Music
Kindergarten to Year 12
MLC School has a reputation for musical excellence across a wide range of styles. Music enriches the lives of all our students – the program is inclusive and open to all.
Performance Opportunities
There are many co-curricular performance opportunities available at MLC School through instrumental soirees, festivals, studio concerts, graduation concerts, assemblies and major events.
In addition, students who take part in the co-curricular music program have many opportunities to perform at public events and festivals throughout the year.
PICCOLE STELLE (Kindergarten to Year 5)
Wednesday lunchtime in the Junior School Music Rooms
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS (Year 6 to Year 12)
Friday lunchtime in the Music Centre Auditorium
STUDIO CONCERTS AND VOICE/INSTRUMENTAL FESTIVALS
Friday afternoons at 3.30pm
MLC School offers private tuition in the instruments listed below. Enrol for private music tuition via the MLC School Payments page here
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Bassoon
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Cello
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Clarinet
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Double Bass
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Flute
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French Horn
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Harp
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Guitar
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Oboe
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Organ
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Percussion/Drum Kit
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Piano
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Saxophone
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Trombone
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Trumpet
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Tuba
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Ukulele
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Viola
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Violin
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Voice
Taiko classes teach students traditional forms of Japanese drumming, combining ancient rhythms, melodies and styles into modern concert hall pieces. Taiko performance is dynamic, exciting and energetic: almost dance-like in its approach, with the power for vivid storytelling. Taiko sessions at MLC School form part of a collaboration between the School and the world renowned Australian TaikOZ.
Enrol for Taiko via the MLC School Payments page here.
It is assumed that lessons will roll over term on term until the completion of Year 12 unless otherwise notified. Should a student wish to withdraw from private music lessons, a term’s notice must be given.
Lessons are conducted by fully qualified professional musicians who are assigned to students by the Director of Music.
Private music tuition is given on the basis of 32 lessons per year, or the equivalent of eight lessons per term. If students or teachers need to cancel or change a lesson time, 48 hours notice must be given. This includes lessons that need to be changed due to examinations/tests, excursions/incursions, sports carnivals, etc., as well as music teachers having to change due to other extraordinary professional commitments.
It is MLC School policy that lessons must be rotated during the school day so students minimise their time away from any one subject. Girls in Year 11 and Year 12 have fixed lesson times during their ‘spare’ periods and this is negotiated directly with the teacher.
Each student receives a personal music student handbook with a weekly practice routine to keep a record of their practice and lessons.
Performance is an integral part of the music lesson program. Girls must satisfy the participation requirements by performing at events as required by the School. It is compulsory for all MLC School Music students who have private tuition to participate in School ensembles.
MLC School has a system of internal assessments for private music tuition. This involves a composite evaluation of individual performance, group activities, ensemble attendance and studio concerts. Students are given reports on their progress at the end of each semester.
Private Tuition
30 minute
$440
45 minute
$632
60 minute
$840
Cost:Tuition fees must be paid in advance at the beginning of each term. The first term’s fees must be paid online and subsequent terms are charged to the student’s School fees account.
Enrolment: Register for private instrumental tuition via the
MLC School Payments Page.
It is compulsory for all MLC School Music students who have private tuition to participate in School ensembles and commit to rehearsals and performances.
From Kindergarten to Year 5, instrumental and choral music occurs as part of the curriculum for all girls. Every student has the opportunity to sing and to learn an instrument. In these classes the first stage of musical development begins in a positive and supportive group environment. Students are encouraged to move to individual tuition as soon as possible.
Girls in Year 2 to Year 5 who have music lessons are required to participate in the appropriate co-curricular ensembles.
Expectations
Girls are expected to care for their instruments, practise and attend rehearsals and performances.
Enrolment and selection: In the compulsory Junior School Instrumental Program, students are selected for an instrument based on their interest, musical aptitude and physical capability.
MLC School organises a wide range of musical ensembles for girls in Year 6 to Year 12.
Expectations
Girls must make a commitment to their chosen ensembles for the entire school year. It is important they show respect and support for everyone involved, attend all rehearsals and performances, and help with set up and pack up.
Enrolment and selection: There are opportunities for all girls to participate. Students need to enrol with the Music department for co-curricular music ensembles. Level of involvement will be determined by the Director of Music, Head of Strings and Head of Bands.
Choral singing is a fundamental aspect of the MLC School Music program. Students who sing are greatly advantaged in all aspects of their musical development. Girls have the opportunity to participate in auditioned and non-auditioned choral groups, which rehearse and perform regularly.
Angeli is a non-auditioned vocal ensemble for girls from Year 3 to Year 5 that focuses on developing a love of singing. Girls learn about posture, vocal production and both unison and part singing. This choir performs in School concerts and has an open rehearsal at the end of each term, where parents and friends are welcome to attend.
