Affordable music tuition for over forty years

For the protection of all attending and involved with the school, as of and including 21st March, all classes at the school will be suspended until further notice. The trustees believe that they have a moral obligation to act ethically and proactively, thereby temporarily closing the school.

The Trust acknowledges and apologises for the inconvenience, but feel that this is the best option for the well-being of the community. More information will be updated here and emailed as they become available.

Visit covid19.govt.nz for the latest official information, and keep up to date with the school by subscribing using the Contact Us form down below if you’re not already subscribed.

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The Waikato Community School of Music is a non-profit organization which has been providing affordable music tuition for many years. Our philosophy is to give all learners, regardless of age or experience, a broad and enjoyable musical experience.
Our students include both children and adults, and they all enjoy our special mix of learning and performance opportunities. These include instrumental and theoretical lessons, bands, orchestras, ensembles, and our child-centred Music Makers classes for 3-12 year olds. With over 380 students, and running more than 90 sessions per week, we offer classes at very reasonable prices. 
WCSM is committed to delivering high quality musical education, and our staff of over twenty experienced tutors all participate in our ongoing Professional Development Programme. 
Whether starting out or wanting to learn more we can help you achieve your ambitions. Let your musical talents flourish – come and share with us the joy of music.

– Rupert D’Cruze, Musical Director

Instruments & Ensembles

Group Lessons

Our regular instruments are listed below. Lessons for other instruments may be available; please contact us to discuss. Age restrictions are indicated next to each instrument.

Orchestral Strings:Child (under 16)Adult
Violin (4+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Cello (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Other Strings:
Guitar (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Bass (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Ukulele (6+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Erhu (7+)$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Woodwind & Brass:
Flute (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Clarinet (8+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Saxophone (10+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Fife (6+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Recorder (5+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Trumpet/Cornet (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Tenor Horn (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Euphonium/Baritone Horn (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Trombone (7+)$75/term, $142/semester, $270/year$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Percussion & Keyboard:
Drums (7+)$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Keyboard (7+)$105/term, $199/semester, $378/year
Children’s programs:
Music Makers, Level 1 (3-5)$39/term, $74/semester, $140/year
Music Makers, Level 2/3 (6-8)$49/term, $93/semester, $176/year
Young Voices (9+)$59/term, $112/semester, $212/year
Ensembles:
Sinfonia Orchestra
String Orchestra
Concert Band
Guitar Ensemble
Ukulele Ensemble
Flute Ensemble		Included with lessons at no cost
(or $105/term,
$199/semester,
$378/year to enrol in an ensemble only)

These prices are indicative, and may vary depending on the length of enrolment. Instruments are available for hire in limited quantities, from $60/term, $109/semester or $218/year. See our full price list here, and our curriculum guide here.

Exam Stream/Private Lessons

For those students who wish to target their learning towards taking external instrumental music exams, our Exam Stream offers a great path to success. You’ll receive one-to-one tuition with one of our experienced tutors, who will guide you through the requirements of the syllabus. We offer tuition towards both Trinity College and NZ Music Examinations Board (NZMEB) exams, where you may also be able to gain NCEA credits. At present, this option is available for:

  • Violin & Cello
  • Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone & Recorder
  • Trumpet & Trombone
  • Singing
Grade 0-4Grade 5-8
Tuition costsFrom $250/termFrom $250/term
Exam fees: NZMEB$104-170$185-265
Exam fees: Trinity$108-194$212-302

Where & When

Te Kura Toi Tangata Faculty of Education

Hillcrest Road, Hamilton

Gate 4, The University of Waikato

Classes run on Saturdays during the following terms:

First sessionFinal sessionNo. of lessons
Term 1, 20208 February4 April9
Term 2, 20202 May27 June8
Term 3, 20201 August19 September8
Term 4, 202017 October5 December7

Lessons are usually 30 minutes long, run throughout the morning from 8am through to the afternoon. Exact class times vary between term and instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I decide what instrument my child should study?

If your child has had no or little previous music tuition, we recommend you begin with our Music Makers programme . This programme cultivates an enjoyment of music and spontaneous creativity, while introducing elements of music theory and skills that are beneficial when learning any instrument or singing in a choir. Children who have attended Music Makers frequently go on to study an instrument of their own choice, often with great success.

What are the class times?

Because the Ministry of Education partially funds the music centre and has specified minimum class numbers, the class schedule for a term can only be finalised once we have a good idea of what the total enrolments will be for that term. Class times/room locations are emailed to enrolled students about ten days before the first class session of each term.

How long are the classes/ensembles?

Most classes are 30 minutes long.  Music Makers Level Three sessions are 45 minutes long, and Young Voices (Music Makers Level Four) classes are one hour long. Ensemble sessions vary in length from 30 to 90 minutes depending on which ensemble you choose.

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Contact Us

For further enquiries, please contact us on 07 838 4611, enrolment@wcsm.org.nz, or use the form below.

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