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The Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Music Programme in 2025 had approximately 300 students studying a variety of instruments across both campuses. As part of the continuation of this vibrant programme, we plan to offer additional places in 2026. Most places on offer are from Term 1, 2026, although additional positions do become available during the year.

In 2026, the Arts Department will continue to allow Year 3 students on a restricted basis to start Instrumental lessons. Year 3 students may apply to start Voice, Piano, Cello, Viola, Violin and Classical Guitar lessons only, and may only study one (1) instrument.

Please find below the Terms and Conditions for enrolment in the Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Music Programme in 2026 at Frederick Irwin Anglican School. Following the Terms and Conditions, you will also find the procedures for both new and continuing students. We ask that you read this information carefully. If you have any questions or require clarification, please contact the Music Administrative Assistant at musicadmin@fias.wa.edu.au 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Overview

  • Instrumental Tutors are engaged for the year based on the number of students accepted into the programme. Lessons therefore must be undertaken for the whole of the 2026 school year.
  • Enrolment into the Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Music Programme constitutes registration in the programme itself, rather than with a specific tutor.
  • A formal written progress report will be provided to parents through SEQTA at the end of each semester.
  • Lessons are generally delivered on a ‘one-to-one’ basis but occasionally students may be grouped together for a small ensemble rehearsal at the request of the tutor. 
  • In general, Instrumental lessons are most effective when begun at:
    • Piano/Violin/Viola (with approval)/Cello/Classical Guitar/Voice – Year 3 and above
    • Flute/Clarinet – Year 4 and above
    • Trumpet/Trombone/Drum Kit/Percussion – Year 5/6 and above
    • Saxophone - requires 1 year of clarinet unless Year 7 or older 
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply for Brass, Woodwind and String instruments in 2026 as they provide unique opportunities for ensemble playing, skill development and musical growth within the Music Programme.
  • There are very limited spaces available in Voice, Piano and Classical Guitar.
  • Where possible, lessons will be held during class time on a rotational basis. This is to help minimise disruption to the student. Ultimately, it is the students’ responsibility to ensure they can attend a scheduled lesson. Any lesson changes are to be done in person at the Performing Arts Office at least the day before the lesson.
  • Students are expected to make their own way to their scheduled lesson time each week.
  • Upper Secondary Instrumental students have priority for out-of-school lesson times when available.
  • Other instruments may be available upon request. This is subject to instrument and tutor availability and therefore may or may not be possible.

Payment

  • Our music program is renowned for its excellence, offering students a great program with performance opportunities and access to skilled teachers. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the music program, we have conducted a comprehensive review and found that the School has been significantly subsidising the program. To ensure the sustainability and continued improvement of the music program, we are introducing a music amenities levy of $150 per student from the beginning of the 2026 year. This levy will cover the provision of amenities for performances, ensembles, facilities, and materials supplied by the School. For students studying multiple instruments, the levy will only be charged once. 
  • Lessons are billed at the rate of $45.00 per thirty-minute lesson. These lessons are held once per week during school hours.
  • The lesson costs are in addition to School Fees and a total of $1,815.00 (includes the Music amenities levy) will be added onto you fee account that the start of 2026.
  • Enrolment and participation in the Instrumental/Vocal Programme is conditional upon all school fee accounts being current. 
  • Instrumental tuition is a long-term commitment. Lesson fees remain payable if a student withdraws before completing the minimum enrolment period of one (1) year, unless there is a student on the waitlist to take their position in the Programme.
  • Lesson fees remain payable if a student withdraws from the school within the 2026 school year.
  • Parents and students may not change a forthcoming lesson on the day of that lesson. Students and their parents are responsible for checking lesson times on SEQTA Engage each week. If there is a problem with an allocated time, the student must see the Music Administrative Assistant, Director of Music or Head of Arts in the Performing Arts Office, prior to the lesson day so that any possible changes can be investigated. Please note, this does not guarantee that you will avoid being charged for this lesson, nor that your child’s lesson will be moved to a later time in the week.
  • If your child is sick on the day of their lesson, charges will still apply. 
  • If you choose to take holidays during the school term, lesson charges will still apply.
  • Year 11 and Year 12 ATAR Music students are required to engage and make payment for all accompanist requirements associated with their course.
  • Students are responsible for making their own lesson changes if needed. This must occur at least the day before the lesson is scheduled, but preferably at the beginning of the week. 

