Music is so important to life at Claremont. It provides countless opportunities to build confidence for our students. Music is proven to improve visual and verbal skills, concentration and memory. It creates opportunities for children to study and appreciate other cultures and to work as a team in group music making. Music teaches children to face their fears and to take risks. Research shows that students perform better academically when Music education is a part of their curriculum.
We encourage our students to be creative, to appreciate the power of music and to always use their talents to bring enjoyment to others through performance. We encourage every child to learn an instrument. We endeavour to make instrumental prices affordable while giving the children the best possible learning experiences.
We are blessed to have an outstanding group of tutors who are experts in their field. This page will give you a little insight into their backgrounds, but really the truth of their experience and expertise lies in the quality lessons that they deliver each day.
Instrumental lessons begin in Year 1 and continue through to Year 6. Some instruments are not taught until the children are of a certain age. See ‘How to choose the correct instrument’ below.
Programs and instrumental lesson times are created in conjunction with your tutor, your child’s class teacher and Mrs Y Davis. Many factors affect this timetable but the academic needs of each child are the highest priority. Priority in lesson times are given to Year 6 students to ensure they have minimal disruption to their learning.
Did you know we have many performance opportunities at Claremont? These include:
Music Recital Evenings;
Weekly Chapel services;
School assemblies;
School events and celebrations;
Biennial musical production;
External school competitions; External school festivals; and Dorothy Boyt Nursing home visits (Year 5).
MUSIC ENSEMBLES
We encourage all students to participate in a group ensemble to gain experience in performing as a group. These lessons take place at either recess, lunch time or after school, depending on the ensemble. These experiences provide a wonderful opportunity for your child to represent our school in the proudest way possible - through music!
Ensembles include:
School concert band;
Senior String ensemble;
Junior String Ensemble;
Senior Choir; and
Junior Choir
"Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to him with an instrument of 10 strings." Psalm 33:2)
HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT INSTRUMENT FOR YOUR CHILD’S AGE
At Claremont we encourage students to begin learning piano, guitar, violin or drums in Year 1. Learning the piano is a good starting point for all instrumentalists. Here you learn the foundations of music theory and other elements, which helps with all future musical ventures.
Woodwind and brass instruments should start once your child has a mouth full of adult teeth - typically about 7 or 8 years of age. This allows them to position their lips and teeth correctly around or in front of any mouthpiece. If your child has any dental issues or missing teeth, learning a brass instrument is not encouraged. Clarinet is a good starting point for children in Year 1 or 2 who can then move on to Saxophone in Year 4 or 5. Maturity-learning an instrument takes patience. The initial process is a slow one and requires concentration and maturity, particularly with an instrument like the violin. However, learning an instrument can in turn also help develop concentration.
Space
An upright piano takes up 8 square feet in a room. You may consider trying a digital piano instead, but it’s important to invest in one that has 88 weighted keys. Always check that your chosen instructor is comfortable with your choice before you purchase one.
Drum sets can be purchased but take up space. An alternative is to buy an electronic drum set which saves space! Consider the size of an electric guitar, cello, saxophone, or euphonium related to the space available in your car. Also consider your child and their ability to carry around a large instrument like a cello.
Budget
Be sure to take into account what you can reasonably afford to rent or purchase. We encourage students to rent instruments initially when learning rather than buying straight away.
Passion
Choose an instrument your child is passionate about. Watch YouTube clips and listen to musical excerpts to determine which sounds they gravitate towards. If your child is interested in that instrument, that is the best way to start.
Research instruments that may match the personality of your child. An extravert may instantly connect with a trumpet, guitar or drum, while an introvert may prefer a flute, clarinet or violin.
Make sure you can tolerate listening to the instrument being played poorly! You will be hearing this level of musicality around your house on a daily basis when you first get started. Some digital instruments have headphone inputs so that you don’t have to listen to every rehearsal.
Physical Traits
Breath control - children that have trouble breathing through their nose and/or are asthmatic may experience difficulty obtaining breath control in learning the flute, saxophone or brass instruments. There are, however, strategies that can be implemented to assist students in developing their breath control. Clarinet can be a much easier instrument to master if one has poor breath control. Alternatively, choose a violin.
Posture - good posture is needed to play the flute and violin and the ability to hold arms high at shoulder level.
Size - Children should be physically ready to handle large, heavy instruments such as the saxophone, trombone and euphonium. The full weight is taken around the child’s neck and small children find this difficult.
