Dear Parents,
Please see below an exciting offer where students may be given the opportunity to learn an instrument beginning in 2025. There are many benefits to music including a means of self-expression, an influence on motor, language, social, cognitive and academic abilities, and it can provide an outlet for feelings and emotions. It is for all of the reasons above that I am seeking expressions of interest for music lessons in 2025.
As I am unaware of how many students and families would be interested in this opportunity, the EOI will give me the chance to gauge interest and then make an informed decision of where it is best placed in the school. For example, we may only offer it to certain year levels, on certain days, at certain times. This will be decided after expressions of interest close.
Below is the information I can provide so you can make an informed decision:
Lesson Options:
- One-on-One Lessons: Available for recorder, guitar, ukulele, and piano.
- Group Lessons: Available for recorder, ukulele, and guitar (if students bring their own instrument).
- All lessons will take place during school time
Cost:
-
- Group Sessions: $15 per person for a 20-minute lesson.
- One-on-One Lessons: $25 for a 20-minute lesson.
Showcase:
To help parents make this decision a Musical Instrument Showcase will take place on Thurday November 14 with Miss Ruby Kelly. The first showcase will happen from 7.45am and the second from 3.10pm. Both will be in the music room (near Year 1 classrooms). These sessions will involve a demonstration, hands-on experience and question time.
Expressions of Interest:
Please complete the form at this link to indicate your EOI by Thursday November 21.
https://forms.office.com/r/FqX9LqMuJP
Further information will be available once expressions of interest close.
Sam Hannant
Teacher:
Meet Ruby Kelly: A Passionate Music Educator and Musician
I wanted to take a moment to share a little bit about myself and my background in music, so you can better understand the experience I bring to my music lessons.
I’ve been surrounded by music my entire life, having grown up in a family where my mum is a music teacher. I began playing music at the age of three, and since then, I’ve developed skills in a wide variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, ukulele, recorder, drums, trumpet, trombone, and even the keytar!
For the past four years, I’ve been teaching music privately and providing group lessons to students. Most recently, I’ve worked with a company in Toowoomba, delivering music classes to children in day care centres, as well as running mum-and-baby music sessions and even visiting Toowoomba Base Hospital Paediatrics Ward. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how music can positively impact people of all ages.
Currently, I am studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Community Wellbeing, with a major in music, at the university here in Toowoomba. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing in town and school bands, competing in various competitions across Queensland, and participating in music festivals like Eisteddfods and the Central Highlands Festival of Music camps. At present, I am actively performing as the lead keytarist in a pop/rock band. This role allows me to combine my love for music with live performance, and I have the opportunity to collaborate with talented musicians to create dynamic, high-energy shows. Playing in the band has also deepened my understanding of contemporary music styles and performance techniques, which I’m excited to share with my students.
Beyond my formal music qualifications, which include achieving the highest level of piano certification (AMEB Grade 8 with High Distinction), I have a diverse background in the performing arts. I’ve studied dance and drama for over 15 years, including completing two years of stage school to enhance my skills in these areas. My training in jazz, tap, ballet, modern theatre, hip hop, street performance, cabaret, contemporary, and lyrical dance has enriched my understanding of how music and movement come together. As a result, I’ve had the privilege of performing lead roles in three musicals, which has further fuelled my passion for the arts.
I truly believe in the power of music to engage and inspire students, and I’m excited to bring this passion to St. Saviour's next year. Music is a universal language, and it’s an incredible way to help students build confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
