Unley High School Music Program

Unley High School offers an exciting and inclusive experience for all music students, whether they are seasoned musicians or just beginning their musical journey. We aim to foster creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of music in a welcoming environment.

Classroom Music Program

Year 7

Students apply for year 7 Music through the school’s enrolment process and select their instrument preference as a Semester Subject. Student/Parent/Teacher Conversations will take place in Term 4 to confirm instrument selection for the following year. Students enrol as a continuing or beginning music student. More Information on Classroom Music programs for Years 7 to 12 can be found in the Curriculum Handbook links below.

Year 7: Semester (Continuing or Beginners)

Year 8: Full Year 

Year 9: Full Year or Semester  

Year 10: Full Year or Semester 

Year 11 Ensemble Performance: Full Year Offline 

Stage 1 Music: Full Year (Semester by negotiation) 

Stage 2 Music Explorations: Full Year 

Stage 2 Solo Performance: Full Year

Stage 2 Ensemble Performance: Full Year 

School Ensembles Program

Unley High School offers a variety of ensembles, with rehearsals held during lunch, recess, or after school. These Ensembles perform at school and community events throughout the year.

  • Concert Bands 1 & 2 – Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet (including Bass Clarinet), Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Tuned/Untuned Percussion, Drum Kit, Bass Guitar
  • Stage Band – Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Trumpet, Trombone, Drum Kit and Percussion, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Piano (https://generationsinjazz.com.au/)
  • Orchestra – Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Harp, Tuned/Untuned Percussion
  • String Ensemble – Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
  • Percussion Ensemble 1 & 2– Tuned and Untuned Percussion
  • Jazz Combo – Trumpet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drum Kit, Piano (https://generationsinjazz.com.au/ )
  • Vocal Ensemble – Open to all students via audition/interview.
  • Rock Band Program 1, 2 & 3 – Voice, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Drum Kit

Instrumental Music Lessons

Group Lessons (No Cost)

Students enrolled in music as a subject or as part of one of our school’s ensembles are invited to participate in the school’s group instrumental or private individual lessons. Our experienced and passionate instrumental teachers provide high-quality instruction, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive.

We offer department funded group lessons for the following instruments:

  • Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Alto and Tenor Saxophone
  • Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
  • Percussion: Drum Kit, Tuned and Untuned Percussion
  • Bass Guitar
  • Strings: Violin, Viola and Cello
  • Voice: Contemporary/Jazz
  • Classical Guitar

Private Individual Lessons (cost applies)

For students seeking more personalised instruction, we offer private individual lessons at a cost. Lessons are currently available for the following instruments:

  • Piano
  • Percussion and Drum Kit
  • Classical, Acoustic or Electric Guitar
  • Bass Guitar

 

Instrument Hire

The school provides a comprehensive instrument hire program designed to support students who require access to quality instruments. The annual hire fee is $250, contributing to the ongoing maintenance, repair, and replacement of school-owned instruments to ensure they remain in excellent condition. Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the school to confidentially discuss alternative arrangements or potential fee assistance. This program reflects the school’s commitment to providing inclusive and accessible music education for all students.

*It is an expectation students either hire or provide their own instruments for engagement in music.

Instrumental Lessons Frequently Asked Questions

What are Instrumental Music Lessons?

Instrumental music lessons are weekly sessions where students receive specialised instruction on their chosen instrument, either in small groups or one-on-one.

Why do students have Instrumental Music Lessons?

These lessons are a vital part of a student’s musical education, helping them develop skills with expert guidance. They also complement and enhance our classroom music subject and ensembles.

What if my child doesn’t have music on their timetable until the second semester? Do they still have instrumental lessons all year?

Yes. Students will be allocated their instrument early in Term 1, and their lesson schedule will be arranged accordingly.

Why can’t lessons be scheduled during an elective instead of a core subject?

The Department for Education’s Instrumental Music program provides specific days and times for each school. While some timetable adjustments are possible, flexibility is limited due to teachers’ availability across multiple schools.

What if a student has a test, assessment, or their grades are being impacted?

Students should prioritize attending their classes during assessments. Carers of students receiving private lessons at a cost per 30-minute session should communicate directly if concerns arise. Alternatively, carers may choose to arrange private tutoring outside school hours if they have concerns about their child’s academic progress.

How will I know if a student has a Music lesson?

Once timetables are finalised by our instrumental teachers, students’ lesson schedules will be available on their Daymap timetable, remaining constant throughout the year.