Instrumental Music Program

Whitsunday Anglican School offers tuition on a range of instruments at school through the Instrumental Music Program.

Research shows that learning a musical instrument has many measurable positive impacts upon brain development. These include enhancing learning (particularly language and literacy), improving multisensory processing, strengthening the brain’s executive function (such as processing and retaining information, critical thinking and problem-solving), improving motor control, as well as reducing stress and anxiety (to name but a few!).

This informative TED-ED video provides further information about the impacts learning an instrument has on the brain.

Students enrolled in the School’s Instrumental Music Program receive weekly 30-minute lessons which operate on a rotational basis to ensure minimal disruption to students’ academic studies.

What Can I Learn?

Whitsunday Anglican School offers tuition on the following instruments:

• Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
• Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba
• Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• Guitar, Bass Guitar
• Percussion and Drum Kit
• Piano
• Voice (singing)

Students from Years 4 to 12 may elect to learn any instrument offered. Students in Years 1 to 3 may elect to learn Singing or Piano. Students in Preparatory may elect to learn Piano.

Enrolment information

There are two types of lessons available:

Group Lessons are available to students from Years 4 to 12 who learn a brass, woodwind or stringed instrument and who participate in a Band or String Ensemble. Students are charged a per-term levy of $120 which includes lesson costs and ensemble participation.

Enrol – Group Lessons

Individual lessons are available on all instruments at a cost of $35 per half hour lesson. Students wishing to learn piano, guitar, voice or percussion/drums are required to enrol in Individual lessons. Students wishing to undertake AMEB examinations on any instrument are also required to enrol in Individual lessons.

Enrol – Individual Lessons 

Once your enrolment application has been processed, you will receive an invitation to participate in Instrumental Music Lessons via the Tours section of Parent Lounge. Accepting this invitation will confirm your child’s enrolment.

Please note that refunds for missed lessons will not be given except in exceptional circumstances. Cancellation of enrolments must be made in writing prior to the end of a school term. Refunds will not be given to those who discontinue mid-term.

Expectations

Students are responsible for checking weekly timetables for lessons times and are expected to be punctual and prepared for lessons. This includes engaging in regular home practice as set by the tutor.

Timetables are posted on noticeboards and electronic copies are available via Student Café, Parent Lounge, Daily Correspondence and Daily Notices.

Ensembles and Performance Opportunities

Students receiving tuition through the Instrumental Music Program are strongly encouraged to participate in an ensemble as soon as they are technically ready.

Ensembles include Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, Stage Band, Choirs, Handbells, String Ensembles, Percussion Ensemble and a range of other groups.

Performance Uniform

Students participating in a school ensemble are required to wear the school Music Uniform for all performances.

The music performance uniform consists of:

• Long (ankle length) black dress pants
• Short-sleeved, white, button-up, collared dress shirt
• Black dress shoes and black socks
• Grey Music vest (available for hire or purchase through WASMART)

External Music Examinations

Students are able to undertake external Music Examinations through the Instrumental Music Program (e.g. AMEB, Trinity College). Students preparing for examinations are required to engage in individual lessons.

Instrument Hire

A range of instruments can be rented directly from Whitsunday Anglican School at a much lower rate than is available from rental companies. The rental cost is billed to school accounts each term.

Please note that we have a limited number of instruments available for rental. Instruments will only be rented to students enrolled in lessons through the Instrumental Music Program at Whitsunday Anglican School. Students are encouraged to purchase their own instrument beyond their second year of learning. Music staff can assist with the purchase of new or secondhand instruments. Please contact us for further information.

The current cost of instrument hire is outlined below:

  • Flute $80 p/term
  • Clarinet & Trumpet $75 p/term
  • Violin/Viola $40 p/term
  • Cello/Trombone $100 p/term
  • Alto Sax $120 p/term
  • Tenor Sax or Baritone Horn $140 p/term
  • Double Bass $130 p/term

The conditions of instrument hire can be found on the ‘Terms and Conditions’ page.

Instrumental Music Advancement Program (IMAP)

The Instrumental Music Advancement Program (IMAP) is designed to facilitate students with an identified musical ability, by providing the opportunity to undertake tuition through the WAS Instrumental Music Program.

The IMAP is designed to assist students wishing to become further involved in the school’s Instrumental Music and Performance Programs by providing free or discounted lessons and/or free use of a school instrument.

Avenues for identification:

  • Students in the Year 3 (Strings) and Year 5 (Band) programs will be identified annually, based on their participation in these programs.
  • Students participating in School Ensembles and Music Co-curricular activities may be identified by staff.
  • Students undertaking Music as a subject may be identified by staff.
  • Students already learning an instrument may be offered the opportunity to learn a second instrument.

Students may also apply for the IMAP using the Application Form

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions of participation in the Instrumental Music Program can be found here.

For more information on the program or if you have any questions please contact our Music Aide Andrea Scott at asc@was.qld.edu.au.