A real strength of our school and what makes us unique, is the multiple opportunities our students have to be involved in The Arts and to grow their musical talents and abilities. If you walk into our school on any given day, you will hear music instruments playing, songs being sung and a bit of dance action going on!
Below outlines the opportunities available as well as, all the information you need to know if your child wishes to learn an instrument or take dance lessons.
Performing Arts Teachers
We have Music, Dance and Drama teachers who work across all classes in our school each Tuesday. They also take extension classes once a week.
Senior Choir
An all-comers choir for children in Years 5 -8. They rehearse from 8.30 to 9.20am on Tuesdays. The main focus is participation in our Music Assemblies and the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival.
Christchurch School of Music Band Programme
The Christchurch School of Music teach the standard instruments of a Concert Band or American Marching Band: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone,Trumpet, Trombone, Bass guitar.
Click through the slideshow to find out more about:
- the training, concert and youth band
- how to help your child choose an instrument and how much commitment is needed
- the cost and any ongoing costs
If you wish to enrol or re-enrol your child with the Christchurch School of Music School Band Programme please click on the button below.
Itinerant Music & Dance Tutors
To assist families who wish for their children to have additional music or dance tuition, we host tutors to run their private lessons at our school during school hours as an extracurricular activity. The school has no other responsibility for these extracurricular activities. Enrolment in any programme, along with any financial arrangement, is only between the parent/caregiver and the private tutor.
If your child is interested in learning to play an instrument or in dance lessons please see the information from the music and dance tutors below.
Piano Lessons
I have been teaching piano for over 40 years, including 25 years at Halswell School.
I have been teaching piano for over 40 years, including 25 years at Halswell School. My students range in age from 6 to 60+ and across all ability levels.
I offer the opportunity for some children to sit practical and theory exams through both ABRSM and Trinity College.
I have a passion for teaching and work with each child to reach their full potential.
Jenny Cain ATCL, DipTchg, AIRMTNZ
Email: jennyrcain@gmail.com
EduSing – Singing lessons – Not available until 2024
EduSing offers itinerant singing/music lessons to students in years 3/4 and 5/6. A special EduSing class is also on offer to years 7/8 which will focus on contemporary music/ basic song-writing/theory and preparation for high school.
EduSing offers itinerant singing/music lessons to students in years 3/4 and 5/6. A special EduSing class is also on offer to years 7/8 which will focus on contemporary music/ basic song-writing/theory and preparation for high school.
EduSing is $80 per term, per student with a minimum of 8 students. Our EduSing programme is uniquely developed to deliver a strong music education with specially trained song leaders.
My bio includes 25 years as a professional opera, concert, and musical theatre soloist in the US, UK, and Europe including 10 years on Broadway. My education includes an MA in vocal performance and a 2 year post-grad in music education.
My contact details are:
Ph: 027 626 7464
Email: edusingmusic@gmail.com
Email: ravilatlas@gmail.com
Hip Hop Dance Lessons
Lunchtime hip hop lessons are offered to all students at Halswell School from new entrants up to Year 8 students. No experience is needed, and there are no auditions for our general groups, which include children ranging from complete beginners to experienced dancers.
Lunchtime hip hop lessons are offered to all students at Halswell School from new entrants up to Year 8 students. No experience is needed, and there are no auditions for our general groups, which include children ranging from complete beginners to experienced dancers.
I run 3 large groups: a Year 0-2 group, a Year 3 & 4 group and a senior group consisting of Year 5-8 students. I also run a competitive crew for senior students, but that is by invitation only. This year’s crew became the national champions for their division at the NZCAF National Hip Hop Championships. I try to organise performance opportunities for each group, although that has been difficult in recent years due to COVID. Fees for 2023 will be $25 per term for the first child and $15 for siblings.
If you would like to sign up your child for 2023, please click the link below and fill out the form. Feel free to contact me on 027 892 1424 if you would like more information.
Sign Up for Hip Hop Lessons
Cherise Jones
Ukulele Lessons
Learn to play your favourite songs and have some fun! All musical aspects taught including Practical & Theory.
Learn to play your favourite songs and have some fun! All musical aspects taught including Practical & Theory.
Weekly small group lessons during school hours. Instruments are available to hire.
Sandra Wilson (Teacher for 20 years/Performer/Songwriter)
Email: nzsandra99@gmail.com
Guitar Lessons
GUITAR Tutor – Sandra Wilson (Teacher for 20 years/Performer/Songwriter)
GUITAR Tutor – Sandra Wilson (Teacher for 20 years/Performer/Songwriter)
Children are taught in small groups during school hours
We have fun learning lots of styles of playing, practical and theory
Discounts for more than one child learning in the family
Beginners are welcome at any stage of the year
Hire instruments are available
Celebration of Learning at the End of Each Term
Please purchase your musical instrument at retailers and not The Warehouse or Toy shops.
Email: nzsandra99@gmail.com
Drums
Drum lessons are available for students in Year 3 and above. Drum-kit students will develop the following skills:
Drum lessons are available for students in Year 3 and above.
Drum-kit students will develop the following skills:
– Correct hand & foot technique
– How to play fundamental drum rudiments & count time
– How to play rhythms & fills
– How to read drum sheet music & understand basic music theory
– How to play songs with a backing track
– Sight-reading, aural & improvisation
– How to prepare for an exam*
– How to prepare for an audition**
*Students who show commitment & dedication will be offered the opportunity to sit Trinity Rock & Pop drum kit exams (these exams are optional).
**Students in Year 5 & above, who are playing at a Grade 3 level or higher, will also be invited to audition for the Christchurch Primary Schools Music Festival.
Beginning drum students will receive either a 30-min pair lesson, or a 20-min individual lesson (depending on scheduling & availability).
Students will receive a tuition book (cost: $20.00) at their first lesson.
Students will also need a pair of drum sticks and a drum practice pad (available for purchase at The Rockshop or Musicworks). It is not essential for students to have their own drum-kit during their first term of lessons, but drum kits are available for hire from Cat on request.
Drum teacher: Catherine (Cat) Wall
Email: kit_drummer@hotmail.com
Ph: (027) 309 2562
For more information about Cat, please visit www.catwalldrums.com
Violin
Come and learn Violin or Viola, year 3 and up in individual or small group lessons during school time.
Come and learn Violin or Viola year 3 and up in individual or small group lessons during school time. Instruments are available to hire.
For more information please contact
Andrew Robinson
ajfrobinson@gmail.com
0275059610
