Step 2: Instrument & Theory Tuition

The cello, known for its resonant and expressive tones, is a versatile string instrument with a wide range, making it a cornerstone in various musical genres. Cellos are available in various sizes, making it an accessible and suitable instrument for students of all ages.

Playing the cello can lead to playing in chamber music groups, orchestras, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

The clarinet is a woodwind instrument renowned for its rich tone that offers musicians the versatility to convey a wide range of musical expressions. It is used in a diverse array of musical ensembles and the technical skills used to play the clarinet are highly transferable to the saxophone.

Playing the clarinet can lead to playing in chamber music groups, jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds and the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

The cornet, known for its rich and rounded sound, is a versatile brass instrument, lending its unique sound to a wide spectrum of genres and ensembles, from traditional brass bands to modern musical collaborations. Its compact size and manageable weight make it an excellent choice for beginner brass students.

Playing the cornet can lead to playing in brass ensembles, concert bands (or on trumpet), and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds and the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Brass Band.

The flute is an easily transported woodwind instrument that is revered for its graceful and melodic qualities. It is a highly versatile instrument that features in jazz, pop, folk, and world music and films as both a solo instrument and as part of small and large groups such as orchestras and concert bands. Curved head joints are available for younger students, making the flute an accessible and suitable instrument for students of all ages. 

Playing the flute can lead to playing in chamber music groups, jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds and the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

The guitar is highly portable and available in various sizes, making it an accessible and suitable instrument for students of all ages. The ability to play chord formations combined with the potential for intricate fingerstyle techniques makes it a popular choice, allowing aspiring musicians to enjoy playing and exploring a wide range of musical styles.

OSMC guitar classes focus on teaching acoustic guitar and the foundational skills learnt are highly transferable to the electric guitar. Playing the guitar can lead to joining a wide variety of ensembles including rock bands, jazz bands, chamber music groups, and solo performance opportunities.

The keyboard can be learned at OSMC as an initial instrument as part of the musicianship course or later after graduating from another musicianship instrument (recorder, percussion, or ukulele). Students work at their own pace to develop the fundamental technical skills required to play the keyboard effectively.

Learning the keyboard offers a myriad of benefits, making it a compelling choice for aspiring musicians. Its visual layout facilitates the understanding of music theory, helping students grasp fundamental concepts such as scales, chords, and harmony. The keyboard's versatility allows players to explore various musical genres, from classical to contemporary, and the ability to simultaneously play a melody and accompaniment fosters a comprehensive understanding of musical composition.

The foundational skills learnt by playing the keyboard are highly transferable to the piano. Playing the keyboard can lead to joining a wide variety of ensembles including rock bands, jazz bands, and solo performance opportunities. Additionally, the keyboard serves as an excellent introduction to the broader world of music production and electronic music, providing a versatile foundation for those interested in diverse musical pursuits.

The oboe's unique and expressive sound makes it a standout and sought-after instrument, often taking on essential roles in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and various musical genres. It is a double-reed woodwind instrument and an excellent choice for those seeking a challenging and distinctive musical journey.

Playing the oboe can lead to playing in chamber music groups, concert bands, orchestras, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds and the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

Percussion can be learned at OSMC as an initial instrument as part of the musicianship course or later after graduating from another musicianship instrument (recorder, ukulele, or keyboard). As well as the drum kit, students explore how to play pieces using timpani, table and chair drumming, auxiliary percussion instruments, body percussion, and keyboard instruments such as the xylophone and marimba.

Learning percussion offers a dynamic and versatile musical experience, allowing individuals to explore a vast array of instruments, rhythms, and styles. Mastering percussion enhances rhythmic precision, coordination, and an in-depth understanding of various beats, making it an essential foundation for musicians who want to play a diverse range of musical styles/genres.

Playing percussion can lead to playing in chamber music groups, concert bands, jazz bands, orchestras, a wide variety of genres/styles of bands, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds, New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, and the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Brass Band.

The saxophone, renowned for its smooth and expressive sound, is a captivating woodwind instrument that is portable and well-suited to various musical settings. Mastering the saxophone not only allows musicians to explore a diverse range of musical genres but also offers a versatile platform for both melodic and improvisational creativity.

Due to several factors (including its weight and the hand span necessary to play it), students must complete 2—3 years on another instrument first (not including the years spent in the musicianship program). Learning the clarinet is recommended as the technical skills are highly transferable to the saxophone. Students begin playing the alto saxophone and opportunities to play other saxophones (soprano, tenor, and/or baritone) are offered at an advanced level (subject to availability).

Playing the saxophone can lead to playing in chamber music groups, concert bands, jazz bands, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds.

The tenor horn is known for its versatility and it contributes a unique tonal quality to ensembles. It is a distinctive and valuable choice for musicians seeking to play a unique brass instrument with character. The tenor horn (also known as an alto horn) was invented in the early 19th century with several instrument makers attributed with its development, including Adolphe Sax who invented the saxophone.

Playing the tenor horn can lead to playing in brass ensembles, concert bands, chamber music groups, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Brass Band.

OSMC offers differentiated, individual theory lesson programs. Students work at their own level and pace to further develop their theoretical knowledge. Saturday morning theory classes cater for all stages of learning and goals students wish to achieve. 

Lessons provide a theoretical framework that enhances a student's practical ability in various musical contexts. Music theory facilitates communication by providing a shared understanding of terms, symbols, and musical concepts, leading to more cohesive and polished performances. Whether performing, improvising, composing, or collaborating with other musicians, a solid foundation in music theory equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their practical musical endeavours.

The trombone is a highly versatile brass instrument, producing a rich and resonant sound across various musical genres. Its distinctive slide mechanism allows for expressive glissandos and precise intonation, making it a standout instrument with a dynamic range suitable for both ensemble playing and solo performances.

Beginner OSMC students start on a pBone; a lightweight, durable plastic trombone before transitioning to a brass trombone when they are ready. This makes learning the trombone accessible and suitable for students of all ages.

Playing the trombone can lead to playing in brass ensembles, concert bands, jazz bands, orchestras, and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds and the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Brass Band.

The ukulele can be learned at OSMC as an initial instrument as part of the musicianship course or later after graduating from another musicianship instrument (recorder, ukulele, or keyboard).

Its approachable size makes it an excellent instrument for developing fine motor skills, enhancing rhythm comprehension, and introducing fundamental concepts of harmony. Whether strumming chords for sing-alongs or picking melodies, the ukulele is an engaging and accessible string instrument for players of all ages to create a foundation for a lifelong appreciation of music.

Playing the ukulele can lead to ensemble and solo performance opportunities, forming bands, and as an excellent tool to support with songwriting.

The violin is a string instrument, renowned for its expressive versatility and adaptability to a wide variety of musical genres. Its portability, diverse repertoire, and multiple performance pathways make it an excellent choice for fostering a strong musical foundation and a lifelong passion for playing music. Violins are available in various sizes, making it an accessible and suitable instrument for students of all ages.

Playing the violin can lead to playing in chamber music groups and solo performance opportunities. It can also support students to develop the advanced skills required to audition for national representative groups such as the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.