Amadeus Music Education Program | Sydney Catholic Schools

Music teaching hits the right note

The first tentative thoughts that a career as a music teacher could be for Meaghan Brady came when she forged a strong connection to her ‘amazing’ music teacher during her high school days in Ireland.

Now, a specialist music teacher role at Sydney Catholic Schools is hitting all the right notes for the expat, who has taught at St Therese Catholic Primary School Mascot since January.

“I always knew it was music that I wanted to teach,” Ms Brady said.

“I really connected with my music teacher throughout secondary school. I wanted to be as amazing as she was and to be the same inspiration that she was to me.”

The 40-minute lessons Ms Brady delivers for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 allow her to get to know and to teach every student in the school while sharing her enduring love for music.

This and a key part in music-filled school events including masses and graduations, place her at the heart of the St Therese community.

“As a music teacher you always have the opportunity to truly engage with a school and its community,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m walking down the Kindy corridor or across the school and past Year 6 students, they all know me and I know them.

“There’s a special connection. They want to talk to you about a band or a song that they really like, or a piano performance they heard on the weekend.”

“As a music teacher you always have the opportunity to truly engage with a school and its community,” – Meaghan Brady

Meaghan’s music lessons cover concepts such as beat, …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJuly 25, 2024|

Meet the Maestros: James Ryan

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here Darwin-born Jazz musician James Ryan shares how a decades-long experience and commitment to inclusive music education has helped to bring Amadeus to students on the autism spectrum at Sydney Catholic schools.

Saxophonist and flautist James Ryan tutors students in Aspect satellite classes at Sydney Catholic Schools in Sydney’s south and inner west.

The role is a continuation of his career supporting students on the autism spectrum to learn an instrument which began in London in the 1990s.

“It’s really important that all children are given the same rights, consideration and opportunities,” Mr Ryan said.

“I never assume what children can and cannot do, and that should be the same with every student.”

Mr Ryan Teaches all wind instruments – the saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and baritone horn.

At St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School Holsworthy a group of eight students are learning the clarinet under James’ tutelage, while at St Michael’s Belfield and St Columba’s Leichhardt they learn brass instruments.

“I do believe that the Amadeus program is for everyone,” – James Ryan

“We’re seeing some children just blossom,” Mr Ryan said. “It’s an opportunity not every child has so it’s very special.

“The support from the Aspect staff has been amazing and also from the management of Amadeus who have gone the extra step and developed this within the Aspect program.”

Jazz calling

Mr Ryan is prolific …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 24, 2024|

Meet the Maestros: Paul Terracini

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra artistic director Paul Terracini shares what life as a musician, composer, and conductor brings to the Amadeus classroom.

Paul Terracini became a professional musician at age 17 with the Opera Australia Orchestra.

As a tutor in the Amadeus Music Education Program he teaches trumpet, baritone and trombone to students at St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Georges Hall.

“I grew up playing the trumpet,” he said. “I don’t know if that’s a favourite, but it’s the instrument I have the greatest affinity with.

“The rest of my life I conduct orchestras and things, so I love working with strings and all of the other instruments.”

Career high notes

Mr Terracini’s long and varied career includes work at the Queensland Conservatorium and as a member of the Danish Chamber Players.

He is currently a tutor with the Sydney Conservatorium’s ‘Rising Stars’ talent development program, Conductor of the Conservatorium High School Symphony Orchestra, artistic director of the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra, and artistic director of Penrith Symphony Orchestra and Penrith Youth Orchestra.

Mr Terracini has also written music for film and television that is still played around the world, including by the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and Boston Symphony orchestras, and the BBC.

“You see the joy on the faces of children when they get to the point where they realise ‘I can actually do this’.” – Paul Terracini

Amadeus students at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, St Luke’s Catholic Primary School Revesby, and Marist …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 13, 2024|

Meet the Maestros: Monique O’Dea

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s principal violist, Monique O’Dea, shares her journey to the Amadeus classroom.

While growing up in Adelaide, Monique O’Dea was scouted at a piano concert by a violin teacher who thought she’d do well with the instrument.

“I’ll never forget my first violin lesson,” she said.

“I walked into my lesson with Mum – we had matching dresses on – and it was so exciting. I never looked back. It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I decided to change to viola.”

Mrs O’Dea studied violin in Vienna where she met her husband, Michael O’Dea, who is also an Amadeus tutor. Her 34-year career has included full-time touring with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Peterborough String Orchestra and several teaching roles.

