Individual lessons
One-on-one music lessons are at the heart of learning music at Coffs Con, for children and adults. Teaching is tailored to our students’ musical experience level, as well as their learning style, and is delivered by our highly trained and experienced music tutors.
Music lessons are usually taken weekly and are available in a wide range of instruments and voice. Students can participate in formal examinations through the Australian Music Examination Board or Trinity College if they wish, and support is available for High School students taking Music as an HSC subject.
Our music students are invited to participate in performances and events throughout the year, and are part of a vibrant community that offers an extensive program of concerts, master classes and workshops that will enrich their musical education.
Benefits of learning music
A wealth of scientific research is proving that music education helps children develop their full potential, and that it has on-going health benefits for adults!
Learning music:
- Speeds children’s development of speaking and reading skills
- Trains children to concentrate
- Helps children feel empathy for others
- Helps adults retain brain function into older age
But most importantly, music gives everyone a means to express themselves, unleash their creativity and be inspired by their capacity for personal growth.
The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music is the driving force behind this intuition. My parents had me study the violin from the time I was six. My new discovery is the result of musical perception.
We teach a wide range of instruments:
Violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, recorder, trumpet, trombone, French horn, cornet, euphonium, piano, keyboard, drums, guitar, ukelele, mandolin, harp, bass…
Want to improve your singing in the shower? Fancy trying out for The Voice? Interested in opera?
Whatever the reason, the Conservatorium has a range of vocal teachers that can help you sing your heart out…
The Coffs Conservatorium delivers music lessons not only in-house but throughout local schools on the Coffs Coast.
This enables students to have access to our high class teachers during school hours.
More about Music in Schools >
Frequently Asked Questions
Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Younger students and beginners usually start with half an hour.
Yes! We have a range of instruments available for hire – apart from pianos, which are too big! Contact us for more information.
It doesn’t matter what your level of musical experience or ability is, you are welcome to learn at the Con! We cater for all ages and all abilities and we pride ourselves on matching students to instruments they will love and tutors with whom they will enjoy learning.
It’s the difference between “take” and “make”! Individual lessons give students the chance to work on technique and ‘take’ learning from their tutor. Ensembles enable students to start ‘making’ music with each other, once they have reached a certain level of proficiency.
Playing music with others is a lot of fun, and we encourage students to think about joining an ensemble. Different ensembles will be appropriate for different students, depending on their proficiency and enthusiasm! Some of our ensembles have a limited number of places, but we try to accommodate as many students as possible. Entry into The Academy and Contemporary Academy are by audition. All other ensembles encourage new members and new support.
We love classical music. And jazz. And hip-hop. And chamber music, and pop music… In fact, we love ALL kinds of music and our tutors and students play all kinds of music!
You certainly don’t have to be a classical musician to study at the Con (although we love teaching classical techniques too), so speak to your tutor or contact our office for more information about how you can learn to play the kinds of music you love.
It’s not uncommon to change your mind about what you want to learn. We have amazing tutors in lots of instruments and vocal styles, so get in touch to find out your options.
Please bear in mind that you may have to change the day or time of your lesson and possibly go on a waitlist if the requested teacher has a full teaching schedule when you enquire. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible to discuss how we can help.
No, not at all! Music exams are an excellent way of measuring your progress, and many students at the Con do take music exams, but they are not compulsory. You can discuss with your tutor whether you are ready for exams, or whether taking exams is the right thing for you.
No, the Conservatorium runs according to the NSW school term. We do occasionally hold programs such as String Camps and workshops during the holidays, but our regular lessons and rehearsals are held during term-time.
Class times and waiting lists
Individual music lessons are held:
- Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7:30pm,
- Saturdays from 8:30-12:30.
Lessons times vary in length, from 30 to 60 minutes, according to the age and level of the student.
Lessons run for ten weeks each term, in line with the NSW public school term dates.
We take enrolments at any time into most classes, but our programs are popular so you may be placed on a short waiting list.
Whether you know what instrument you’re interested in or you’d like more information, we can help you select the best music lessons for your needs – contact us on 02 6652 1592 or register your interest and we’ll get in touch with you!