Ensembles

  • Ensemble playing is an integral area of the Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble programme and as such all students are required to attend rehearsals if requested to be a participant. Ensemble attendance is an assessed item for students enrolled in the Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Music Programme. Students who are enrolled in Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Programme must ensure they are able to meet their Ensemble commitments as requested by the Head of Arts.

Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule for 2025 (*may be subject to change for 2026*)

Instrument Loan

  • The Arts Department has a limited number of instruments available for loan to beginning students. In 2026, if a loan instrument is available, there will be no cost attached to the loan of any instrument for the loan period of one (1) year.
  • Instruments available for loan are:
    • Violin
    • Viola
    • Cello
    • Flute
    • Clarinet
    • Saxophone
    • Trumpet
    • Trombone
    • Euphonium
    • French Horn

Equipment

  • Students are expected to purchase their own instrument at the end of the one (1) year loan period.
  • Provision of music books etc. are the responsibility of the parent. From time to time, Instrumental/Vocal tutors will ask for books to be purchased as required throughout the year.
  • A Frederick Irwin Music Diary is required for all students studying an instrument or voice. These are available from the Performing Arts Office and cost approximately $10.00. Students are required to bring their Music Diary to each lesson. This is the main source of communication between the tutor and the parent. We encourage the parents to read the Music Diary each week.

Performances

  • Students are required to attend performance events as directed by the Head of Arts. Participation in these performances may form part of the assessment for students enrolled in the Instrumental/Vocal and Ensemble Programme. 

Classroom Music – Secondary Students only

  • All Year 7 students engage in a class music course throughout the year.
  • Year 8 students engage in a class music course throughout the year. The students enrolled in the Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Music Programme are required to engage in the Music Extension Class in Semester 2 of Year 8.
  • Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble students in Years 9 and 10 will be required to enrol in the Music Extension Class. This course complements the Instrumental/Vocal and Ensemble Programmes and provides a thorough background for any current and possible future studies.
  • Year 11 and Year 12 students undertaking ATAR Music will require a minimum 45 minute lesson.
  • Year 11 and Year 12 ATAR Music students are required to engage and make payment for all accompanist requirements associated with their course.

Process for New Applicants 

  1. Please complete the online form below and place a 1st and 2nd choice of instrument. A student who cannot be considered for their first choice will then be considered for their second.
  2. Please note on the form by checking the box if you wish your child to be enrolled for BOTH instruments (not available for Year 3 students). Only check this box if your child wishes to study TWO instruments, or you will be billed for the two instruments over the entire school year. 
  3. On receipt of your request, a confirmation email will be sent.
  4. Music lessons begin Week 2 of 2026. 
  5. Ensembles begin Week 4 of 2026.
  6. Completing the form is acknowledgement that you accept the terms and conditions as outlined above.

Process for existing students
The parents of students enrolled in the Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Programme in 2025 are asked to fill in the below Instrumental/Vocal/Ensemble Lessons Application Form. This acknowledges that the child wishes to continue with lessons. Should you wish to remove your child from the Programme please email musicadmin@fias.wa.edu.au. Once a completed form has been received, a place will be retained in the Programme for students who wish to continue their studies in 2026. 

BY SUBMITTING THE FORM BELOW, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OUTLINED ABOVE.

Please select this option ONLY if you wish your child to be enrolled in BOTH instruments. Otherwise you WILL be charged for both instruments for the entire 2026 year.
This contact will be used for all correspondence from the School regarding enrolments.
DD/MM/YYYY
By ticking this box you are agreeing that the Instrumental programme is for the entire 2026 year and you will be charged for this.