Mrs O’Dea currently fulfils her love of baroque music by playing each season with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, which she joined as principal violist at its inception in 1990.

It’s a marvellous orchestra, I love it,” she said.

“We’ll have a rehearsal period of three days and then we’ll do our concerts in Sydney, Melbourne, and sometimes Brisbane.

“You come back from concerts and get to tell a few stories to your students about what you’ve been doing. It keeps everything fresh.”

The six to eight weeks between seasons has allowed her to teach violin, viola and cello to Amadeus students at schools including St Vincent’s College Ashfield,

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

Meet the maestros: Mark Brown

Meet the Maestros: Mark Brown

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here trombonist Mark Brown shares his journey from The Metropolitan Orchestra and cruise ships to the Amadeus classroom.

Former band master at St Patrick’s College Sutherland, Mark Brown, remembers going cap in hand to the principal in the early 2000’s hoping it was in the budget to buy a new clarinet.

Last year Mr Brown returned to the college – where he was also once a student – as a tutor in the well-resourced and ambitious Amadeus Music Education Program.

“My first day of Amadeus instruction, I walked into my old school to a classroom that had pallets of instruments there waiting to hand out to the kids,” he said.

“I literally had tears in my eyes. The excitement of the kids when you open up a brand new instrument and hand it to them is just amazing.”

Amadeus is an initiative of Sydney Catholic Schools that will put 52,000 instruments into the hands of every Sydney Catholic Schools’ student in years 3 to 8 by Term 1, 2024.

The program has been integrated into the normal school curriculum and provides the students with classroom music lessons, ensemble lessons and small group tuition.

Career capers

The Amadeus tutor role is the latest in a long and varied professional music career for Mr Brown, who has played trombone with The Metropolitan Orchestra, Australian Wind Orchestra, for major theatre productions including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and on cruise ships.

Mr Brown has studied at …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

Four ways to nurture your child’s interest in the arts

Performing and visual arts present so many opportunities for students to experience, discover, experiment, and learn.

Here are four ways to nurture your child’s interest as they develop a passion for creativity – and the life skills and confidence that come with it.

Build their confidence

Whether their curiosity leans towards drama, art, music, dance, or other forms of creative expression, there is great value in helping children to embrace their natural talent.

Manager of Creative and Performing Arts at Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), Danielle Fuller, has worked in the creative and performing arts industry for more than 30 years as an educator, director, musician, and performer.

Danielle said the best way to encourage a child who shows an interest in the arts is to encourage them to get involved in creative activities, giving them time and space to develop their confidence within their chosen activity.

“Children are innately curious and will enthusiastically engage in creative play if given the opportunity,” she said.

“It is through creative expression that a child’s emotional wellbeing is supported.” – Danielle Fuller

Lead with positivity

Communication and expression are two ways children react to what they see, hear and experience.

As they develop their thoughts, feelings and ideas it is important that they receive positive feedback from those around them.

“Praising them is important and enabling them to find the area that they feel most confident in is also important,” Mrs Fuller said.

“Parents can support this at home through positive language, listening and discussing the challenges.”

“One of the best times to encourage children to continue learning is at the times when they are unsure about their skills. Talent helps them to build resilience and …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auNovember 27, 2023|

How music builds a healthy brain

The benefits of learning a musical instrument begin well before your child is playing sweet melodies with ease and enjoyment.

Research has shown that each tentative note can strengthen neural pathways in the brain and lead to learners who are more confident, resilient and self-aware.

The planning, monitoring, discipline and self-evaluation involved in mastering an instrument can be applied in other school subjects and areas of life.

Danielle Fuller, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager: Performing and Visual Arts, believes an arts-rich education from an early age can develop students’ creativity and self-expression and increase their motivation to learn.

This has a positive impact on school attendance rates, academic outcomes, and wellbeing.

A total brain ‘workout’

“Playing an instrument may be one of the best ways to help keep the brain healthy,” Mrs Fuller said.

Instruments like the violin, which require the right hand to do something different to the left, engage the peripheral nervous system which controls gross and fine motor skills.

The brain’s executive function, which plans and makes decisions, kicks in as a musician plays one part but keeps focus on the next.

“Couple that with the total sensory input – visual, auditory, and emotional all at the same time – and it becomes a total workout for the brain,” Ms Fuller said.

Embracing excellence

Sydney Catholic Schools supports students to grow their creative talents through collaboration with a range of industry experts from prestigious organisations including Opera Australia and Sydney Conservatorium of Music – part of the trailblazing Amadeus Music Education Program.

