We’re sure that you’ve already heard that Music Mates has now launched in the school and many of you have already signed up. There are also plenty of questions about the programs and we thought we’d answer some of those questions here:

Q: What programs are available?

A: That depends on what year you’re in. So have a look at the list below:

Kindergarten - Introduction to Music

The Music Mates Introduction to Music sessions provides kids with a fantastic start to discovering music through singing, movement, dance and body percussion. Over the semester the kids will explore a wide range of musical styles and concepts through fun team-based activities and performance. They’ll be learning the whole time and they won’t even know it!

Frequency:           once a week

Session Length:     45 mins

Enrolment:            per semester

Price:                    $10  / session

Year 1 - Percussion Group

The Music Mates Percussion Group is a great way to learn the basics of rhythm and get started with playing instruments. Students will sing, move, play lots of percussion, do body percussion and learn how to work as a team to make a human drum kit. These sessions are so much fun and are great for learning the basics of rhythm and beats.

Frequency:            once a week

Session Length:     45 mins

Enrolment:            per semester

Price:                    $10 / session

Year 2 - Ukulele Group

Designed as a stepping stone for Stage 1 students, the Music Mates Ukulele Group is a fun way for the kids to learn the different parts of the instrument, how to read chord diagrams and how to sing and play together as a team. With songs like On Top of Spaghetti, Yellow Submarine and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, the Music Mates Ukulele Group is a great way to get students involved in making music with their friends…and just quietly, the performance ends up in a gigantic sing along with everyone involved!

Frequency:            once a week

Session Length:     45 mins

Enrolment:            per semester

Price:                    $10 / session

Years 3 - 6 Rock Orchestra

This incredible program sees the kids placed into groups to learn not one, but five different instruments (drums, guitar, bass, vocals, keyboard). With the sessions held every week, the kids will learn to play familiar songs that they know and love as well as learning the benefits of teamwork, music mate-ship and solidarity. With a focus on playing, this performance program ends up with all of the groups coming together to perform in front of their family and friends in an unforgettable concert for the entire school. School concerts and assemblies will never be the same again!                                         

Frequency:            once a week

Session Length:     30 mins

Enrolment:            per semester

Price:                    $22 / session

Year K - 6: Private Lessons

If you have a really keen interest in an instrument, then a private lesson is a great way to move ahead quickly. Lessons are centred around the Rockschool syllabus and your teacher will map out a positive learning pathway that is tailored to each student’s interests.  Currently the instruments available are Piano/Keyboard, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums and Vocals.

Years:                     K - 6

Frequency:              once a week

Session Length:       30 mins and 60 mins available

Enrolment:              per semester

Price:                     $45/30 min lesson

                             $88/60min lesson

Q: Can I use my Creative Kids Voucher?

A: Yes you can! Music Mates is a registered provider with Service NSW and you can use your voucher for any of the programs running at Sacred Heart.

Q: When do the lessons run

A: We are currently finalising the timetable with the school and will publish this as soon as possible.

Q: How do I sign my child up to a program?

A: That’s easy, just head to the Music Mates website at www.musicmates.com.au, click on the signup/login link in the main menu and follow the instructions. We already have over 40 people signed up and ready to go.

Q: How will I be charged?

A: Whilst enrolment is for the semester (2 terms) you will be invoiced and payment will be required for each term in advance.

Q: Do you recommend Group or Private Lessons

A: We recommend that all students participate in a group program at some stage. Music is so much fun when you play with other people and the Music Mates programs help you to discover which instrument you have an interest in.