Overview:
The Education Queensland Instrumental Music Program offers students the opportunity to learn a string instrument from Year 3 or a brass/woodwind/percussion instrument from Year 4. For further information on instruments offered, starting ages and instrument loans, please refer to the tables below.
Commitment:
Students who enrol in the Instrumental Music Program are expected to commit to the program for a minimum of one year with the intention of continuing throughout their schooling. Students receive a 30-minute weekly lesson during class time and, as the year progresses, will join one of the school ensembles, which rehearse before school. Weekly attendance at both lessons and ensemble, alongside completing home practice tasks are key components of the Instrumental Music Curriculum and this time commitment should be considered carefully when applying for a place in the program.
Students that are interested in learning a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument should wait until Year 4 to commence their studies, rather than starting a string instrument in Year 3 and changing in Year 4. However, students who exhibit a very high level of musical ability may have the opportunity to learn a second instrument and be involved in both instrumental music programs (e.g. cello and clarinet). Such a scenario will be done in consultation with parents, but ultimately is at the discretion of the instrumental music teacher and school administration.
See more detailed information in the Instrumental Music Program conditions of enrolment and the Student Resource Scheme information for 2025
Recruitment process:
To ensure that students selected for the program have the greatest chance of success, there are several steps involved in the recruitment process:
Pitch and timbre preference assessments
Evaluation of physical suitability by instrumental music teachers
Consultation with school staff
Please note, students may not be allocated an instrument that they expect to play, however the assessment process is about finding the instrument that each child is most suited to and has the greatest chance of success on.
Fees:
The Instrumental Music Student Resource Scheme, covers the cost of photocopying, new music and maintenance of school instruments. The fee is $80 per year for students with their own instrument and $140 per year for students hiring a school owned instrument. (This is seperate to the core Student Resource Scheme of $100 which covers classroom and other materials)
Additionally, students will be required to purchase a tutor book and any consumable items as applicable to their instrument. Information regarding required consumables will be sent home once the recruitment process has been completed and instrument offers for 2025 are finalised.
Instrument information:
Below is an overview of instruments offered, year levels, additional information and links to demonstration videos to assist in the process of determining instrument preferences.
Learning a musical instrument benefits all students in the development of cognitive, social-emotional skills and executive function. The Instrumental Music Program provides students with opportunities to attend workshops, camps and build a sense of self and community. To enroll please complete an application form by Friday 1 November 2024.
Strings
Band
Application form - String instrument 2025
Application form - Band instrument 2025