The program gives all students in years 3 to 8 at a Sydney Catholic school equitable access to instrumental tuition …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 6, 2023|

Gezel’s meteoric rise to singing stardom on The Voice

The journey to stardom is often filled with unexpected twists, remarkable experiences, and the discovery of one’s unique voice.

St Raphael’s Catholic Primary School South Hurstville student Gezel, an exceptionally talented young singer, is currently making waves on the latest season of The Voice Australia as the youngest contestant ever.

At just 12 years old, she has managed to captivate the hearts of audiences and judges alike with her powerful performances and undeniable stage presence.

Gezel’s journey on The Voice began with a leap of faith and an unwavering passion for music. In a recent interview, she shared how her journey to the show was inspired by her family’s encouragement and her own love for the art form.

“I’ve been watching The Voice since I was really little. My family and I have always talked about me entering the competition and what a great experience it would be,” Gezel said.

One of the most striking aspects of Gezel’s participation in The Voice is her age. In an era where the minimum age requirements for singing competitions are usually around 15 years of age, Gezel’s presence as one of the youngest contestants globally is groundbreaking.

Her journey underscores the power of passion and determination, defying conventional age limits.

Gezel’s love of performing has been nurtured both inside and outside the classroom. She shared how Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has been supportive of her artistic pursuits.

“I had previously only performed in front of a live audience eight times before my first audition on The Voice.

“One of these performances was with SCS for a musical showcase at Qudos Bank Arena, where I had the chance to perform in a stadium that holds 11,000 people,” Gezel said.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but Gezel …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auAugust 28, 2023|

CHALLENGING CONVENTIONS WITH TRAILBLAZING MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

A recently released report, Fading Notes, demonstrates diminishing levels of music education within generalist primary teaching degrees.

The report, commissioned by Alberts | The Tony Foundation for the Music: Right from the Start initiative, highlights how music education training for generalist primary school teachers has fallen from an average of 17 hours in 2009 to eight by the end of 2022.

One of the key recommendations from the report is the need to raise awareness of the lack of fair access Australian students currently have to quality music teaching in schools.

Sydney Catholic Schools is actively fulfilling this recommendation and challenging conventions, with its Amadeus Music Education Program to place 52,000 instruments in the hands of Year 3 to 8 students.

The program has already seen successful launches at more than 98 Sydney Catholic Schools, and its availability will expand to all 147 schools by 2024.

Sydney Catholic Schools believes music education should be accessible for all students and not just for the privileged.

The Amadeus program is one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools and will be led by 80 school classroom music teachers and 270 specialist music tutors.

The sheer scale of Amadeus and number of music teachers involved, further highlights recommendations in the report that advocate for more K-12 teaching degrees with music specialisations.

The benefits of a quality music education are immense for all students, contributing to enhanced brain function, personal wellbeing and overall development.

“Music is an important part of life through which we express ourselves as human beings – it brings communities together, creates joy and stimulates the brain and the senses,” Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley, said.

“We decided that …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auJuly 19, 2023|

Amadeus: A Teacher’s Perspective

Sydney Catholic Schools is looking for passionate and enthusiastic classroom teachers to join our growing Amadeus Music Education Program team. NOW HIRING FOR AMADEUS POSITIONS

The Amadeus program is one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools, placing 52,000 instruments in the hands of Year 3 to 8 students.

The program has already seen successful launches at more than 98 Sydney Catholic Schools, and its availability will expand to all 147 schools by 2024.

At the heart of the program are talented, passionate music educators who are helping our students unlock their potential.

Laura Jane Aulsebrook is one such educator—here, the St Gertrude’s Catholic Primary School Smithfield teacher describes her experience of the Amadeus program.

What is your background in the arts and how has this led you to the Amadeus Program?

I possibly come to the role of Amadeus Teacher from a different background than most. I was a classroom teacher for more than a decade before the Amadeus Program started and I was approached to take on the role to introduce it at our school. I grew up with a background in musical theatre and take pride in the fact that this passion and training in the Arts actually came from my time as a student in Sydney Catholic Schools and the Arts opportunities I was able to experience.

Throughout my classroom teaching career I have run school dance troupes, choirs and public speaking groups and have always utilised music, dance and drama into my lessons, whether it be from creating a song to remember all of the ships of the First Fleet to the structure of a narrative or Maths procedures, I have always organically infused creativity …

domenictrimboli01July 19, 2023|

We’re hiring teachers for the Amadeus Music Education Program

Sydney Catholic Schools is looking for passionate and enthusiastic classroom teachers to join our growing Amadeus Music Education Program team.

