Senior School Music at Abbotsleigh
In Years 7 and 8, all girls participate in classroom Music lessons where they learn the musicianship skills to read, write and perform music. From Years 9 to Year 12, Music is offered as an elective subject.
We offer three main avenues of music education:
Classroom music
All students participate in performing, composing and listening activities in Years 7 and 8, as part of the classroom Music program. Music is offered as an elective subject from Year 9 to Year 12. HSC students may choose to study the Music 1, Music 2 or Music Extension courses. Girls are regularly involved in workshops, masterclasses and varied performance experiences through partnerships with musicians, composers and experts in related fields. Elective Music students also work with our School piano accompanist and Composer in Residence.
Outstanding Musical Achievements
Abbotsleigh students regularly top the state in the HSC Music 2 and Extension Music courses. The majority of HSC Music 1, Music 2 and Extension Music students also regularly achieve a result in the top HSC band. Our music students are consistently nominated to showcase their performances and compositions in the annual ENCORE Concert.
Co-curricular music
Girls may choose to join some of our co-curricular programs, which create opportunities for further learning outside the classroom. Performing music in an ensemble enhances musical literacy, collaboration and leadership skills. It is also enormous fun!
Performance is an integral part of our music programs, giving the girls the chance to share their learning and accomplishments locally and internationally. Whatever your daughter’s musical journey, Abbotsleigh’s extensive program aims to nurture her love of music.
Co-curricular ensembles include:
- Choirs
- Concert bands
- Woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles
- String ensembles
- Orchestras
- Jazz ensemble
- Rock bands
- Chamber Music groups
Abbschool music tuition
Our music tuition program via AbbSchool, offers lessons on a wide variety of instruments, with most of these available for hire from the Music Department. Lessons are open to Abbotsleigh girls as well as adults and external students. Tuition takes place in the Junior School and Senior School music studios on a rotational timetable throughout the school day.
More than 35 highly qualified instrumental/vocal teachers provide lessons on the following: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, ’cello, double bass, guitar, percussion, organ, piano, singing and musicianship.
AMEB examinations
These are offered twice a year onsite. Abbotsleigh consistently rates in the top five schools in New South Wales by the AMEB for oustanding results. Most years approximately 150 students undertake an AMEB examination. Music tuition students also participate in a range of formal and informal performance opportunities linked to the classroom and co-curricular programs.