Our Music program at Penrhos encourages our students to explore their creativity, develop technical skills and grow in confidence through performance and collaboration.
Whether beginners or experienced musicians, every student is supported by expert staff, industry-connected tutors and a dynamic program that nurtures both talent and passion.
CLASSROOM MUSIC PROGRAM
All Year 7 students complete one term of classroom Music, where they’re introduced to a wide variety of instruments – whether or not they’ve played before. In a hands-on, practical setting, students learn general musicianship, ensemble performance (as part of the Year 7 Class Ensemble) and listening skills. This taster experience is designed to spark interest and uncover musical potential.
From Year 8, Music becomes a year-long elective, with three classes per week. Students are encouraged to take up peripatetic music lessons offered through the College in their instrument of choice. Our peripatetic music tutors are professional musicians who bring real-world experience and connections to the WA music community, including strong industry networks and university affiliations – providing students with expert guidance and valuable insight into future musical pathways.
All Music students in Years 8 to 10 are also required to participate in at least one major school performance ensemble, enriching their classroom learning through ensemble experience.
Classroom learning includes:
- Music theory and aural training
- Composing and arranging music using notation and software
- History and analysis, with a focus on styles such as Western art music
- Embedded AMEB theory preparation, tailored to each students’ individual level
This holistic approach allows students to build on their Year 7 experience and develop a deep foundation in performance, composition and critical listening.
In Years 11 and 12, students who elect to study Music ATAR attend five lessons per week. The ATAR course continues to develop students’ knowledge of composition, performance and analysis, while preparing them for further study or creative careers.
CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC
The Music program at Penrhos extends well beyond the classroom, offering students a wide range of co-curricular ensembles, events and performance opportunities that celebrate musical growth, creativity and collaboration.
We offer a variety of non-auditioned and auditioned ensembles across different levels, allowing students to join at their current stage and progress through more advanced groups as their skills and confidence grow – supporting every musician from beginner to accomplished performer.
Regular events such as Music Gala Night, our Music Eisteddfod and the Band and Orchestra Festival provide opportunities for students to perform and share their talents with the wider community.
MUSIC FAQs
Who does classroom Music?
- In Year 7, all students study one term of Music
- From Year 8, Music becomes and elective subject
- In Years 11 and 12, students can select courses to suit their academic strengths and post-school ambitions.
What Year 12 Music courses do we offer?
Music ATAR
What performance opportunities do we offer?
Performance is at the heart of our co-curricular Music program. A major highlight on the calendar is the Interhouse Music Eisteddfod – a beloved College tradition where students perform for external adjudicators, receive individual feedback and contribute to their House points tally. Our ensembles also perform annually at St George’s Cathedral as part of the ‘Concerts at One’ public concert series, offering a professional stage and an engaged audience of city-goers during the lunch hour.
Other immersive opportunities include:
- The annual Music Camp, where students refine their skills in a focused, collaborative environment
- Performance trips such as the Mount Gambier Generations in Jazz Festival
- European music tours, which provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to perform abroad and engage with global music culture (subject to student numbers)
What music ensembles are available to students?
- String Orchestra
- Wind Orchestra
- Contemporary bands (rock and pop) – F# and Crashing Out
- Jazz bands – Coltrane and Basie
- Choirs – Cantabile Voices, Chorale and VOX
- Camerata Strings
- Production orchestra
Read our Music handbook to understand more about our ensembles.
Visiting artists and industry collaborations
Our Music students are regularly inspired by some of the best in the industry through our Visiting Artist program, developed in collaboration with other leading schools. Each year, world-class musicians – such as James Morrison and Xani Kolac – visit Penrhos as part of a rotating program shared between four schools. These artists run intensive workshops, masterclasses and combined rehearsals, working closely with students across the week to build skills, creativity and musical insight.
The experience culminates in a collaborative performance, where students perform alongside their peers from other schools and under the guidance of celebrated professionals – creating unforgettable memories and valuable industry connections.
