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In School Programs

Our In Schools Music program helps us reach a wide network of students across the Illawarra and the South Coast.

We partner with over 15 schools, delivering high-quality band and classroom music lessons, that aligns with the NSW Department of Education Syllabus outcomes and adheres to NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) teaching standards.

Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to perform at school events, community concerts, and WollCon showcases, building confidence and musical growth. The program also provides a pathway to WollCon’s own community bands and ensembles, allowing students to continue their musical journey and participate in enriching performance experiences.

Our experienced and specialist music teachers will work with your school to deliver a bespoke in-school music program relevant to the needs of your students. Whether you need support with early childhood music classes, initiating a school band or choir, or training your teachers our qualified music staff can help.

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Music In Schools

 

TEACHERS

David Rooney

Mark Holder-Keeping

Mel Wishart

Jenn Cook (ChiME)

Graham Deans

Chris Fields

Louise Luke
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WollCon’s In School Program is an immersive exploration of the elements of music through improvisation, listening and response. A classroom program suitable for Stages 1, 2 and 3 – it is a hands-on practical experience of music, instruments, and musical ideas.

The WollCon teacher presents weekly lessons (30 mins-1 hour) throughout the term, working alongside the students’ regular classroom teacher. Students can interact with musical instruments and experience aspects of ensemble playing, performance and improvisation. The activities range from specific skill-based lessons to broader explorations of the gestures and cultural place of music through play and ideas.

Students and classroom teachers do not require any previous experience, and schools are not required to have their own musical instrument resources for this program.

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School Bands & Ensembles

TEACHERS

David Rooney

Jenn Cook

Mark Holder-Keeping

John Spence

WollCon offers a large range of choirs, orchestras, bands, and small ensembles that are open to the community. The same experienced tutors and conductors that lead our ensembles are available to assist schools in the development of their own ensemble programs, whether new or existing.

Our beginner choir, band, string and guitar programs allow students with little or no music experience to develop musical skills within an enjoyable, performance-based group setting.

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Instrumental & Vocal Tuition

TEACHERS

Sonia Sozio

Jens Hoppe

Bethany Morris

WollCon employs a large number of instrumental and vocal teachers, covering all popular areas of music study. Our experienced teachers are committed to assisting students reach their potential as musicians.

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Special Projects Involving Schools

Learn more about the Combined School Instrumental Festival, WollCon Megaband and Kids Honk on our Special Projects page.

Visit Special Projects

Professional Development

WollCon aims to provide professional development programs that meet the needs of local schools and music teachers. Join our mailing list to be informed of numerous workshops and courses throughout the year covering all aspects of curricular and co-curricular music.

Join our mailing list

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... to discuss how we can tailor our curriculum to suit your needs, or help you develop or maintain a thriving music program at your school.

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Wollongong Conservatorium is located on Dharawal country. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, celebrate their continuing culture and the contribution First Nations people make to the life of this region and our country.

We thank our supporters

Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is funded by the NSW Government through the Regional Conservatorium Grants Program

© 2023 Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Limited (a Company Limited by Guarantee) ABN 31 080 489 685 Trading as Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
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Dr Sue Savage

Director

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne Mowbray

Director

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake Pearson

Director

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne Morris

Director

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima

Deputy Chair

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky Sloan

Chair

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.