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Instrumental Music and Speech Lessons

Instrumental Lessons

Lessons are available in both the Preparatory and Secondary Schools in the following subjects:

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Classical, Contemporary Guitar Styles & Jazz Guitar, Electric Bass, Singing, Piano, Pipe Organ, Percussion & Drums, Music Theory and Speech.

IN THE LOWER PREP SCHOOL in year 3 all boys will undertake a musical readiness course involving the study of a string instrument for those who show aptitude. 

In the Preparatory School all boys in Year 5 take an orchestral or band instrument (i.e. Brass, Woodwind, String or Percussion) for a year as part of The Southport School Instrumental Programme. (Student involvement in the programme will be reviewed after six months).  If the student has already commenced lessons on an orchestral or band instrument, they will continue with that instrument within the Instrumental Programme.   This provides an opportunity for a boy to discover any latent talent for music.   As part of this programme, it is compulsory for Year 5 boys to be part of the respective ensemble designated for his instrument.

Following Year 5, a limited number of students will be offered an Encouragement Tuition Award.   This will entitle the student to one year of one 30 minute lesson per week.  Student commitment to the instrumental programme and level of development will be reviewed after semester one.

Music lessons for those not offered an award in Year 6 are charged at the standard rates (published later in this brochure).  In most cases boys will be required to purchase their own instrument, except oboe, french horn, euphonium, tuba and double bass if available.

NOTE: Introductory tuition in Year 5 does not apply to GUITAR, SAXOPHONE, PIANO or SPEECH.  Boys who wish to study these areas, as well as their band/orchestral instrument may do so, however, the cost of the tuition will be on a private (or small group in the case of speech) lesson basis. 

Making music is a collaborative process and requires interaction with others.  Therefore, as boys become more proficient, they will be expected to become members of the school music groups.

Purchase of Instruments

Parents contemplating the purchase of instruments should contact -

SOUTHPORT MUSIC,   the School’s Music Shop located in the Music Department of the Senior School. Phone 07-55319922 Fax 07-55319923.

Southport Music offers competitive prices on all instruments, sheet music and music accessories. It is expected that the majority of students will purchase an instrument after the introductory tuition.

Hire of Instruments

The Music Department has a number of instruments available for hire to beginners (Violins, Violas, Cellos, Double Basses, Oboes, Bassoons, French Horns, Tubas & Euphoniums).

Once hired, these instruments become the responsibility of the boy and his parents.  They are supplied in good order and any damage (beyond normal wear and tear) must be made good.  Parents should insure school instruments against theft. Insurance documentation will be cited by the Director of Music. Valuations can be supplied. Parents, whose economic circumstances would prevent them buying these instruments, should approach the Director of Music concerning an extended hire period.   After one year of hire, students are expected to purchase their own instruments.

Southport Music can arrange hire of a large range of instruments through Musicorp.

Lesson Times

Lesson times will take place during school hours.  Students in Years 11 and 12 have preference for the out-of-hours times, depending on teacher availability.   It is advised that students only undertake a maximum of two lessons a week in school hours.

Notice of inability to attend a lesson

If the student is absent from school FOR ANY REASON (illness, family reasons, school excursions, etc.) the parent must notify the instrumental teacher personally or the Music Department prior to the commencement of the school day.   If this is not done, the lesson will be charged and not made up.  It must be understood that no allowance can be made for single lessons missed through forgetfulness.   Teachers will attempt to make up lessons missed through school excursions, where possible, provided prior notification of the absence is given.

Lessons missed through the absence of a teacher will be made up or credited at the end of each semester.

In the event of the Music/Speech lesson clashing with a school exam, excursion, or camp, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the teacher prior to the event so that an alternative lesson time can be arranged.

NOTE:   Boys who fail to attend lessons, without appropriate notice, are considered to be missing school periods and will be disciplined accordingly.  These lessons will be charged for, with no obligation on the part of the teacher to make up the lesson.

For prolonged illnesses special arrangements must be made with the Director of Music.  No lessons can be arranged until the Director of Music has the signed Music Application Form to hand.

Termination of Lessons

It should be clearly understood by all parents and students that enrolment for instrumental or speech lessons is for one term.   If lessons are to be discontinued at any time, the School requires NOTICE IN WRITING (using a “CHANGE OF ENROLMENT” form) to be forwarded to the DIRECTOR OF MUSIC from parent or guardian.  FOUR (4) WEEKS NOTICE  is required.  However, the deadline for cancellation each term is by the end of the first week back of each term.  Change of Enrolment forms are available from either the Preparatory or Senior Music Departments.  Please note a phone call or email cannot be accepted.

If this notice in writing is not received in due time, then half a term’s fees will be payable.

This requirement does not apply, of course, in cases where parents have been advised by the Director of Music to discontinue lessons.

Speech & Drama

The Speech Division of the Music Department offers:
            (a)        DRAMA AND SPEECH
            (b)        COMMUNICATION SKILLS
            (c)        CORRECTIVE SPEECH

  1. SPEECH AND DRAMA:  Includes Drama and Speech, Performing Text and Acting.  This subject is performance orientated and offers assessment in speech, spoken interpretation and dramatic performance.  Examinations with Trinity College London are recommended.
  1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS:  Focuses on life skills which include the ability to speak in public, interact with other people and express ideas in work and leisure situations.  Skills to enhance expressive utterance in both informative and persuasive language are an integral part of this course.  Examinations with Trinity College London are recommended.
  1. CORRECTIVE SPEECH:  Correction of speech sounds is the purpose of this subject.  Assistance is also given with reading difficulties.  Students with English as a Second Language (ESL) will benefit from this course.

In all subjects voice production and articulation are essential.  Tutoring is also available for debating, drama, reading in Chapel and other performance activities.

Students wishing to study Drama and Speech OR Effective Communication at Grade 5 level or above MUST enrol  in either 30 minute OR 60 minute private lessons.  At this level, group lessons are not appropriate.

E.S.L. Students are tutored in the correct sounds and use of the English language and helped to gain confidence and clarity of expression in their oral tests.

Recording Exam Results on Senior Certificates

TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON AND AMEB: Queensland Studies Authority has announced that candidates who sit for particular grades in Years 11 and 12 are eligible to have those subjects recorded on their Senior Certificates.  For more information on this, please contact the Music Department.

Page last modified 10-Dec-2007