Our Programs
The Conservatorium's programs cater to all interest and ability levels. Lessons are offered daily from Monday to Saturday. The terms coincide with the state school terms. Our students learn purely for the love and enjoyment of music, or have the opportunity to gain formal qualifications through the Australian Music Educaiton Board (AMEB), Trinity College or Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Limited.
The Conservatorium is a major examination centre catering for all music exams such as Australian Music Educaiton Board (AMEB), Trinity College or Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Limited, where over 1600 students sit for aural, written, and practical exams.
The Penrith Conservatorium of Music offers the following programs:
Individual Tuition
Discover the thrill of learning a musical instrument. Enjoy our teaching programs crafted specifically to your personal requirements.
Instruments
A comprehensive range of instruments are offered for private tuition including
- Strings: Cello, Guitar, Harp (folk), Viola, Violin (classical, jazz, folk, Celtic).
- Brass: Trombone, Trumpet.
- Wind: Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Piccolo, Recorder, Saxophone.
- Percussion: Drums, Mirimba.
- Piano and Keyboard: Classical and contemporary.
- Voice: Classical, pop/rock, R&B, contemporary singing and music theatre.
- Theory, Musicianship and Composition.
Group Classes
Take the opportunity to share and build common interests with others by learning together in small groups. Classes include: Speech, Drama, Strings, Music Therapy, Handbells, Voice, Guitar, Theory, Musicianship, Composition and Vocal Ensemble.
Group Tuition
Lessons in most instruments can be shared by two students of similar age and ability. Students are encouraged to find their own partners for shared lessons.
Masterclasses and Workshops
An exciting and challenging series of masterclasses and workshops is conducted each year. Open to all students of all ages and levels of development, these classes are an ajunct to the work of our own expert staff. Students from the wider community are also invited to participate.
Concerts
Student Recitals are held regularly throughout the year. Parents, friends and guests are welcome to attend these performances. Students get the opportunity to perform in a professional environment, and in front of their teachers, parents and friends. These forms of concerts are paramount to all students studying at the Conservatorium as it develops their confidence, presentation and performance skills and will play a significant part in the development of their musicianship for their particular genres. Recitals are also given by both staff and visiting professional artists.
Penrith Eisteddfod
Penrith Conservatorium of Music enjoys a special association with the Penrith Eisteddfod. Regarded as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate publibly the skills aquired through their studies at the Conservatorium, many of our students have achieved notable successes in this annual event.
Early Childhood Music
Give your child the best possible start in life. We offer Early Childhood Music classes for children from ages one to five. Children attending classes will be introduced to musical concepts and skills whilst having fun in an enjoyable group lesson. (Parents/carers are welcome to participate in these classes).
It is our aim to provide your child with a base from which their future musical education can grow.As the Penrith region's most recognised music education facility, it is our primary interest to encourage children to develop musically from the earliest beginnings.
In early childhood, the three areas of musical readiness are singing, rhythm and hearing. It is through these areas that a child starts to perceive musical concepts such as beat or pulse; rhythm; in-tune singing; dynamics; inner hearing; tempo; form; and contrasts sach as fast/slow, loud/soft.
These classes are designed with a musical concept in mind and that the children are not just being entertained. The classes are a precursor to their future pursuits in music, be it singing or instrumental.
Your child will be part of a class which may consist of up to 10 children. The children begin to participate socially within the group and peer modelling is an important part of their development.
Educational Courses
Extend your knowledge of the world of music by enrolling in one of our many educational courses, inculing: HSC Workshops in Music and Drama, Adult Courses including History of Music, Auditioning Techniques and Presentation Skills.
Communication and Performance Courses
Develope your skills in performance and public speaking. Choose from a range of group classes, including: Drama and Performance Groups, Junoir Drama Groups, Public Speaking and Acting Classes.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is the use of music to promote change, personal development and enhance communication for the individual. Our classes are tailored for people with a disability and special needs, and use the renowned Nordoff-Robbins approach.
Term Dates
2008 Term Dates
Term 4, 2008
Monday 13th October - Friday 19th Decmber
Mon - Sat x 10 weeks
2009 Term Dates
Term 1, 2009
Tuesday 27th January - Thursday 9th April
Mon - Sat x 11 Weeks
Term 2, 2009
Tuesday 28th April - Friday 10th July
Mon - Sat x 11 Weeks
Term 3, 2009
Monday 27th July - Friday 2nd October
Mon - Sat x 10 Weeks
Term 4, 2009
Monday 19th October - Friday 18th December
Mon - Sat x 9 Weeks
Fees
Classes are $33 per half hour plus GST (where applicable)
Fees are payable to the teacher in advance at the beginning of each term.