There are multiple opportunities available, working from one to five days, for suitable Music teachers who have an ability to teach Dance and Drama.

A teachers’ perspective

Peta Haynes arrived at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Moorebank just as the groundbreaking and highly-anticipated Amadeus Music Education Program was being rolled out in the school.

Ms Haynes said she has found implementing the program in her school both enjoyable and rewarding.

“I have been a music teacher for 30 years and have always enjoyed teaching and encouraging students to learn about all aspects of music – the Amadeus project is an amazing extension of that,” she said.

“The fact that the Amadeus project combines both practical and classroom teaching, to give students a complete experience, is certainly an honour to be a part of” – Peta Haynes

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program is one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools.

The program is being rolled out to 33,000 students across Sydney Catholic Schools’ network of 150 primary and secondary schools.

The Amadeus program is currently in 58 Sydney Catholic schools and will be rolled out to 40 more in 2023, following the successful large-scale launch of the program last November.

All 150 Sydney Catholic schools will offer the …

Isabell PetrinicJuly 25, 2022|

The brain-boosting benefits of an Amadeus music education

From resilience to a powerful ‘brain boost’, parents, students and teachers are seeing the many benefits of learning an orchestral instrument as part of the groundbreaking Amadeus Music Education Program.

Nidal Abou Arrage remembers the February day in 2020 that her three sons came home with two violas and a trumpet. “They were excited and very cautious,” Mrs Abou Arrage said of twins, Joseph and Samuel, and their older brother Anthony.

A year on, she has noticed a remarkable improvement in the attentional skills of the twins particularly. “They are more focused and disciplined,” Mrs Abou Arrage said.

Samuel said he felt privileged to be part of the Amadeus program, while Joseph said he liked learning different music notes and songs.

“It has helped me gain more confidence and appreciate what music adds to our everyday lives” – Joseph Abou Arrage

The siblings’ schools were among 13 in the 2021 pilot for Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program, a game-changing initiative being rolled out to 33,000 students across Sydney Catholic Schools’ network of 150 primary and secondary schools in the next two years.

The program has been integrated into the normal school curriculum and provides students in Year 3 to 8 with classroom music lessons, ensemble lessons and small group tuition led by 80 school classroom music teachers and 270 instrumental music tutors.

The specialist tutors bring professional experience from orchestras and ensembles around Australia and the world.

AMADEUS: A FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING

Phillip Scollard, principal at pilot Amadeus school Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba, said the impact on the students’ learning has been far-reaching, encompassing improved listening skills, self-motivation and resilience.

“If you can get students to understand that learning is a …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 30, 2021|

Amadeus: Sydney’s most ambitious school music education program announced

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) today launched the Amadeus Music Education Program – one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools.

This game changing program is being rolled out to 33,000 students across SCS’s network of 150 primary and secondary schools.

The Amadeus Music Education Program provides students with classroom music lessons, ensemble lessons and small group tuition and will be led by more than 80 school classroom music teachers and 270 specialist music tutors.

These music tutors will bring professional experience from orchestras and ensembles around Australia and the world.

All Year 3 to Year 8 SCS students will have access to 52,000 different instruments and the program will be integrated into the normal school curriculum.

Amadeus enables access and equity to music education for all students, regardless of abilities and music backgrounds, and is underpinned by research that proves that learning an instrument and playing in a musical ensemble strengthens neural pathways in the brain and can significantly improve academic success and student engagement.

Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley.

“Music is an important part of life through which we express ourselves as human beings; music brings communities together, creates joy and stimulates the brain and the senses,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, said.

“We decided that music education should not be a privilege just for those who can afford it.

“The introduction of Amadeus is a great example of how we are applying the scale and collaboration of our educational network to deliver innovative …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 17, 2021|

Music education alive in lockdown

The COVID-19 lockdown has opened up new ways to learn music at Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba.

Amadeus Music Education Program practical lessons are now happening via Zoom instead of face to face.

Head of the Creative and Performing Arts program at Holy Spirit, Emma Hughes, says it’s impressive how well students have adapted.

“It’s a nice distraction for them, in particular during lockdown” – Emma Hughes

“It’s been really good; overall the feedback is very positive,” Ms Hughes said.

“Both the tutors and students are enjoying it and I think it’s a nice break for them from doing their normal classes, offering them something a little different.”

