Music

Free music lessons for beginners!

Yes, you read it right! To acknowledge the opening of the PAC and to celebrate the massive success of our recent Symphonic Winds workshop with both Clarendon College and Caulfield Grammar we have decided to offer bursaries to some beginner students for the remainder of the year. 

This will mean no costs for group music lessons, ensemble rehearsals, workshops and excursions for Woodwind, Brass and Percussion students. Other instruments may be included. Our intention is to increase the numbers in our Rising Stars Concert Band. 

Last term an 80-piece Symphonic Wind Ensemble visited from Caulfield Grammar and we would very much like to see a band like this at St Pat's. Our Rising Stars Band will represent the College at a special event just for beginner bands, the Victorian School Music Festival Young Bands Day. 

Looking ahead, we are planning interstate and international tours, festival performances and workshops, and of course the ACCent program where our students will perform in Hamer Hall in Melbourne, home of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. 

If we receive enough interest, we may also form a stage band or contemporary ensemble. 

This offer is open to families with students in any year level. All Students must be involved in the Rising Stars ensemble program and agree to take group lessons (for most instruments). It is likely that the Band Rehearsal for this program will be after school on Mondays, so that it does not clash with any school sports trainings. Families that have already signed up on Woodwind Brass and Percussion will also enjoy free lessons.

Moving forward into 2025, group lessons will continue to be offered. This will be at a much lower rate than our current private lessons. We hope this makes music more accessible for families. 

There are some common sense commitments around attendance at rehearsals and events and care of instruments. Please email Head of Music, Mr Matthew Pankhurst mpankhurst@stpats.vic.edu.au or the general music email address, performingarts@stpats.vic.edu.au for more information.