COMMUNITY STUDIES PROGRAMMES
Regional conservatoriums receive some funding every year form the NSW government to help foster music education programmes for their communities, and to assist conservatoriums in their development and maintenance of in-school music education programmes. Music education helps people in many ways, from helping create good communication and social skills to improved memory, motor skills and cognitive abilities.
Making music is an enjoyable social and personal experience that enriches the lives of people in our communities.
At the Northern Rivers Conservatorium we offer more than just music lessons, we also provide:
- Ensembles and opportunities to play with others
- Performance nights
- Community performances
- Bursaries for children from economically disadvantaged families
- Help for students studying for HSC music exams
EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC PROGRAMME
Research shows that music can foster social, communication and cognitive skills with a very strong and positive impact in other disciplines. Particularly children benefit from music by integrating the learning process in a creative and practical way. Confidence, self-esteem and the ability to focus and deal with challenges are all enhanced through music education.
The Northern Rivers Conservatorium has a team of accomplished, dedicated and enthusiastic Early Childhood Music teachers who deliver three levels of music education for children.
Please note * to enrol for the Early Childhood Music Programme please contact us by Phone on 66212266 or email us directly here
 |
Early Childhood Music (ECM) Ages 1 – 4 These classes provide a fun and stimulating musical experience for toddlers and pre-school aged children and their parents. The emphasis is on sensory and practical experience of listening to and performing music. |
 |
Childhood Music Education (CME) Ages 4 – 6 An extension of Early Childhood Music, these classes introduce children to foundation musicianship skills such as reading music and ensemble playing, still in an environment of expressive fun. |
 |
Transition Classes Ages 5 - 8 Children are taught elementary playing skills on a different musical instrument in learning modules of 5 weeks. Children can experience keyboard, recorder, guitar, violin, percussion, drums and singing. In addition to the practical element, musicianship skills are further developed providing an excellent preparatory course to individual music tuition. |
Lismore ECM Classes held at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium
Early Childhood Music (Ages 2 – 4) Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 – 10:30am
Childhood Music Education (Ages 4 – 6) Tuesday 4:00 – 5:00pm
Transition Classes Tuesday 4:15 – 5:15pm
Bangalow ECM Classes held at the Bangalow Anglican Hall
Early Childhood Music I (Ages 1 - 2) Wednesday 9:45 – 10:30am
Early Childhood Music II (Ages 3 – 4) Wednesday 10:45 – 11:30am
Lennox Head ECM Classes are at the Scout Hall
Early Childhood Music (Ages 2 – 4) Wednesday 9:30 – 10:30am
** PLEASE NOTE ** Community Studies classes run as per NSW Department of Education school terms.
**Cost outlined here**
MUSIC TUITION
The Northern Rivers Conservatorium provides expert music tuition for individuals and groups in many styles from classical to contemporary music for:
| Cello | Clarinet | Double Bass | Electric Bass |
| Drums | Flute | Harp | Guitar – Flamenco, Classical & Contemporary |
| Mandolin | Piano | Piano Accordion | Recorder |
| Saxophone | Trombone | Trumpet | Violin |
| Viola | Vocal | Teachers – all styles |
Conservatorium students are encouraged and supported to realise their unique potential as musicians and performers. Teachers work with students and parents to tailor individual learning programmes based on the ability and goals of each student. Opportunity for performance in Conservatorium Concerts, public concerts and Eisteddfods is ample. Our Community Studies tutors can also guide their students through AMEB, Trinity and NSW HSC Music Examinations.
**Cost outlined here**
 |
 |
 |
ENSEMBLES AND CHOIRS
The Big Bandidos Wednesday 7:00 – 8:30pm
The Big Bandidos is a unique group of musicians including representatives from all ages and levels of experience from high school students through to seasoned professionals. Under the expert musical direction of Ken Stubbs, they have a repertoire that covers the classic Ellington and Basie sounds, as well as brassy Latin and Funk numbers.
The Choral C Wednesday 5:30 – 7:30pm
The Conservatorium’s Community Choir led by Felicity Clifton welcomes singers of all abilities to experience the joy of singing in harmony. The human voice is the most primal means of expression and the Choral C provides a safe and fun creative outlet. The Choral C sings everything from World Music to Gospel to a cappella arrangements of contemporary favourites.
Children’s Choir Tuesday 5:15 – 6:15pm
This choir welcomes all children from 7 – 14 to join in the fun of group singing. Singing is joyful and singing in a group is a safe and fun way to develop confidence and enhance ability. This group is led by Felicity Clifton, Kael Veenstra and Jaeva Shelley.
String Ensemble Wednesday 4:45 – 6:00pm
Karen Traise, founding member of the Lismore Symphony Orchestra, conducts the Conservatorium’s String Ensemble. The ensemble is open to students of the Conservatorium and members of the public who have a love of playing. String players of varied abilities are catered to in this ensemble and the formation of Little Strings Ensemble is in the wings.
| Beginner Strings | K – Yr 2 | Friday |
| Junior Strings | Yrs 3 – 6 (Primary School Age) | Wednesday 4:15 – 4:45pm |
| String Ensemble | Open Age | Wednesday 4:45 – 5:45pm |
**Cost outlined here**
DRAMA
The Conservatorium offers a number of classes in Drama for children and teenagers that offer a creative forum to develop confidence and nurture a love of performance. Facilitated by Michael Sharmon, these classes offer learning through dramatic play, improvisation, script writing, and acting culminating in regular in-house and public performances.
| 8 – 11 yrs | Monday 4:00 – 5:30pm | $12 per class |
| 12 – 16 yrs | Monday 5:30 – 7:00pm | $12 per class |
| Mixed ages | Thursday 4:00 – 5:30pm | $12 oer class |
 |
 |
DANCE
Hip Hop Tuesday 4:15 – 5:15pm
B-Boy Felon (aka James Dean) takes dancers through their paces in this very popular weekly class which welcomes participants with every level of experience, age and ability.
Adult Contemporary Dance
Please contact the Conservatorium to express your interest.
**Cost outlined here**
OUTREACH
The Conservatorium runs an Outreach Program in Schools and Pre-Schools across the Northern Rivers region. We currently have teachers providing individual tuition in all instruments as well as delivering Band and Early Childhood Music Programs. Please contact the Conservatorium for more information.
FEES
General costs for Community studies are as per below:
| Annual registration | $11 |
| Individual Tuition | |
| ½ hour lessons | $25 |
| 1 hour lessons | $50 |
| Ensembles | $8 - $10 |
| Community choir | $12 / $8 Concession |
| Children’s choir | $10 |
| Drama classes | $12 |
| Dance classes | $12 |
** please note**
there is a 5% discount on all fees for up-front payments.
Quick Links
Course information and directory is :: Online enrolment form is :: Download application form
«-- back