“Moving remotely has allowed for more individualised feedback for students”

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) exciting new Amadeus Music Education Program is being rolled out across 42 SCS primary and secondary schools in Term 1, 2022, following a successful pilot program in the Auburn-Lakemba area.

As part of this program, students in Year 3 to Year 8 participate in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist teachers, like Ms Hughes. Students are also provided with a string, woodwind or brass instrument which they will take home to practice.

Benefits of music

Research shows that music:

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

Amadeus online

Ms Hughes says music lessons during lockdown are not much different for the students.

“Students are set up and their instruments tuned before the tutor puts out a link that they must log into [Zoom],” she said.

“Once they’ve done that, they need to make sure the camera captures them with the whole instrument, as well as making some minor sound adjustments.”

“Parents …

AdminAugust 30, 2021|

‘I feel like I’ve found my dream job’

Conductor and flautist Karen O’Keefe says teaching the Amadeus Music Education Program in Sydney Catholic Schools held strong appeal because it suited her lifestyle goals. Here she shares the perks of her role as an instrumental tutor.

“Starting my own music tutoring business, I found the before and after school hours very challenging with a family of my own,” said Ms O’Keefe.

“I then heard about the Amadeus program and it sounded like a fabulous opportunity.”

Ms O’Keefe has been teaching the Amadeus Music Education Program in 10 Sydney Catholic schools since January 2021. Her students are in Year 4 to Year 7.

“I feel like I’ve found my dream job; working within schools, teaching music, and feeling like I’m making a difference in students’ lives”

“Instruments and lessons can be expensive, so when I understood that SCS were removing this financial barrier for families, enabling all students to have access to this program, I felt that this was an organisation that aligned with my own personal values and a program that I would very much like to be a part of – bringing music to all,” Ms O’Keefe said.

Holy Spirit College Lakemba students take part in a zoom Amadeus music lesson with Karen O’Keefe.

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) exciting new Amadeus Music Education Program is being rolled out across 42 SCS primary and secondary schools in Term 1, 2022, following a successful pilot program in the Auburn-Lakemba area.

As part of this program, students in Year 3 to Year 8 participate in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist teachers, like Ms O’Keefe. Students are also …

AdminAugust 17, 2021|

Amadeus Music Education Program: We’re hiring!

Acclaimed trumpeter, Greg Carger, is among the latest Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) musician hires. He has joined the SCS family as an instrumental tutor in the Amadeus Music Education Program – and so can you. We are hiring now!

The famous trumpet player and musical director is currently employed as an instrumental tutor for our system of 150 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

A sought-after freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and teacher with a career spanning 40 years, Carger has performed with the likes of the Adelaide Symphony, The Royal Ballet and world-renowned trumpeter, James Morrison.

“I applied for the [Amadeus] position to use my expertise and to do some good,” Carger said.

“I really enjoy it, especially [teaching] the primary school students because they really believe in it”

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ exciting new Amadeus Music Education Program is being rolled out across 42 SCS primary and secondary schools in Term 1, 2022, following a successful pilot program in the Auburn-Lakemba area.

Greg Carger at the Sydney Catholic Schools Instrumental Eisteddfod

As part of this program, students in Year 3 to Year 8 participate in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist teachers, like Carger. Students also receive an instrument, starting with a string instrument in Year 3.

‘A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS’

“We need to instill in kids that its [music] a culturally important thing to do – to be a citizen of the world as music brings everyone together,” Carger said.

“The Amadeus program offers a great opportunity for students”

“You get a brand new instrument, a teacher to learn from and an ensemble to play in,” Carger said.

AdminJune 28, 2021|

Musical opportunity hits all the right notes

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 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.

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 …

Isabell PetrinicMay 25, 2021|

New program gives every student the gift of music

Sydney Catholic Schools’ new Amadeus Music Education Program has lifted off at a high tempo – and Trinity Catholic College Auburn/Regents Park is playing to the tunes.

As part of the program, Year 7 students at the college have received orchestral instruments and are participating in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist music tutors.

“The Amadeus program will provide all Year 7 students with a wonderful opportunity to learn a musical instrument and develop a whole new dimension of their brains,” Principal Daniel Delmage said.

“We know that the research shows that music will boost brain power, promote wellbeing and improve language and maths skills, memory and coordination.”

BENEFITS OF MUSIC

Research shows that music:

Boosts brain power

Promotes wellbeing

Improves language and maths skills, memory and coordination

Trinity’s general coordinator, Fred Azar, agrees that the program presents fantastic opportunities for their students.

