Music has a long tradition of excellence at Meriden and forms an essential part of each student’s education. The School has a thriving Music Department which aims to foster a love of music in every student and develop the skills of talented young musicians.
Meriden’s dynamic cocurricular Music program ensures every burgeoning musician has access to highly-skilled music teachers who develop students’ talent and passion for music. Many girls find a sense of belonging through our music programs, growing in self-esteem as they connect with other young musicians and developing their confidence through performance opportunities.
Junior School
Music is taught by specialist teachers as a classroom subject to all students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.
In the Junior School, there is a focus on singing, with the language of music notation presented through a variety of listening, composition and performance opportunities.
The Junior School instrumental program is an important component of classroom Music lessons and facilitates an advanced coverage of the curriculum. The instrumental program takes place in Year 3 with an array of instruments taught by specialist tutors including violin, viola, cello, double bass, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and French horn, and in Year 5 with a focus on larger instruments such as double bass, bassoon, tuba, bass guitar and percussion. Performance ensembles for students who have progressed on an instrument are also offered alongside the curriculum to encourage collaborative music making.
Senior School
In the Senior School, all students in Years 7 and 8 study Music. The variety of topics covered ranges from Instruments of the Orchestra through to Film Music and Rock Music, with a focus on notation and the development of listening skills.
In Years 9 and 10, the Music elective course centres around a contextual focus and the development of aural skills, composition and performance techniques. Students perform regularly with an accompanist and are supported in composition by a specialist composition teacher. Topics include Music for Small Ensembles, Opera, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Music of the Twentieth Century.
Meriden offers all HSC Music courses including Music 1, Music 2 and Music Extension. The components of aural, musicology, composition and performance are taught by specialists in each area and our students are encouraged to develop their skills in all components for a holistic music education.
Throughout the school year, visiting professional musicians conduct performances, workshops and masterclasses for Music classes and ensembles in both the Junior School and Senior School.
Performance Opportunities
A myriad of events that see Meriden girls create, perform and thrive.
Amadeus Program
Students of exceptional musical ability have their talent nurtured through the Amadeus Program.
