Holy Spirit Lakemba’s Amadeus program is providing students with tailored music and arts education, along with new instruments.

“Amadeus is an exciting opportunity for students to engage in formal musical education,” said Emma Hughes, Holy Spirit’s creative and performing arts coordinator.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program provides Year 7 students at the college with the opportunity to learn an orchestral instrument and participate in small group and ensemble music lessons, which are delivered by professional tutors.

Holy Spirit Lakemba students taking part in Amadeus Music Program lessons

Holy Spirit students taking part in Amadeus. Photo: Kitty Beale

The college also has a state of the art performance space, making it the perfect base for students like Grace Akomeah to begin their musical journey.

“I played the recorder last year,” said Grace. “The clarinet has a lot of blowing and it takes a lot of air to play the instrument.”

BENEFITS OF MUSIC

Research shows that music:

  • Boosts brain power
  • Promotes wellbeing
  • Improves language and maths skills, memory and coordination

Ms Hughes says students benefit in many ways from taking part in the Amadeus Music Education Program.

“Apart from the inherent joy from learning how to play music and create art and beauty, students have to learn discipline in terms of their practice regimes, looking after an instrument, which opens up an entirely new world for them,” Ms Hughes said.

Holy Spirit Lakemba male student learns the violin

A student receives music tuition. Photo: Kitty Beale

Grace said learning to play an instrument had given her a strong sense of accomplishment.

“I show my parents every week and continue to improve with the tutor telling me what I can do better and when I’m playing the wrong notes,” Grace said.

Her peer, Finn Fordyce, is considering becoming a musician since taking part in the Amadeus program.

“I’m learning how to play the cello and I like it because it’s big and makes slow noises,” Finn said.

“I like the Amadeus program because it’s taught me how to play an instrument, specifically how to hold the bow, something I didn’t even know you had to hold in a particular way” – Finn Fordyce

Holy Spirit’s six feeder primary schools – including St Joseph’s Belmore – also offer the Amadeus program, ensuring a seamless transition in students’ musical education journeys from primary to secondary school.

“I think the Amadeus program is an incredible opportunity for 123 of our Year 3-6 students to develop musical skills as well as enhancing development of numeracy, literacy and emotional skills,” said St Joseph’s Principal, Scott Jeanneret.

Participating primary feeder schools:

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Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba is enrolling now. Visit Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba to start your child’s music journey today.