Trinity students taking part in Amadeus Music Education Program lessons. Photo: Kitty Beale

“It’s a break from normal study, and as well as learning to play these instruments, they are also gaining other cognitive skills,” Mr Azar said. “It’s great for emotional wellbeing [and] great for them to learn a multitude of skills and practice teamwork to compose symphonies.”

Mr Azar’s role helps timetable practise time for every student with specialist music tutors funded by Sydney Catholic Schools.

“We’ve outsourced eight fantastic tutors who are well versed and experienced in a range of different instruments” – Fred Azar

Participating student Tyana Moawad said she really liked the program.

“It’s a fun way of learning new instruments instead of just writing music,” Tyana said. “It’s helped me learn how to read music and not be clueless about it but also understand it.”

Tyana’s peer, Xin Qiu, said she …

Isabell PetrinicMay 24, 2021|

Praise for Holy Spirit’s new music program

Sydney Catholic Schools’ exciting new comprehensive music education program called Amadeus is well underway and Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba principal, Phillip Scollard, can’t say enough good things about it.

“I am delighted that the students at Holy Spirit have this wonderful opportunity to learn an orchestral instrument,” Mr Scollard said.

“The universal language of music and the beauty which comes with it sits well in one of Sydney’s most culturally diverse communities” – Phillip Scollard

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program has been delivered in 13 SCS primary and secondary schools in the Auburn-Lakemba area in 2021, helping students learn numeracy, literacy and emotional skills while experiencing the special joy of music.

As part of this program, students in Year 3 to Year 8 at the 13 schools participate in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist teachers. Students also receive an instrument, starting with a string instrument in Year 3.

“Whilst the educational benefits are well recorded are indisputable, the joy which comes from playing an instrument and working as a part of an ensemble, are reason enough for the 153 Year 7 students at Holy Spirit to be a part of the Amadeus Music Education Program,” Mr Scollard said. Start your music journey at Holy Spirit Catholic College

Web SupportApril 26, 2021|

How a Sydney Music Teacher is Instilling Her Passion

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program continues to gain momentum at an unprecedented scale as one of the most comprehensive and ambitious investments to enrich the musical experiences and opportunities for Sydney students.

The program is delivered by accomplished educators whose dedication to being consummate musicians themselves fuels their passion for inspiring and nurturing the next generation of young talent.

One of these educators is Julia Pokorny, a dedicated music teacher at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Belfield and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Cabramatta.

Outside of school, Ms Pokorny performs as an accomplished musician for the Sydney Contemporary Orchestra, Bourbaki Orchestra and Strathfield Symphony.

“I believe in the transformative power of music. Every child should have the opportunity to learn an instrument and experience the confidence and joy that music brings, regardless of their background,” Julia Pokorny said.

The launch of the Amadeus program at 147 Sydney Catholic Schools has only further heightened Ms Pokorny’s enthusiasm for teaching music.

She continues to feel fulfilled as she witnesses the joy and progress of her students.

“The future of music education is programs like Amadeus. As they continue to thrive, the lasting impacts on students’ lives are invaluable,” Ms Pokorny said.

Her involvement in orchestras has provided Ms Pokorny with a unique training ground, honing her skills and preparing her for challenges which she today shares with students to positively influence what she hopes will be a lifelong devotion.

“My passion for both performing and teaching fuels an enthusiasm that helps me bring a unique perspective to the classroom and further fosters my understanding of each of my students’ unique learning styles,” Julia Pokorny said.

Ms Pokorny’s journey into the …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auOctober 3, 1992|

Music teaching hits the right note

Meet the Maestros: James Ryan

Meet the Maestros: Paul Terracini

Meet the Maestros: Monique O’Dea

Meet the maestros: Mark Brown

Four ways to nurture your child’s interest in the arts

How music builds a healthy brain

A total brain ‘workout’

Embracing excellence

Gezel’s meteoric rise to singing stardom on The Voice

CHALLENGING CONVENTIONS WITH TRAILBLAZING MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

Amadeus: A Teacher’s Perspective

We’re hiring teachers for the Amadeus Music Education Program

A teachers’ perspective

ABOUT AMADEUS

The brain-boosting benefits of an Amadeus music education

Amadeus: Sydney’s most ambitious school music education program announced

Music education alive in lockdown

‘I feel like I’ve found my dream job’

Amadeus Music Education Program: We’re hiring!

Musical opportunity hits all the right notes

New program gives every student the gift of music

Praise for Holy Spirit’s new music program

How a Sydney Music Teacher is Instilling Her Passion

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our schools and offices now stand. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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