Music

Music at St Ives

Music is interwoven into the core of every Grammar boy’s education and has a principal place in the culture of the whole School. Our thriving music department creates opportunities for all pupils. It offers each boy the opportunity to take an active part in the Kodaly focused classroom music programme, individual instrumental lessons and participate in the extensive ensemble programme. There is much for our boys to become involved in and share with their friends.

Classroom Music Programme

All boys P-6, receive class music lessons from specialist music teachers. Each year group also attends a choir period once a week. The class programme is Kodaly focused and promotes an interactive, aural-singing approach that is sequential, cumulative and developmental in its design. It is pupil-centred and engages all boys in an inclusive, progressive, fun learning journey. Activities focus on developing the boy’s skills in composition, performance and listening.

Instrumental Music Lessons: Years 3-6

Individual instrumental lessons are offered on the following orchestral instruments as well as piano, saxophone and classical guitar.

We have outstanding peripatetic tutors, many of whom are professional musicians outside of school hours. They bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise to their teaching which enhances the joy of learning an instrument for our boys.

Tuition is given on an individual basis during the School day and lessons are 30 minutes in duration. Boys are rostered so they have their lesson on the same day each week but at varying times throughout the day. Boys who learn two instruments through the School have one of their lessons either before school, after school or at lunchtime.

Instrumental Music for Preschool – Year 2

The violin, viola, cello and double bass are sized to accommodate younger players. Lessons on these instruments, along with the piano, training flutes and fagottino bassoons, are available for boys in the K-2 Department.

Music lessons for Preschool boys may commence in Semester 2 after consultation with the Director of Music. The lesson duration for Preschool boys is 20 minutes. Parents are welcome to attend their son’s lessons on an agreed day and time with their son’s tutor.

Applying for Music Lessons

Parents can enrol their son for individual instrumental tuition by going to the Parent Portal and completing the Music Lesson Application Form.

AMEB Examinations

Although many boys at St Ives take part in AMEB examinations, they are not for everyone. Exams give focus to a pupil’s learning and the opportunity to work towards a goal, however, playing for pleasure without this pressure has merit. During Term 4, we also run Mock Exams as an alternative, giving boys the opportunity to perform their repertoire and technical work in an encouraging space with a friendly examiner. No grades are given. Your son’s Peripatetic Tutor will guide you carefully on which way to proceed.

Ensembles

Participating in the ensemble programme at St Ives is integral to the cultural and social fabric of our School. The very nature of learning an instrument goes hand-in-hand with sharing this enjoyment with friends on a weekly basis at ensemble rehearsals. It is expected that boys who learn an instrument through the School will participate in the ensemble programme. Places in advanced ensembles are determined by the Director of Music. Boys who learn an instrument either at school or outside are welcome to join. Places are granted with the understanding that a year’s commitment is expected.

Ensembles Rehearsal Timetable

An extensive ensemble programme runs throughout the week at St Ives. There is something for everyone – choirs, string ensembles, jazz groups, bands, percussion and guitar ensembles, a symphony orchestra and composition clubs.

Performance Opportunities

A full and varied programme of performance opportunities exist for all individual instrumentalists and ensembles. From weekly Lunchtime Concerts and School Assemblies to Twilight Concerts and end-of-term concert evenings, performing is an integral part of the music programme at St Ives. Beyond our own campus, combined concerts with Edgecliff Preparatory School and College Street are always a highlight in the calendar year along with the biennial Combined Orchestra Tour shared with Edgecliff. In the past these have taken us to New Zealand, Perth, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Scholarships

Instrumental, Vocal and Composition Scholarships providing remission of music tuition fees are offered by audition to Year 5 boys entering Year 6. Application forms are available from the Music Office towards the end of Term 3.