Whichever instrument you ultimately choose, your child will need your encouragement to continue practising - especially in the beginning. Start with about 10 minutes of practice once a day and try to increase the time in 5 minute increments with a goal of approximately 30 minutes a day. As their competency improves, you shouldn’t need to nag them to practice, since much of the motivation to practice and advance their knowledge will come from inside. This said, it helps to have a cheering section during and after their daily practices so that they know that their musical talent is valued by their family.
Practice Tips
Help your child set up a special place at home to play the instrument.
Establish a time each day to play. Some children are at their best in the morning, before school. Some parents set a time after the evening bath when the child is relaxed, but not tired.
Consider using the phrase ‘playing time’ rather than ‘practice time’.
If possible, be a positive part of your child’s playing time. Sit with your child while they play and ask, “Show me what you’re learning.” Or, consider learning to play the instrument with your child.
Praise your child for each step forward.
Never make negative remarks about how your child’s playing sounds. It takes time and effort to produce musical sounds.
Encourage other family members to applaud the child’s efforts. Positive attention is a great motivator.
Remember that there are always peaks and valleys in the learning process. You and your child should expect times of discouragement, accept them, and focus on the positive fact that they are learning to make music. Remind them that everything worth doing takes time and effort.
Provide positive role models. Bring your child to hear amateur or professional musicians perform. Take your child to movies that show musicians in a positive light, such as “Music of the Heart.”
Use stickers or wall charts to reward consistent practice.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Students are taken out of classroom lessons on a rotation basis. Please note that children may miss the occasional Maths or English lesson.
Subjects are taken and payment is made for a whole semester (2 terms).
Tutors provide 14 lessons during each semester. Extra lessons can be negotiated with the tutor.
Lessons for children in Years 1-4 are held during school time. Lessons before school, at lunchtime and after school are generally reserved for Years 5-6.
Fees are payable in full, prior to the commencement of each semester. Lessons may be withheld until payment is received.
Payments must be made to the tutor directly. A receipt will be issued upon request.
Fees are non-refundable except where the subject is withdrawn by the individual tutor.
Where a child is absent from the school, the lesson is forfeited. The lesson will, however, be made up if the tutor is absent. Prior day’s notice of absence is appreciated. Lessons will be made up should the tutor be contacted directly prior to 9:00am on the day of the lesson.
A full term’s notice in writing must be given prior to withdrawal from private tuition. Insufficient notice will necessitate payment of term’s fees. No refunds will be given for the remainder or part of the term where insufficient notice is given.
Enrolments will be processed by the tutors in order of receipt of application forms. Where the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, allocation will be made at the tutor’s discretion. Initially priority will be given to continuing students, but otherwise, places will be allocated on the basis of the receipt of application.
Fees for Concert Band will be charged by the school directly to the student’s term account each semester. Fees for String Ensemble will be invoiced directly by the string ensemble coordinator.
SUGGESTED AGE FOR INSTRUMENTS
Kindy, Year 1, Year 2 (Kindy from Semester 2 onwards only)
Guitar - Year 1 and Year 2 Drums - Kindy (from Semester 2), Year 1 and Year 2 Piano - Kindy (from Semester 2), Year 1 and Year 2 Violin, Cello - Kindy (from Semester 2), Year 1 and Year 2 Vocals - Kindy (from Semester 2), Year 1 and Year 2 Saxophone - not recommended
Year 3, 4, 5 and 6
Woodwind, Flute, Clarinet - Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6 Brass (trumpet etc) - Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6 Saxophone - Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
MUSIC 2025
CLAREMONT COLLEGE CONCERT BAND
If you have any questions in relation to the band, please contact Mrs Davis via the school office.
Drums & Garageband Club - Alex Mateer
Individual lessons $728 14 lessons per semester
Mr. Alex Mateer is an experienced musician, educator, and composer with 29 years of experience in performance, education, and composition. He is set to begin his role as the Drum/Percussion and Garageband Tutor at Claremont College in 2025, where he looks forward to sharing his passion for music with the next generation of musicians.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Music and a range of prestigious qualifications, including AMusA in Classical Guitar, AMusA in Percussion, as well as 8th Grade certifications in Drum Kit and Vocals. His diverse expertise allows him to teach across multiple disciplines, bringing a broad perspective to his students' musical development.
A dedicated educator, Alex aims to inspire his students by emphasizing the importance of correct technique, musicality, and goal setting. He believes that a balanced approach to music education, one that combines skill development with creativity and personal expression, is key to nurturing well-rounded musicians.
Whether working with beginners or more advanced students, Alex strives to create a supportive and engaging environment where students feel empowered to achieve their musical goals. His commitment to fostering both technical proficiency and artistic growth ensures that each student receives a holistic and rewarding musical education.
