Affordable music tuition for over forty years
WCSM classes cannot proceed under Covid Level Two restrictions. No classes will be held on 19th September. Enrolments for Term Four, which starts 17th October, are open.
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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 OrchestraString OrchestraConcert BandGuitar EnsembleUkulele EnsembleFlute 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 0-4 | Grade 5-8 | |
| Tuition costs | From $250/term | From $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 session | Final session | No. of lessons | |
| Term 1, 2020 | 8 February | 4 April | 9 |
| Term 2, 2020 | 2 May | 27 June | 8 |
| Term 3, 2020 | 1 August | 19 September | 8 |
| Term 4, 2020 | 17 October | 5 December | 7 |
Lessons are usually 30 minutes long, run throughout the morning from 8am through to the afternoon. Exact class times vary between term and instrument.
Our People
management/Administration
| Ann Shaffer | Administrator/Manager |
| Rupert D’Cruze | Musical Director |
| Shirley Lambert | Administrator |
| Sakshi Sharma | Assistant Administrator |
TEACHING STAFF
| Abbie Kinney | Music Makers |
| Amanda Wood | Sinfonia |
| Ann Speed | Violin |
| Ashleigh Smith | Flute |
| Brinstan D’Cruz | Violin |
| Cecily Shaw | Young Voices |
| Ciara Claridge | Classical Guitar |
| Daisy Claridge | Music Makers Assistant |
| Danny Roguski | Ukulele/Brass |
| Denise Hudson | Bass |
| Euan Safey | Sinfonia Assistant |
| Hamish Berkers | Drums |
| Ian Cosgrove | Classical Guitar |
| Isaac Pethybridge | Guitar |
| Jean Paterson | Violin |
| Joyce Roguski | Keyboard |
| Julie Pescud | Violin |
| Kartika Sulistiowati | Violin |
| Marshall Vidulich | Drums |
| Mary Smith | Music Makers |
| Natalie Garcia-Gil | Recorder |
| Nom Kohara | Classical Guitar |
| Sera Allen | Music Makers Assistant |
| Teno-Faith Terry | Guitar Assistant |
| Ye-Gon Ryoo | Clarinet/Saxophone |
| Yotam Levy | Cello |
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.
see all questionsContact Us
For further enquiries, please contact us on 07 838 4611, enrolment@wcsm.org.nz, or use the form below.
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