Music

The Music Faculty at Fintona provides a stimulating and supportive environment in which students learn to play instruments, sing, compose music, develop critical listening skills and explore the process and artistry of communication through music.

Students have many opportunities to participate in music making, including classroom programs, instrumental lessons, School concerts and House music events. Additionally, performances from guest artists, masterclasses and excursions are on offer for Fintona students.

At Fintona, we believe that it is important to develop the whole musician. Students learn the importance of interpreting music, knowing the culture in which a piece was conceived, and the artistic intentions behind the compositions studied. Our young musicians are encouraged to embrace the artistic freedom and expression that music is able to offer and to excel in their craft through performance and study.

Composition, improvisation and singing are all important parts of being a well-rounded musician as well as being important forms of musical expression, and students at Fintona are encouraged to strive for creative self-expression and mastery.

Classroom Music Overview

Music studies are a compulsory part of the curriculum from the ELC to Junior School through to the end of Year 8. Students explore music through a program of activities involving performing, creating, listening and evaluating.

An understanding of the language of music (music comprehension) and ability to respond to musical stimuli is enhanced by aural, theory and analysis exercises.

Students learn techniques in music composition and create music focusing on concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre and texture.

In Years 9 and 10, students can continue their musical training through semester-long units in Music Performance. VCE Solo Music Performance (Units 1-4) is also offered to those wishing to continue their performance studies at a high level.

Private Music Tuition

Fintona offers private lessons on: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French-Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Voice (Classical and Contemporary), Piano (Classical and Contemporary), Guitar (Classical and Contemporary), Harp, Percussion and AMEB Theory.

Music lessons usually occur during class time and are organised by the instrumental teachers. The School makes every effort to place students learning an instrument at school on a rotating timetable to avoid missing the same lesson each week.