Music program
Music program
If your child makes a commitment to participate in the instrumental music program they will attend a class each week.
Classes are usually 30 minutes long but may vary depending on the instrument or level of study. Students are expected to be prepared with their instruments and make sure they attend on time.
As there are only a few students in each year in the music program, the class times will be at a time other students are attending normal class schedule. Your child needs to ensure they keep up with any work they miss.
If you would like to attend a lesson to observe your child's work, it is best to arrange this in advance with the teacher. This will ensure you are not disrupting the lesson.
- Instruments offered at schools
- Student music journal
- Curriculum and reports
- Ensembles and workshops
- Transition from primary to secondary school
- Primary school instruments and class details
- Secondary school instruments and class details
During the selection process, students can give their preference for an instrument from the ones offered by their school. To find out which instruments are offered at which school, refer to the List of instruments by school.
Most beginner classes start at the Year 5 level. Some string instrument classes start earlier and other instruments may not start until Year 7 due to the physical size of the instrument.
Our instrumental music teachers work across many schools and only visit each school for the allocated lesson period. To assist with communication between parents and teachers, your child will be provided with a student music journal.
The journal is used to track your child’s progress, practice schedule and communication between parents and teachers.
You are encouraged to view the journal on a regular basis so you can:
- read any messages from your child’s instrumental music teacher
- ensure your child is following the practice schedule outlined by the teacher
- write notes about your observations at home
- raise any questions or concerns you have for the teacher.
Further can seek further support through your child's school.
The instrumental music curriculum at primary and lower secondary levels is linked with the Western Australian Curriculum.
Lessons are developmental and sequential, building skills, knowledge and techniques as appropriate for individual students. Instrumental music teachers can change the order to meet the needs of students.
Your child’s instrumental music teacher will report on progress in the student music journal. Feedback will also be provided in your child’s school reports.
When your child is ready, their instrumental music teacher will arrange for them to participate in an ensemble.
- String ensembles will usually be at their school or a neighbouring school.
- Woodwind, brass, percussion and guitar will usually be based at the area high school.
Some students may also be chosen to attend specially organised workshops.
The program in primary schools is closely linked to the secondary music program and allows students to continue their music.
Normally, primary students will continue the instrumental music program in their local secondary school. Most students have the opportunity to choose to continue music until the end of their schooling.
You can apply to enrol in an Approved Specialist Program in secondary schools. This may be beneficial if your child’s local school does not offer the instrument they are learning.
Your child may want to apply for the Gifted and Talented program which offers specialist programs in secondary school.
All classes are for 30 minutes and are held during normal school hours.
| Instrument | Starting year | Class size |
|---|---|---|
| Violin, viola | Year 3 | 4 students |
| Cello | Year 4 | 3 students |
| Double bass | Year 5 | 2 students |
| Classical guitar | Year 5 | 5 students |
| Flute | Year 5 | 5 students |
| Clarinet | Year 5 | 5 students |
| Brass (mixed) | Year 5 | 5 students |
| Percussion | Year 5 | 2 students |
Most classes are 30 minutes long and may vary depending on year level, class size or instrument.
Beginner instruments in secondary school are only offered in Year 7.
Years 11 and 12 students continue instruction on the instrument they started in earlier years.
| Instrument or music program | Years offered | Class size |
|---|---|---|
| Electric guitar | Years 7 to 10 | 5 students |
| Oboe and bassoon | Years 7 to 10 | 2 students |
| French horn and saxophone | Years 7 to 10 | 3 students |
| Percussion | Years 7 to 10 | 2 students |
| Voice | Years 7 to 10 | 4 to 6 students |
| All other instruments | Years 7 to 10 | As per primary school instrument class sizes |
| ATAR | Years 11 and 12 | 1 student |
| General | Years 11 and 12 | Varies |
| Certificate III | Years 11 and 12 | 1 student |
| Certificate II | Years 11 and 12 | Varies |
| PIMS (endorsed program) | Years 11 and 12 | Varies |