Please click HERE to register for lessons with Alex.
If you have any questions in relation to drums, please contact Alex by clicking HERE.
Drumline
$30 per Lesson (Held before school or during recess or lunch on specific days to be confirmed)
Are you ready to make some noise? The Drumline at Claremont College is looking for enthusiastic students to join our exciting musical ensemble! Not only will you learn how to play powerful rhythms on a variety of drums, but you’ll also develop important skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Being part of the Drumline helps improve focus, boosts confidence, and enhances your coordination. Plus, you’ll get to perform at school events and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our Drumline is a great way to challenge yourself, build friendships, and be part of something exciting. So, grab your sticks and join us in making a big impact—one beat at a time!
Drumline is recommended for students who have been playing the drums for a minimum of 1 year from years 4-6. Please contact Mr Alex Mateer for the audition piece HERE.
GarageBand Club
Group lessons $28.50 per lesson (held during recess or lunch on specific days to be confirmed)
Imagine enabling students to create music for virtual clients. Perhaps it's composing music for a TV ad, a movie scene, a jingle, or even a promo for Claremont College! Giving students an opportunity to create allows them to solve problems. GarageBand Club nurtures a safe space enables students to explore their inventiveness in composition while learning valuable musical skills. Students are exposed to learning and applying 5 key skills that will allow them to innovate and engage in a higher level of thinking. 5 Key Skills Composition Recording and Editing Learn an Instrument Music Theory Creative Expression Through Project Based Learning, students team up to compose for virtual clients which allows them to solve real world problems.
Did you know the Grammy Award Winning song ‘Umbrella’ by Rihanna was produced on GarageBand? All it takes is an iPad and wild imagination for students to take ownership of their creativity. So here’s my invitation to the visionaries, the minds bursting with inspiration and a heart eager to learn. There’s songs to be written and people to be influenced, so for Primary students on Tuesday lunchtimes, let’s explore our creative voices, make some virtual clients happy and shape the future!
Please click HERE to register for lessons with Alex.
If you have any questions in relation to drums, please contact Alex by clicking HERE.
Flute - Visnja Kosanovic
$728 per semester 14 lessons per Semester
Visnja Kosanovic received her Bachelor and Master degrees in flute performance at the Academy of Art in Novi Sad, Serbia. Playing as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician - both flute and piccolo - she performed extensively in the Serbian National Opera and Ballet, M Ex Media, Ambiental Orchestra and New Art Forum chamber ensemble. Visnja also made many recordings for Serbian Radio and Television and has performed in master classes throughout Europe. In 1999 Visnja moved to the USA and actively performed in the Washington area with groups such as the National Gallery Orchestra, Washington Bach Consort,Southwest Chamber Players and Levine Woodwind Quintet. At the same time, she was teaching at Levine School of Music and International School of Music. Since moving to Sydney Visnja has joined RHH Symphony Orchestra and continues her work as a freelance musician and flute teacher. She was acknowledged as the teacher of the year 2013 at Ebenezer Mission Music School in Burwood for the excellent results that her students achieved.
If you have any questions in relation to flute, please contact Visnja by clicking HERE.
Guitar & Rock Band - Luke Galea
Guitar – Individual lessons - $700 per Semester 14 lessons per semester
Rock Band - $350 per semester (40 min lesson) 14 lessons per semester
Luke Galea has been teaching guitar for over 10 years. Born into a musical family, Luke developed a strong passion, knowledge and love for music. Having played the guitar for many years, Luke has gained a thorough understanding of the instrument which he has displayed through live performance all over Sydney. This includes residencies at venues such as the ‘ArtHouse Hotel’, the ‘Piano Room’, the ‘Slip Inn’, the ‘Bayview Hotel’, ‘Cargo Bar’ and the ‘Coogee Pavilion’.
Luke offers a relaxed, friendly and professional learning experience covering various aspects of electric and acoustic guitar such as technique, rhythm & lead, improvisation, chord & scale knowledge and building a strong repertoire. Luke makes every effort to inspire, encourage & challenge his students.
Luke holds a Bachelor of Music and Grad. Dip. Ed and this training helps him to present engaging, well organised and fun lessons for students. In addition to Claremont College, Luke teaches guitar at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney and has been there for over 10 years. In this time Luke has taught students of all ages from Kindergarten right through to Year 12 HSC Music. He also runs a number of small ensembles and rock bands during the week.
