Instrumental Music Program
Essex Heights Primary School
Learning an instrument at EHPS
Learning an instrument encourages students to acquire a deep understanding of a unique instrument whilst experiencing the joy of music making. Instrumental Music helps support academic achievement by developing independent learning skills, understanding how to break down larger challenges into smaller more manageable pieces, and the discipline of working towards long-term goals. Music, of itself, is an Art form combining both creativity and musical expression. The buzz of performing brings a wonderful combination of pleasure and pride to a student’s experience and growth whilst at school.
The recommended year level to commence learning an instrument in our Instrumental Music Program are:
- Prep - Piano, Keyboard, Drums, Violin, Viola (from Cycle 2 onwards)
- Year 1 - Piano, Keyboard, Drums, Violin, Viola, Ukulele
- Year 2 - Cello, Clarinet, Trumpet
- Year 3 - Flute, Guitar, Harp
- Year 4 - Saxophone, Trombone, Double Bass
- Years 5 & 6 - any instrument
Handbooks for each instrument and the Instrumental Update for 2026 (cycle dates, guidelines, payment structure and schedule) are accessed by EHPS families in Compass in School Documentation (under the Community menu when logged in on a web browser). Handbooks are also accessible on our school website. To enrol, print out the enrolment form (last page of the relevant handbook), and hand the completed form in at the School Office.
Families with children continuing in the program are asked to please take the time to read through the Instrumental Update 2026 document now accessible in Compass, outlining the guidelines, cycle dates, and costs for this school year.
Lessons in Cycle 1 have commenced. To enrol in the instrumental music program, please submit completed form (last page of the relevant handbook) at the School Office.
Please contact our Instrumental Music Program Coordinator, Alyssa Kennedy, with any questions you have about the program. Email Alyssa using the Email teachers link in Compass.
Instrumental Music Program staff
The Instrumental Music Program team for 2026 are:
- Alyssa Kennedy – Strings & String Ensembles, and IMP Coordinator
- Sarah Green – Junior Band, Flute
- Josh Hu – Clarinet, Saxophone
- Joyce Au-Yeung – Piano, Keyboard
- Sasha Hartdobler – Piano, Keyboard & Harp
- Tom Graham – Guitar, Guitar Ensembles
- Blake Hansen – Drums, Percussion & Percussion Ensemble
- Therese Ng – Drums, Percussion & Percussion Ensemble
- Brian Hogg – Brass (Trumpet, Trombone) & Concert Band