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Finding Inspiration in Every Student
The Shirley District Music School has served the Shirley community for over 60 years. Core funding is provided by the Ministry of Education. In 2001, SDMS was reconstituted as a Trust with a Trust Board providing direction.
About The Lessons
Classes commence the first week of March 2025 and finish at the end of November 2025.
Lessons are with qualified and experienced instrumental tutors.
Lessons are 15 minute indvidual lessons, or 30 minute group lessons for groups of two or three. Lessons are held once a week at the student’s school during the day depending on the availability of the tutor and room space at the contributing school.
Up to 34 lessons are taught per year.
Lessons falling on public holidays, teacher-only days, a student’s camp, class activity or absence due to illness are NOT rescheduled.
If a tutor is unable to attend, they will reschedule the lesson where possible.
If you would like students to increase their lesson time to 30 minutes each week, you will receive the SDMS 15 minute lesson and then the student receives a 15 minute private lesson. You will receive an invoice each term from the tutor for the weekly 15 minute private lesson.
Performance Groups
SDMS Performance Ensemble:
Playing in an ensemble is strongly encouraged as it brings students together to make music, improves their level of playing quickly, have fun, and gain confidence in performing publicly.
This is free to students enrolled in SDMS. It is expected that SDMS students learning an orchestral instrument will participate in this group after a year of tuition, or in consultation with the SDMS director and their tutor. Parents will be contacted.
Music Theory Club:
Please note a minimum of 12 students are required for Music Theory Club to proceed.
This is a class for enrolled SDMS year 4 to 8 students. The only expense is a music theory workbook that we sell at cost. This class can prepare students up to year 10 or 11 music. Students work independently and in groups. The class helps with notation (note and rhythm reading), musical terms and symbols, also music theory, and the history of music and composers.
1
Performance Competition
SDMS offers students who enjoy performing the opportunity to do so in a mid year competition, in consultation with their tutor. All students receive either a bronze, silver, or gold placing.
If their performance piece is accompanied by a pianist, students are entitled to two free twenty-minute piano rehearsals.
2
End of Year Concert
Every year students who have received tuition with SDMS come together and perform in our end of year concert. Always a fun event for all!! At the end of the concert, certificates and reports are given out and we share a supper.
3
Examinations
Students may be able to enter for Trinity College or Royal Schools grade examinations. If interested, please discuss this early in the year with your tutor. Extra costs are involved.
Annual Fees for 2025
Tuition – Beginner on the instrument
$250
Tuition – Second or subsequent year on same instrument
$220
Community Services Card
Tuition – Beginner on the instrument
$200
Tuition – Second or subsequent year on same instrument
$180
All beginner students pay a resource fee which is included in the annual fees.
This covers tuition not provided by Ministry of Education core funding, music tutor material (beginners only), photocopying, newsletters, reports, certificates and awards.
Tutors will discuss with parents when further books for more experienced students are required.
Please note all fees are to be paid in full before lessons commence.
If finance is a barrier to your child learning an instrument please contact our Music Director – Janet Simôn to discuss payment options.
SDMS Expectations
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Students enrolling in SDMS are making a commitment for the whole school year. They are expected to prepare for their weekly lesson and attend punctually with the music and instrument.
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Tutors should not have to follow up forgetful students.
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If a student is sick on the day of the lesson, a phone call or text to the tutor is appreciated.
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If a student leaves the city of school, no refund is payable.
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Hired instruments must also be returned to the tutor at the last lesson, or end of year concert.
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If a student wishes to cease lessons, please contact the SDMS music director. Again, no refund is possible.