Most of Luke’s working life has been spent performing and teaching Music. Music is his passion, and he loves to share it with his students. He teaches guitar from beginners to advanced players and demonstrates a wide range of styles of music on the guitar. Luke takes great satisfaction in seeing his students discover the joys of music and of mastering their instrument.
If you have any questions in relation to guitar, please contact Luke by clicking HERE.
Piano - Carlson Luong
Piano - $700 per semester
14 lessons per Semester
“I will build their self-esteem & showcase the beauty of music.”
Carlson Luong has been teaching for over thirteen years with experiences in music schools, public & private schools, and own music studio (Musics Garden). He is reputed as a passionate, engaging & patient teacher who has taught students of all ages and levels. Some of his students have performed internationally and have learned under prestigious music universities such as the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and UC Berkeley in California, USA.
Carlson studied at UNSW, graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Sonic Arts) and has achieved his AMUS with Grade 5 Theory/Musicianship. As of now, he is continuing with postgraduate training at the University of New England, studying his Masters of Teaching (Secondary). As a performer, Carlson has performed internationally solo and with his ensemble, Suwitra Jaya at music festivals, events, accompanying, and has even performed for the Australian Consulate General at their home in Bali.
From AMEB exams, HSC, competitions, leisure, jazz, pop, film, composition, singing, and more; he is very versatile and experienced in many fields in order to cater to the students' learning needs. Carlson’s teaching style aims for a personable approach, working together with the student and parents to help them achieve their goals. This is an invitation to go on a musical journey.
If you have any questions in relation to piano, please contact Carlson by clicking HERE or calling him on 0404 210 397.
Cello and Senior String Ensemble - Margaret Machamer
Individual lessons $770 per semester
14 lessons per semester
Senior String Ensemble – fees on application 14 lessons per semester
At 18 years old and a Student of Barbara Woolley, Margaret was awarded a 2 Year Scholarship with the ABC Sinfonia and subsequently an SSO Subscriber’s Committee Scholarship. This was a great reward for a music student’s life and love of Orchestral work. She has been a member of Australian Youth Orchestra, Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and Principal Cellist in Sydney Youth Orchestra.
The Lindsay Trio with sisters Maria & Angela won the 2MBS Young Performers Scholarship and had many interesting engagements offered to them in their twenties.
A Freelance career next included Tasmanian Symphony, Sydney Symphony, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and Shows, recordings.
1989 Moved to London, taking lessons at the Royal Academy of Music. Much freelancing,
Chamber Music and Orchestral work and regular Co Principal and Principal with Les Miserables West End and also National Symphony Orchestra.
1991 Returning to Sydney. Continuing to freelance and teach and toured
The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Asia several times. Had popular success with “To Much Coffee” an Album produced by members of Impromptu Caprice and more than 3 decades built and worked hard at producing Cellists in Schools in Sydney. Currently Teaching and Conducting String Ensembles at Claremont College, St Mary’s Cathedral College, ASCHAM, Waverley College and Brigidine College.
With Husband, Percussionist Steven Machamer, she has 3 beautiful children and continues to freelance, perform and record in the Music Industry.
Current work includes First Recording of the Tommy Tycho String Quartet (composed in the 1940’s, an amazing piece of music!) and much freelance Orchestral and recording work. A recent recording includes Foxtel ‘The Twelve’.
If you have any questions in relation to cello or senior string ensemble, please contact Margaret by clicking HERE.
Violin and Junior String Ensemble - Dominique Guerbois
Individual lessons $770 per semester 14 lessons per semester
Junior String Ensemble – fees on application
14 lessons per semester
Dominique is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, having gained a Bachelor of Music in performance. A Big Brother Foundation scholarship enabled her to further her studies in London, where she also performed as a member of the Salomen Ensemble.
Since returning to Australia, Dominique has played with many orchestras, including the ACO and Sydney Philharmonia. She has performed for many years as a member of the Crisantemi string quartet, regularly touring for Musica Viva in schools and country-wide programs. With the Bravura Ensemble, Dominique has presented concerts in Sydney and as a guest entertainer for Crystal and P. & O. Cruises. Other professional engagements have included many musical theatre productions in Sydney and Australia and overseas tours. She is in demand as a session musician, recording for numerous film and television scores as well as albums for various artists. As concertmaster of the Metropolitan Orchestra, Dominique performs in a wide range of concerts, which varies from the Met Concert series to touring with artists such as the 2Cellos, Basement Jaxx & Joy Division, and the annual Bravo Cruise of the Performing Arts.
