Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right instrument is essential if your son hopes to join one of our performance groups.

Opting for a less common instrument can make this pathway easier, as competition for certain instruments, like the alto saxophone, is high; only the top six players are selected for senior groups. In contrast, less common instruments such as the oboe, bassoon, French horn, euphonium, tuba, bagpipe and double bass are in high demand, and students proficient in these are warmly welcomed.

We encourage you to read our comprehensive guide to instruments, which is available on the website. We also offer a limited number of school instruments for hire (subject to availability), with a non-refundable annual fee of $125, invoiced through the Parent Portal.

Music staff are available at the beginning of Term 1 to assist students in choosing an instrument if they remain undecided.

Our itinerant music lessons incur an annual administration fee of $125, which is non-refundable. This fee is invoiced via the Parent Portal once a start date has been confirmed.

Yes, we have a limited selection of less common, often more costly instruments (such as the oboe, bassoon, French horn, euphonium, and tuba), making it easier for students learning these to join a performance group.

We also have limited quantities of instruments like the cello, viola, flute, and trombone. For more popular instruments (such as the clarinet, trumpet, and saxophone), we recommend contacting local music stores for rental options.

As your son’s skills progress, he may eventually need an instrument with higher quality or technical features. At this stage, his teacher may advise you to consider purchasing or hiring a more suitable instrument from a music store.

We have a limited number of school instruments for hire (subject to availability), with a non-refundable annual fee of $125, invoiced through the Parent Portal.

After the necessary Instrument Hire Agreement has been completed, students will have access to a school instrument (subject to availability). If a student does not maintain adequate progress, the instrument hire may be revoked.

Please note: the hirer is responsible for purchasing any consumables, such as strings, reeds, valve oil, or rosin. These supplies are not available through the School and must be obtained from a music retailer at the hirer’s expense.

Our Itinerant music lesson start in week 2 of Term 1. Once your son’s music lessons have been scheduled, parents and students will receive an email notification. Occasionally, students may be placed on a waitlist if a suitable lesson group is not immediately available. We aim to accommodate students as quickly as possible.

Many of our top academic students are also musicians who balance their class commitments with music lessons. Learning an instrument offers numerous cognitive and well-being benefits that support overall academic success.

We recommend students stay on top of missed classwork by taking notes from a peer, checking on homework, and asking teachers for help when necessary.

Music lesson timetables are emailed to both parents/caregivers and each student at their school email address before the start of each term. These schedules are also posted on the Music department noticeboard, the school website, and on GrammarNet (>Extracurricular > Co-curricular Music).

Students should check the relevant timetable the day before their lesson each week for any changes. Notices of adjustments may also be communicated via assemblies or email.

We support students in broadening their musical talents. While our Itinerant Music Scheme focuses on small group lessons for certain instruments, piano and keyboard lessons are best learned one-on-one. Therefore, we encourage pianists to consider learning a second instrument through the school.

Many of our top pianists also play another instrument, which allows them to participate in our school orchestras and bands, providing them with additional performance opportunities.
For those interested in starting piano or keyboard, we recommend arranging lessons with a private teacher outside of school.

Students are expected to notify both their lesson teacher and the Music Administrator (via email at [email protected]) of any planned or unexpected absences. In some cases, rescheduling may be possible for planned absences.

Students are to excuse themselves from class five minutes before their scheduled lesson. Upon arriving at the Music Department, they must use the Gatekeeper sign-in/sign-out system to register their attendance. A music staff member is available to help if needed.

Students are required to sign in before, and out after each lesson. A receipt from the Gatekeeper system can be presented to a curriculum teacher to explain their absence, and attendance is monitored. If there are any issues with leaving class, please contact the Music Administrator via email at [email protected].

Although we cannot provide lessons for guitar, keyboard, or drum kit, we are eager to support talented musicians in achieving their goals. The Head of Music would be happy to discuss pathways and performance opportunities for your son. Many of our musicians also play a second instrument, allowing them to join school bands or orchestras.

Talented guitarists can audition for the Big Band and Jazz Combo, while others might consider joining a student-led Rock group through our Contemporary Music Development Scheme. For more information, please see the relevant FAQs.

Students enrolled in Option Music from Form 4 onward, as well as those in Big Band and Jazz Combo, are given priority for drum kit lessons. Other students may be accommodated based on availability.

Orchestral percussion offers a fun and dynamic group learning experience, where students can explore a variety of percussion instruments (a basic understanding of music reading is required). Our highly regarded Pipe Band also welcomes drummers to join its Corps of Drums, with lessons available for snare, tenor, and bass drum. Additionally, students with an interest in rock music are encouraged to join a student-led group through our Contemporary Music Development Scheme.

We are dedicated to fostering young musicians at Auckland Grammar School. If your son is a vocalist or plays drums, electric/bass guitar, or keyboard, this scheme provides a supportive environment for band formation and growth. Please note that the Contemporary Music Development Scheme is intended for students who already own and play an instrument (even at a basic level).

The scheme offers students:

• Support in forming a band (based on the availability of bass players)
• Weekly scheduled itinerant lesson, subject to availability
• Weekly scheduled rehearsal time during lunch
• Access to equipment, including drum kits, keyboards, amplifiers, and a mixing hub
• Mentorship from a staff member or senior student (when available)
• Performance opportunities
• Encouragement to create original music and participate in Rockquest and Play It Strange song writing competitions

Students interested in joining should speak with the Head of Music.

Student progress is graded weekly, and term-by-term updates are available upon request from the music teacher or administrator. If your son is not making satisfactory progress, his Itinerant music teacher will reach out. Progress reports are emailed at the beginning of Terms 2 and 4.

Learning music can be highly beneficial for students with learning difficulties, though it can also pose challenges. Setting clear goals will help determine the best approach. If your son is interested in a future in Music, music literacy will be an asset.

If he is learning for enjoyment, the Head of Music can discuss accessible pathways and opportunities. There’s strong evidence that learning to read and write music can aid in processing sounds and symbols, potentially improving skills in related areas like language. Discussing these goals with the music teacher can ensure the best possible support.

Students are grouped by ability, but if your son is interested in learning with friends, he should speak with his music teacher, who may be able to assist.