Music Lessons
It has been well established both anecdotally and in scientific research that participation in music making, and in particular, playing a musical instrument is valuable for cultural, social and intellectual well being and development.
The performance of music engages both sides of the brain and utilizes all the essential components of the Key Competencies and can be pursued into adult life.
At St Cuthbert’s College we offer private tuition to students from NE – Y13 in a wide range of orchestral and band instruments, harp, orchestral percussion, drum-kit, guitar, piano and voice.
Listed in the brochure below are all the teachers and lessons available for 2012 and the application form for you to complete.
Also listed below are application forms for three starter groups.
Please return your completed form to the Music department office.
When to Start?
For pre-school – Y4 students we recommend undertaking lessons in the Suzuki Method. This is a pedagogy particularly appropriate for young beginners, but is also extremely successful for adults and later starters. It is possible to pursue this method from pre-school lessons to tertiary study. This method flourishes throughout NZ and the rest of the world and we are fortunate in having leading members of the NZ Suzuki fraternity on our staff. Instruments offered at the College are piano, guitar, flute, violin and cello.
Y5-7 is a very good time indeed to begin a wind instrument. Violinists, cellists and pianists often begin lessons in their pre-school years, but really it is never too late start learning an instrument. The recorder programme in Y4 and 5 provides an excellent basis from which to pursue study on woodwind and brass instruments. At the College we offer tuition in flute, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and tuba.
Y7-9 is the traditional time in NZ to begin learning an instrument (NCEA benchmarks cite Y9 group lessons as the beginning point for starting tuition from which it is possible to gain Achieved at Music Level 1). Students are able to work more independently and make rapid progress. They are able to participate in ensembles (in particular the Y7&8 Band) within weeks of starting tuition.
Ukelele Anyone?
What and How to Choose?
The musician’s instrument is an extension of her body and her personality so it is important that the choice of an instrument is undertaken carefully.
The following criteria should be considered:
- Age and size of student (4 year olds are too small for the tuba – but could start on the piano or guitar!)
- Taste in musical style (don’t choose the oboe if you only like listening Country and Western)
- Whether you want to play only for yourself or you would like join a group and play with others
- Preference for range and tone colour (do you love the sound of the violin’s E string or it the cello C string that appeals most?)
- Are you a scraper a blower or a striker?
What Next?
Come to MUSIC MARKET DAY ON AUGUST 4TH
Go to some concerts, watch some clips of instruments and different styles on you tube
Talk to people (and their parents) who already play instruments
Talk to Mrs Sally Tibbles, Associate Director of Music if you have any questions
Email sally.tibbles@stcuthberts.school.nz
Tel: 520 8250 ext 7449