Students are introduced to a lifelong appreciation and love of music by starting on an instrument at an early age. Music is an integral part of culture, past and present. It helps students understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between home, school and the wider world. In addition, the accumulation of discipline, passion, perseverance and creativity will provide your child the possibility to consider Music Performance as a VCE option.
Parents will be amazed by the progress their daughter(s) make, even after a couple of lessons. An important key to musical success is not only established by private lessons and personal attention from our music staff but also through disciplined learning and home practice. Another important factor is the group learning approach through ensemble playing (ensembles, bands, orchestra and choir) which challenges the student to rapidly progress and strive for excellence.
- Musical and creative skills
- Commitment, critical assessment, communication, time management
- Significant differences in learning
- Enjoyment and achievement.
The Best Age to Start Music Tuition
There is no optimum age to commence music tuition; however the following may act as a guideline. Students requesting lessons other than violin, cello and piano prior to Year 4 require a level of physical capability; therefore,
requests are based on an individual assessment by the relevant Head of Department.
Prep to Year 2
Instrumental tuition on an individual basis is available for students in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 on the following instruments:
- violin
- cello
- piano*
(* Students taking piano lessons must have a piano at home on which to practice.)
Years 3 – 6
Instrumental tuition on an individual basis is available to students in Years 3 to 6 on the following instruments:
- piano*
- voice (classical)
- voice (contemporary)
- percussion
- drum kit
- violin
- viola
- cello
- double bass
- guitar
- bass guitar
- flute
- clarinet
- oboe
- bassoon
- alto saxophone
- tenor saxophone
- french horn
- trumpet
- trombone
- euphonium
- tuba
- harp
(* Students taking piano lessons must have a piano at home on which to practice.)
Years 7 – 12
Instrumental tuition on an individual basis is available to students in Years 7 to 12 on the following instruments:
- piano*
- voice (classical)
- voice (contemporary)
- percussion
- drum kit
- music theory
- violin
- viola
- cello
- double bass
- guitar
- bass guitar
- flute
- clarinet
- oboe
- bassoon
- alto saxophone
- tenor saxophone
- french horn
- trumpet
- trombone
- euphonium
- tuba
- harp
(* Students taking piano lessons must have a piano at home on which to practice.)
Music Theory
Music Theory is the study of the “Language of Music”. You can apply music theory concepts to all instruments and
music styles! Music theory is based on maths and how these frequencies interact with our brain to make sounds
that cause us to feel certain emotions. Once students start to understand the language of music, they will gain
much more enjoyment from playing their instrument and making music with others.
Music Theory at Genazzano is open to all Year 7 students. A letter of invitation is sent to parents
in early Term One. There is no charge for Music Theory lessons for Year 7 students. After this introduction, students
can continue on to more advanced levels of music theory.
Participation in Ensembles
Being a member of an Ensemble develops all areas of musicianship. This is one of the most exciting and important aspects of learning an instrument. Ensemble skills can only be learned in an ensemble and they are crucial to being a well-rounded musician. A wide variety of ensembles are available to instrumental and vocal music students at Genazzano.
Core Ensembles
It is an expectation that all instrumental and vocal students take part in a core ensemble, appropriate to their level
of development. Core ensembles for instrumentalists include:
- Symphony Orchestra
- Chamber Strings
- d’Houët Strings
- Madeleine Strings
- Symphonic Band
- Concert Band
- Gen Band
Core Choirs for Vocal Students
Students learning the piano are required to join a choir to develop their aural skills. We also encourage all students learning a musical instrument to join a choir.
- Senior Choir
- Years 7 and 8 Choir
- Years 5 and 6 Choir
- Years 3 and 4 Choir
Secondary Ensembles
Students are also encouraged to participate in non-core ensembles as determined by Heads of Department,
appropriate to their level of development.
