per term (depending on the school).

To enroll your child in the program, please complete our online enrolment form, or if you need more information please contact us on (02) 4324 7477 or at vicki.harris@cccmusic.nsw.edu.au

There are many reasons why we believe that all students should be given the opportunity to learn an instrument.

Learning to play an instrument has been shown to have significant benefits for children in many different areas of their development and is part of the reason why we are so passionate about encouraging as many children as possible to give it a go. Studies by researchers such as Anita Collins, have shown that children who are actively involved in learning an instrument not only benefit from the direct enjoyment of learning  to play music, but also show improvements in many other areas.

Learning an instrument:

• teaches children how to create, store and retrieve memories more efficiently.
• gives children a healthy way to channel their inner creativity.
• helps children learn the benefits of perseverance with a direct correlation evident between effort and results.
• provides opportunities to set goals
• increases discipline and time management skills
• significantly improves their hand-eye coordination.
• allows children to get comfortable with self-expression and increases self confidence.
• improves their listening ability and increases their concentration level and overall attention span.
• stimulates curiosity through exposure to different cultures.
• expands their social circle and develops leadership and team building skills