​Saint Mary's Catholic College aims to provide a positive learning experience, which cultivates a life-long interest in music. To achieve this outcome, a student needs a strong support network involving parents/carers, tutors, and the College team.

​The role of the parent/carer is to:

• ​provide access to an instrument that is in working order, music books and equipment as needed (instruments are available to hire via the Internal Instrumental Music Program)
• organise a quiet place away from distractions for their child to practise, with a music stand and a device for play-alongs
• communicate developments with the tutor or music coordinator
  
• ensure fees are paid on time
  
• encourage their child to play for family and friends
• support regular home practice
• encourage, encourage, encourage!

​The role of the student is to:

• practise regularly (5-7 sessions per week)
  
• follow the tutor's instructions
  
• care for their instrument and equipment
  
• attend lessons on time, and notify their parents/carers and tutors of any approaching disruptions (e.g. in-class assessment)
  
• understand that learning new skills take time, patience, and persistence
  
• never give up!
  

The role of the tutor is to:

• provide well-planned, high quality and sequenced tuition
  
• prepare the student for performances and/or music exams
  
• communicate and developments with parents/carers or the music coordinator
  
• ensure fees are invoiced regularly and professionally
  
• be punctual and professional
  
• maintain a strong skill set through their own regular professional development.
  

​Internal Instrumental Music Program

​​Saint Mary's Catholic College has two internally-hired tutors:

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​Miss Lilly Heiner Brass - Trumpet, Trombone and Tuba. Woodwind - Flute, Clarinet, Baritone, Tenor and Alto Saxophone Music Theory.	​Mrs Brie Knopke Strings - Cello, Viola, Violin and Double Bass ​

Students joining the program receive one lesson per week with a specialist tutor on the student's chosen instrument. These lessons can either be a group or individual lesson. Generally, the best progress is made in individual lessons. All students in Years 7 - 12 will be on a rotating timetable so they do not miss the same class every week for their music lessons, and the timetable will be reviewed by the Assistant Principal Secondary to ensure minimal disruption to general learning.

Students are expected to attend all lessons and bring all tutor books, music and instruments to each lesson. To be successful on one's chosen instrument, regular practice is essential. Beginning students should start with 15 minutes of practice at home per day, increasing to 30 minutes per day. This practice routine should include a warmup, technical work, study pieces and pieces for enjoyment.

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External Instrumental Music Program

​​Saint Mary's Catholic College has three externally-hired tutors:

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​Mr Grant Jeppersen Guitar	​Mrs Jo Town Piano	​Mr Greg Madden Drums and Percussion​ - Drum Kit, Snare Drum, Glockenspiel and Orchestral Percussion

Once an External Tutor form is completed and handed into to reception, the music tutor will contact parent/carers and work out a timetable with either the primary teacher or Assistant Principal Secondary to ensure minimal disruption to general learning. The External Tutors will contact parent/carers to disclose payments arrangements and which days students are to bring their instruments to school.

Student are expected to attend all lessons and bring all tutor books, music and instruments to each lesson. To be successful on one's chosen instrument, regular practice is essential. Beginning students should start with 15 minutes of practice at home per day, increasing to 30 minutes per day. This practice should include a warmup, technical work, study pieces and pieces for enjoyment.

To complete the Internal or External Music Tutors Registration Form please visit here​​​.