Coordinator: Sophie Grattan-Smith
Time: Wednesday 7.30am–8.30am
Location: Junior School Music Room 1
Senior Choir is a non-auditioned inclusive group for girls who enjoy singing and is open to all girls in Year 6 to Year 12. Repertoire includes art music through to a wide range of contemporary musical styles. All students who learn voice through the MLC School’s private tuition are required to sing in the Senior Choir and may audition for Chamber Choir too if they wish.
Coordinator: Trevor Mee
Time: Wednesday 7am–8am
Location: Music Centre
Chamber Choir is an auditioned ensemble chosen from members of the Senior Choir who come together to form a choral group that performs challenging repertoire.
Coordinator: Trevor Mee
Time: Tuesday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Music Centre
Students must have private music tuition on an instrument in order to be eligible to play in the co-curricular instrumental ensembles.
Symphony Orchestra is for advanced string players and selected woodwind, brass and percussion players. Students must play in the Orchestra in order to be eligible to play in the Chamber Orchestra and any chamber ensembles.
Coordinator: Trevor Mee
Time: Monday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Music Centre
The MLC School Chamber Orchestra is composed of girls from Year 7 to Year 12 and is an auditioned ensemble for the most advanced string players who are also members of the Symphony Orchestra.
Coordinator: James Larsen
Time: Tuesday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Music Centre
Sinfonia is an intermediate level string orchestra for girls in Year 7 to Year 12.
Coordinator: James Larsen
Time: Monday 3.30pm–4.30pm
Location: Potts Hall
This is an extensive part of the music program giving students the opportunity to experience the joy of being in a small group where they are required to hold an individual part. There are a variety of string quartets, piano trios and woodwind ensembles that meet at lunchtime in the Music Centre classrooms. Entry is by invitation once the required standard has been achieved. Year 9 to Year 12 Elective Music students are encouraged to be involved.
Coordinator:James Larsen
Time: To be arranged between staff and students
Location: Music Centre
This is the first orchestra for string players where the focus is on developing the student’s ensemble and sight-reading skills. This is comprised of:
- Allegro Strings
- Presto Strings
- Junior Chamber Strings
Coordinator:James Larsen
Time: Thursday 3.30pm–4.30pm
Location: Junior School Music Rooms
The Symphonic Wind Band is an auditioned ensemble for the School’s leading woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Coordinator: Richard Coward
Time: Thursday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Music Centre
Concert Band is an ensemble that consists of developing woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Coordinator: Richard Coward
Time: Thursday 3.30pm–5pm
Location: Music Centre
School of Rock is a music program where students learn to play and perform rock music. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students form rock bands and put their skills to the test with live performances.
Coordinator: Richard Coward
Time: Wednesday 3.30pm–4.30pm
Location: Music Centre classrooms
Taiko classes teach students traditional forms of Japanese drumming, combining ancient rhythms, melodies and styles into modern concert hall pieces. Taiko performance is dynamic, exciting and energetic: almost dance-like in its approach, with the power for vivid storytelling. Taiko sessions at MLC School form part of a collaboration between the School and the world renowned Australian TaikOZ. Specialist teachers meet with students once a week during term time and prepare programs for community and concert performances throughout the school year. The program is open to students of all abilities and experiences. Enrolments are taken on a first come basis and may result in being placed on a waitlist.
Coordinator: Contact the Music Department
Time: Year 3 and Year 4: Tuesday 3.30pm–4.15pm
Year 5 and Year 6: Tuesday 4.15pm–5.30pm
Year 7 to Year 12: Wednesday 3.30pm–5.30pm
Location: Year 3 to Year 6: Junior School Music Classrooms
Year 7 to Year 12: Music Centre Auditorium
There is a cost associated with this activity
Enrol: Via the MLC School Payments page here
Ukestra is a ukulele ensemble for girls in Year 5 and Year 6. The girls mostly strum and sing a variety of songs and are welcome to bring in their own song suggestions for the group to learn. Anyone with basic ukulele skills (can play at least 4 chords) can join.
Coordinator: Sophie Grattan-Smith
Time: Tuesday 7.15am–8am
Location: Junior School Music Studio 2
Students who play in bands listed above are also eligible to play in the following ensembles.
Stage Band is an auditioned ensemble for advanced players who are members of the Symphonic Wind Band.
Coordinator: Richard Coward
Time: Friday 7am–8am
Location: Music Centre
Jazz Ensemble is for members of the Symphonic Wind Band or Concert Band who wish to develop their Jazz playing skills.
Coordinator: Richard Coward
Time: Friday 7.15am–8am
Location: Music Centre
Junior Jazz is for members of the Intermediate Concert Band who wish to develop their jazz playing skills.
Coordinator: Richard Coward
Time: Friday 7.15am–8am
Location: Music Centre