Dominique’s years of performing to school audiences encouraged her to begin teaching violin 11 years ago, and she joined Reddam House School as violin & ensemble tutor, where she continues to teach and perform in the busy music department. She is also the string tutor for the Lane Cove Youth Orchestra and is often engaged as a specialist violin tutor for school music camps and workshops around Sydney.
If you are interested in learning more about your child receiving violin or viola lessons, please click HERE to register.
If you have any questions about violin, viola lessons, or junior string ensemble, please contact Dominique by clicking HERE.
BEFORE SCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES - 2025
Chess Coaching with Sydney Academy of Chess
Learn to be a chess champion! Coaching for students at Claremont College is held on Friday mornings from 8:00am – 8:40am. There are approximately 7-10 lessons during each term.
Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment.
Our classes begin with an interactive lecture by one of our experienced coaches. During the second half of the lesson, children play games against each other, putting newly learned strategies into practice. As the term progresses and the children become proficient in all the basics, the lectures will move on to more complex ideas such as strategy, middle game ideas and chess technique.
Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positive
qualities like good behaviour and sportsmanship, which all good chess players strive to
develop.
To enrol, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess by clicking HERE.
Code Camp
Students in Years 2-6 Code Camp after-school programs, now featuring Little Coders, Coding, Minecraft Engineers, Animation, Design and Robotics!
After-School Code Camp allows kids to hone their coding skills and keep practising through weekly sessions over the term!
Students will produce multiple games and apps using our exciting online platform Code Camp World!
We have made Code Camp World as accessible as possible so students can truly focus on the fun aspects of coding and carry on their journey at home.
Each week students will choose the features they want to build, and advance their problem-solving skills to build these features using code. They will take ownership over their projects and collaborate with their peers to make awesome apps!
We are excited to announce that Class Artz Academy will be continuing to teach Art classes in 2025. Registrations are now open via their website (www.classartzacademy.com.au).
Class Artz Academy is a junior art school that provides a convenient after school creative experience in primary schools across Sydney. We’re made up of a dedicated team of qualified teachers and teacher’s aides (all with WWCCs) who expertly teach and guide students in our themed 8-week art lessons. Our highly sought-after program teaches over 250 students from Kindergarten to Year 6 in our term program.
Our activities are perfect for kids who are keen to explore art-making and creating with new materials. We believe that students are innately creative and we love to encourage self-expression and discovery through drawing, painting, printmaking and more. The aim of our classes is to give students confidence and foster artistic potential.
Debating with Masters Academy
We are delighted that Masters Academy is continuing to conduct coaching lessons again in 2025. Details are as follows:
After a successful term of 'Taster Classes', REDed is thrilled to be opening registrations for Dance at Claremont College in 2025! We are excited to have on offer the following classes:
Year K-2 Dance Class - Wednesdays 3:15 - 4:00 pm
Students will explore both jazz and hip hop fundamental movements to develop core strength and discipline. REDed programs are designed to engage students through the use of their physical and mental curiosity, working towards extending their strength and flexibility through super fun exercises and activities. Students will be provided with opportunities to explore their own movement through both improvisation and group composition, resulting in a parent viewing performance of a short routine showcasing both their rehearsed and own creative movement explored during the semester.
The total semester cost of this program is $254.10 (incl. GST).
This includes:
- 17 Classes
- Technology fee (access to videos to support home rehearsals
- Group accident cover
REDed is also an Active and Creative Kids Provider, should you wish to use this initiative towards your fees.
Year 3-6 Representative Troupe - Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:00 pm Students who wish to participate in this representative troupe are working towards a competitive / performance outcome. The REDed Representative program is designed to support the child's growth in the following areas: Memory, coordination, team work, commitment, performance qualities. Students will explore various dance styles including but not limited to jazz, theatre jazz and lyrical jazz. Students will represent the school for both internal and an external performance at the Primary School Dance section of Sydney Eisteddfod at the Sydney Opera House - all dates provided as early as possible.
The total semester cost of this program is $607.26 (incl. GST).
This includes:
- 19 Classes (17 in Semester 1 and 2 in Semester 2)*
- Technology fee (access to videos to support home rehearsals)
- Group accident cover
- Dance diary (to support home rehearsals)
- Costume for students to keep
- 2 x weekend rehearsals (1 in each of Term 1 and 2)
- 1 x competition entry as well as a video of the performance and REDed staffing
* Please note: There will be extra lessons in Semester 2 prior to competitions and pending interest, we will extend these classes into both Term 3 and 4.
REDed is also an Active and Creative Kids Provider, should you wish to use this initiative towards your fees.
Prior training or experience is not required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
