Open Academy at Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Open Academy Kids at the Con programs are designed to enable your children to dive deep into the rewarding world of music at the renowned Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Kids At The Con

The Kids at the Con program encourages children between the ages of 4 and 10 to engage with the exciting world of music. Structured classes are presented in a challenging but non-competitive environment which encourages the development of artistic expression and creativity.

Based on both the Orff-Schulwerk approach and the Kodaly method, students will be introduced to music using singing, imitation, movement, playing tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments, improvisation, story-telling and guided listening activities.

Kids At The Con Term-Time Programs

Red: 3 - 4 years olds

In the Red class, children focus on basic musical elements by exploring music with differentiation in pitch, beat, and tempo. Motor skills are also improved by using musical games. This class is perfect for preschoolers and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.

Orange: 4 - 5-year-olds

Building on foundational elements developed in the Red class, children are introduced to the first 5 solfa notes (doh-soh). Activities for group interaction are also encouraged as well as some exploration into improvisation. Our Orange class has a slightly faster pace than the Red class and begins to investigate rhythmic notation. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.

Yellow: 5 - 6 years olds

In the Yellow class, children continue to experience beat, pitch, tempo, dynamics, and structure through playing, singing, and moving. Simple notation is introduced and rhythmic and aural elements become more complex. Ensemble work is explored in more detail. Working with different parts in both singing and on instruments contributes to a wider understanding of how music comes together. Our Yellow class is suited to children who have already started school, and who can read simple letters, numbers, and words. As parents/guardians do not join in the class, it also encourages independent music-making.

Green: 6 - 7 years olds

In the Green class, children continue to experience the elements of music through singing, moving, and playing. Conventional music notation is introduced including rhythm, bass, and treble clef. Ensemble work broadens to 3–4 parts and aural training also reflects this with more difficult solfege and learning of songs in more than 1 part. Many of the participants in this level have already begun individual instrumental lessons but this is not a prerequisite.

Blue: 7 - 10-year-olds

In the Blue class, conventional and graphic notation are explored and a broader range of rhythmic and pitch concepts are used. Building on the solfege of previous levels, more challenging ensemble and aural activities are presented. The participants in this level bring a diversity of musical experiences to class but share equally in experiencing and making music.

Kids At The Con Fees

Red, Orange - 8 x 45-minute lessons: $325 (incl GST) per term
Yellow, Green & Blue: 8 x 60-minute lessons - $380 (incl GST) per term

Play At The Con 

Play at the Con opens the Conservatorium’s experience and expertise in instrumental and vocal teaching to everyone through one-to-one lessons. If you have ever wished you could play an instrument, or stopped learning, but want to start again, or have a child begging you for music lessons, Play at the Con can help you. Music lessons are available across a wide variety of instruments, as well as lessons in voice, theory, and composition. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or looking for a refresher course, all are welcome.

Play At The Con Fees

60-minute lessons $880 (incl GST) per term
45-minute lessons $640 (incl GST) per term
30-minute lessons $480 (incl GST) per term

Term Start Dates 2024

Term 1: 10 February – 6 April

Term 2:  4 May – 29 June

Term 3: 3 August – 21 September

Term 4: 19 October – 7 December

Fees are payable in advance for the term (i.e. 8 weeks). Fees are payable to the Open Academy (not the teacher), through the Open Academy website. You will be sent a link to enrol once the office has been advised by your teacher that you will be commencing lessons. Lessons may only commence once payment has been received.

Interested in one-to-one music lessons? Please complete an EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form to start your obligation-free discussion.

Sydney Conservatorium of Music also runs Open Academy school holiday programs. 

For more information and to book visit Open Academy at the Conservatorium of Music.

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