- Stage Band (by audition)
- Big Band (by audtion)
- Junior Big Band
- Gen Rock Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- d’Houët Saxophone Ensemble
- Pop Group
- Madeleine Saxaphone Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble
- Chamber Wind Quartet
- Chamber Flute Ensemble
- Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
- Intermediate Flute Ensemble
- Clarinet Ensemble
- Junior Flute Ensemble
- d’Houët Guitar Ensemble
- Madeleine Guitar Ensemble
- Senior Flute Quartet
- Borodin String Quartet
- Nola Band
Co-Curricular – Student Leadership Opportunities
The Ensemble Student Leadership Program creates exciting leadership opportunities for members of all of the large ensembles at Genazzano. Each year, members of the 14 large ensembles – including orchestra, bands, string ensembles and choirs – may apply to be the Ensemble Leader for that year. Students are selected based on their application and past involvement in the ensemble program. Ensemble Leaders assist with activities such as rehearsal organisation, sheet music management, communication with the ensemble members and they serve as role models for younger members.
Music Tuition Fees
Fees are outlined in the table below and are based on 32 lessons per year (eight per term).
| Lesson | Per Semester | Per Annum |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Minutes | $1,100 | $2,200 |
| 45 Minutes | $1,608 | $3,216 |
| 60 Minutes | $2,187 | $4,374 |
| Instrument Hire | $406 | $812 |
* In some cases it may be more economical to purchase an instrument. Please contact the Department for further information.
Hire of College Instruments
A limited number of brass, woodwind and string instruments are available for hire, with the exception of larger instruments (e.g. piano, drum kit) and electric equipment (e.g.bass guitar and electric guitar).
Instruments are available for hire for one year only, after which time students are expected to purchase their own instrument. French horn, bassoon, oboe, tuba, euphonium and double bass may be hired for a 2 year period.
The College insurance policy covers against loss or accidental damage only. Damage or loss by negligence will not be subject to the insurer’s claims process. In the event that the claim is not successful, parents will be required to pay for full replacement of the damaged/lost instrument.
If you wish to hire an instrument, please complete the Hire of Instrument Application Form (found below on this page). If you would like to know more about our hire option, please contact the Music Office on 8862 1161.
Change of Lesson Times
Lessons will not be made up if a student
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- misses her lesson through forgetfulness
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- misses her lesson through illness/absence or an appointment during school hours
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- misses her lesson through an un-notified excursion/incursion or test (unless notification has been given to the teacher at least one week prior to the excursion/incursion or test)
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- misses her lesson through involvement with a co-curricular sporting activity (e.g. GSV, athletics, etc.)
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- misses her lesson due to family/private holidays that are taken during the term, of any length of time.
An email will be sent home outlining the date and time of the missed lesson. Please note that the cost for the missed lessons will not be refunded.
Lessons will be made up if a student
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- public holidays or student free days occur during the term on the day of the lesson
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- the teacher is absent on the day of the lesson
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- the teacher was notified in advance (one week) of an excursion/incursion or test (change of lesson time for this reason will occur)
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- the student has been ill for a prolonged time (in consultation with the Director of Music)
If a student is absent from school on the day of her lesson, parents are requested to email the instrument teacher in order to alert the teacher of your child’s absence.
To learn more about the conditions of tuition, please visit the link below.
Reports, Examinations and College Based Assessments
Parents will be notified by their daughter’s instrumental teacher about the suitability of such an examination or parents may contact the teacher to discuss this option. Undertaking such an examination requires a clear agreement between the parent, the teacher and the student. A student can only be entered for an AMEB exam at the discretion of the teacher. The teacher, in consultation with the student, will organise an accompanist and rehearsal times for the examination. Information about accompanying fees and suggested accompanists is available from the Music Administrator. Payment of these fees will appear on your College account.
In order for a student to be enrolled in an AMEB exam, parents must sign an AMEB Practical Music Examinations Permission Slip which clearly outlines the cost for the examination and information regarding the accompanist and accompaniment fee. This form will be provided to you via the instrumental teacher. Without this signed agreement, enrolment cannot occur. Students not wishing to sit an AMEB examination are able to sit a College based assessment. This assessment will be conducted at the discretion of the teacher, in consultation with the parents and students.
Music Tuition Forms
To enrol your daughter in our Instrumental Music Program, please follow the link below.
