The music here at school has big dreams for Silkwood!

Imagine a world where children are not just learning notes and playing instruments but where the language of music opens doors to the vast landscape of emotions, creativity, and understanding.

Music is not just an art form—it's a higher revelation, a divine way of expressing the inexpressible. Music education is the key to this realm, sparking imagination, enhancing education, literacy, brain development, and connecting hearts. It's about more than just the technicalities; it's a journey that helps children pass from school into a world where they think deeper, feel broader, and connect on a profound level. As Yo-Yo Ma (famous cellist) beautifully puts it, music education broadens the depth with which children think and feel, ensuring that it's not just about playing instruments but fostering a lifelong passion for creativity, cooperation, and communication.

In this world, each note resonates with the promise of unlocking a child's potential, making music education a beacon of optimism, creativity, and boundless possibilities 😊

Listed below are the things that will happen in class music, the string programs, the choral programs, external music programs and important dates to remember.

Due to Mel being on Long Service Leave for the first month of Term 1 all String Programs will commence WEEK 5 – Tuesday February 20th. Amanda will be covering class music along with Dean.

We look forward to Mel returning and to our musical year ahead!

The Music Team 😊

Specialist music lessons are part of the Silkwood Learning Program for Prep to Year 7.

The Primary School follows the Kodály method, which involves a dynamic and engaging approach to music education. It focuses on active participation, with students singing, playing instruments, and engaging in rhythmic and melodic activities. This method follows a carefully structured curriculum, gradually introducing musical concepts in a logical sequence. Emphasising the development of aural skills and musical literacy, it encourages creativity and group singing, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. By integrating folk songs and a multisensory approach, this method creates a rich and enjoyable learning experience that builds a strong foundation in music for students of all ages.

In the Middle School the Music curriculum focuses more on user friendly programs like Music Edu and bandlab recording and creation software and takes a ‘real-world’ approach, further developing the array of music skills that have been developed in the Primary School and now introduces a range of learning areas including keyboard skills, composition, music in film and augmented reality.

The programs listed below are postponed until Mel returns in Week 5.

At Silkwood in Year 3 we offer a full string program which includes all the Orchestral String Instruments: double bass, cello, viola and violin. Each year we develop a ‘Year 3 Junior String Orchestra’ in conjunction with weekly group lessons. These are aligned with current best teaching practices and in alignment to the Silkwood Way and the advisory model.

The benefits of the beginner’s string system are founded in research, experience, and academic consideration. The weekly lesson format allows students to have their instruments at home for most of the week, which encourages ‘at home’ practice and a stable routine to support their learning.

Year 3 strings will start Wednesday 21st Feb – this will be a set up week where all students will get their allocated instruments, music folders and music books as well as going through instrument care and the basics.

Intermediate String Orchestra is the natural progression for the students who wish to continue learning a string instrument past the Year 3 program and commences in Week 5 of Term 1.

Each section – 1st Violins, 2nd Violins, Violas and combined Cello/Bass – will be supported with a 20 min weekly tutorial on Tuesday afternoon between 1.35pm – 3.00pm. This enables students to be prepared for the weekly orchestra rehearsals on Tuesday 3.15 – 4.15pm. Daily home practice routines will also be required for membership in this group.

Intermediate Orchestra is a performance group with a special music uniform. It is expected that students commit for the entire yearly program as rehearsals prepare for many and varied performance opportunities throughout the year. These events include; competing in Eisteddfod, going on excursions, possible recording sessions, string workshops as well as performing at the Silkwood Concerts and Festivals throughout the year.

Intermediate Orchestra Tuesday 20th Feb (all new year 4 students that wish to join Orchestra just need to turn up with instruments 3.15pm – 4.15pm, if they are hiring, I will organise that on that day – returning students should bring instruments and orchestra folders).

This is our most experienced string ensemble that has a weekly rehearsal (no tutorials). Daily home practice schedules are required for this group and students may have optional private lessons that can be included as a part of their PILP’s – Personal Individual Learning Plans.

This elite string ensemble performs with a special music uniform and also has yearly commitment expectation. Participation in this ensemble has added opportunities of competing in Eisteddfod, possible string workshops, performing at the Concerts, Transition Ceremonies, special assemblies, and Silkwood Festivals throughout the year.

Senior Strings will begin Thursday 22nd Feb 3.15pm – 4.15pm – new Year 6 and 7 students just need to turn up with instruments and music folders.

All students can sign up for the groups through QKR and pay their instrument hire through that forum as well.

Want to dive deeper? How about trying a beginner choir? It's not just about singing – it's a whole package of awesome benefits! You'll be refining your vocal and listening skills, learning to harmonise like a pro, and developing an amazing sense of community. Plus, being part of a choir is like joining a musical family, where teamwork and cooperation are the name of the game. It's not just about hitting the right notes; it's about boosting your confidence, relieving stress, and feeling that rush of accomplishment after an incredible performance. And the best part? You'll be exposed to all kinds of music, from classical to contemporary. Trust me, it's a journey worth taking – you'll make lifelong friends, discover new cultural vibes, and have a blast on stage. So, what do you say? Ready to dive into the wonderful world of choir magic? Let's do this!

Sparrows choir is on Friday afternoons in the Music room, straight after lunch for the afternoon session.

Hummingbirds choir is on Thursday afternoons in the Music room, straight after lunch for the afternoon session.

Senior Choir is on Wednesday afternoons in location TBA, for the afternoon session.

Choirs will all commence in Week 3 – all you need to do is turn up and sign up through the QKR app.

Woodwind Program We are still on the hunt for a Woodwind teacher so watch this space!

Private String Lessons with Mel Mel will provide further details about these on her return. More details on our external music lessons can be found on our school website here

Private Piano Lessons
The private Piano tuition at Silkwood is run by Amy Baker. These individual lessons are mainly organised during “out of school” hours unless pre-arranged by students/parents and instrumental teacher to be during school time. Amy Baker play@mindsetonmusic.com

Here are a few pointers:

·Registrations are per student;
·You can register each child for multiple programs in the one transaction;
·No fees or charges apply for these programs;
·Instrument hire (charges apply) can be added to the same transaction.
·The email address you use for registration will be used for all communication related to your music programs.


We are excited to launch Silkwood Music in 2024 and look forward to a great musical year ahead!