Music
GSG Music Programme
At GSG, students have the opportunity to learn a wide range of instruments from one of our experienced instrumental teachers. Individual lessons are 30 minutes in duration and are held during the school day.
We also offer students tuition on the bagpipes and marching drums as part of the Pipe Band, a distinctive band featured at all formal school occasions and is often invited to perform for formal events for the City of Albany.
There are many ensembles offered to GSG students for children from Pre-Primary to Year Twelve. These groups rehearse weekly and offer opportunities for our young musicians to enjoy making music in groups on their chosen instrument in a range of musical styles.
It is my hope that all students who learn an instrument will participate in an ensemble at Great Southern Grammar and enjoy the experience of making music with school friends.
I welcome all students to the Music programme at Great Southern Grammar. My goal is to provide a stimulating and exciting musical environment for students at all levels, both in and out of the classroom.
Ms Emma Luxton | Director of Music
Classroom Music at Great Southern Grammar
At Great Southern Grammar we provide students with the opportunity to study and develop their musical skills and interests in a wide range of musical styles throughout their school lives.
Kindergarten to Year Seven Music
From Kindergarten to Year Seven, Music is incorporated into the curriculum as part of the weekly timetable. The philosophy behind Music in these years is to create an environment of enjoyment and appreciation. Students listen to music, sing and play a variety of musical instruments from different styles, cultures and historical times.
Year Two Music
All Year Two students participate in an introductory programme of violin and cello lessons in addition to their regular classroom music lesson. This is an enjoyable introduction to the violin and the cello, providing students with a unique opportunity to try these instruments. At the end of their introductory period, students are encouraged to begin individual lessons on either instrument.
Year Five Music
As part of their classroom music programme, every Year Five student will select either a brass or woodwind instrument to learn and play throughout the year and come together to form an energetic Year Five Concert Band. This musical experience is of no extra cost to families. At the end of Year Five, we hope that some students will choose to continue their musical journey on their instrument, having individual lessons and joining our Foundation Band.
Year Eight to Year Ten Music
In Years Eight to Ten, Music is offered as an elective subject with two separate classes.
Contemporary Music
In this class, students form rock bands with classmates, learn songs and experiment with playing different instruments and singing. They have the opportunity to perform for their peers and record songs in the GSG recording studio.
Specialist Music
The focus of Specialist Music is engagement with music so as to begin to understand how it is created. Students look at how music is composed, developed and continues to develop over time. In this class students have the opportunity to experiment with composition and arranging for their own instruments. These skills are developed and enhanced through technology and music programmes. Students learn relevant musical theory and are able to complete theory exams if they choose to.
Completion of this course provides students with the opportunity to undertake the ATAR Music course in Years Eleven and Twelve.
Years Eleven and Twelve Music
In Year Eleven and Year Twelve, GSG offers three separate Music courses:
The ATAR Music course is for students who are at an appropriate level of skill on their instruments, have some background in theory, history and aural skills and wish to include an ATAR music subject as part of their Year Eleven and Twelve pathway. A level of prior theory knowledge and skill is required on a chosen instrument to complete this course. We recommend that students complete Specialist Music in Years Eight, Nine and Ten to prepare for this course.
The General Music course is for students interested in exploring some theory, history, aural skills, further developing their practical skills and are embarking on a blended or General and VET course pathway for Years Eleven and Twelve. Some prior theory knowledge and skill on a chosen instrument are required to complete this course.
- VET Music allows students to complete a Certificate qualification over Years Eleven and Twelve. Students spend time rehearsing and performing at various occasions, including Radioactive with WAAPA and preparing for our Year Twelve performance at the iconic Mojo’s venue in Fremantle. Units also include practical experiences in setting up and moving equipment, recording technology and musical skills.
Instrumental Music Programme
Learning an instrument offers rewards and challenges for each individual. The support of parents and the family plays a vital part in a child’s commitment to music.
Students have the opportunity to learn any of the following instruments from one of our experienced instrumental teachers: violin, viola, cello, piano, classical or contemporary guitar, drums, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and French horn.
- Beginning in Pre-Primary, students can explore the beauty of violin, cello and piano through tailored lessons arranged in partnership with the school. We ensure every child is ready, both physically and mentally, to embark on a joyful and enriching musical journey.
- In Year One, students can begin their musical journey with violin, cello, or piano lessons. For added flexibility, piano can also be learned at home using a weighted keyboard, making it easier to nurture your child’s talent.
- In Year Four, students can take their first steps into the world of music with classical or contemporary guitar and drum lessons. These programmes are designed to spark creativity and build confidence, helping your child discover the joy of making music.
- In Year Five, every child becomes part of our energetic Concert Band Programme, an experience that brings music to life in the classroom and beyond. Throughout the year, students learn to play a brass or woodwind instrument (at no extra cost), developing discipline, teamwork and a lifelong love of music. Instruments are taken home for regular practice, helping children build confidence and skill. To ensure each student gains the full benefit of this enriching programme, we do not accept new enrolments for other instrument studies during Year Five. However, we warmly encourage students to continue learning any instrument they were already playing prior to this year.
- In Secondary School, every student has the opportunity to begin learning any instrument at any age, opening the door to creativity, confidence and a deep appreciation for the art of music. It is never too late to start the journey!
INDIVIDUAL Music Lessons
30-minute individual lesson (per term) $422
45-minute individual lesson (per term) $633
Instrumental lessons are held on an individual basis. Group lessons may be available.
For more fee-related information, please visit our Fee Terms and Conditions and/or our School Fees page here.
GSG Ensembles
At Great Southern Grammar we offer many ensembles and endeavour to create a musical ensemble experience for students of all ages and levels of development on their instrument.
Ensembles enjoy performance opportunities at various events and venues at school and within Albany throughout the year. Ensembles attend workshops with visiting artists; collaborate with other schools or musical ensembles; and participate in school events such as the annual Kingfisher concert in the Albany Entertainment Centre.
To maintain the musical development of individuals and of collective ensembles, students must be undertaking lessons on their instrument to be eligible to participate in an ensemble at GSG. Members must continue to have weekly lessons to remain in an ensemble.
School ensembles rehearse weekly outside of school time and perform at events throughout the school year. Attendance at rehearsals is required and students are expected to make themselves available for performances.
Current instrumental ensembles
- Concert Band
- Jazz Band, in the style of a big band for selected students
- Foundation Band, for developing woodwind and brass students
- A beginner Primary School ensemble, the Violettes, for developing violin and cello students
- An intermediate string ensemble, Intermediate Strings
- An advanced string ensemble, Senior Strings
- A classical guitar ensemble, Guitar Ensemble
- Several smaller ensembles for selected students
GSG Choirs
For young vocalists, we offer three choirs including two Primary School choirs. The Tiny Trebles for children in Years One to Three, and Primary Voices for children from Years Four to Six. The choir for students in Secondary School is the Senior Vocal Ensemble. These choirs rehearse weekly out of school time and perform at many events and concerts throughout the year.
GSG Pipe Band
Students have the opportunity to learn the bagpipes or the marching drums in a group lesson and to join the Pipe Band in Years Five, Six, Seven and Eight.
When students have reached an appropriate level of development on either the bagpipes or drums, they are invited to join the Pipe Band.
The Pipe Band is involved in all formal school occasions and several public community events throughout the year. All members are required to attend weekly rehearsals and to make themselves available for all performances.
Great Southern Grammar acknowledges that the land upon which we learn, play and grow is Menang land, whose traditional custodians are the Noongar people. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that their sovereignty was never ceded.