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"Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world" - Martin Luther

From Prep to Year 7, classroom music is an essential part of the curriculum, enabling students to develop a love and understanding of music. From Year 8 through to VCE, students may choose to study music as part of their elective program. Each year focuses on specific skills such as performance, aural training, theory, recording, composition and arrangement.

Complementing the Primary and Secondary classroom music program is the instrumental and ensemble program. Whether your child is a beginner to music or has been learning for many years, the Donvale music program offers endless opportunity.

Private tutors provide comprehensive music tuition in most orchestral and band instruments, voice, and music theory. While internal reports are provided twice a year on your child’s progress, external assessment is available to students wishing to undertake exams through both the AMEB and ANZCA.

Students can undertake lessons during the school day on their selected instrument and join a variety of groups from concert bands to jazz ensembles, from string ensembles to choirs both small and large. Students who learn outside of school are also strongly encouraged to further develop their playing by joining ensembles. During the year students may attend festivals, eisteddfods or recitals, as well as playing for school concerts and assemblies.

Donvale’s exciting ensembles program continues to grow quickly and is gaining recognition, as many of our ensembles have received awards and prizes for their participation in festivals and competitions. A highlight is the renowned Generations in Jazz festival, held each year in Mount Gambier.

One of the students who played there recently described it as “… an enriching, heart-warming experience that bonded Donvale students closer together through the wonderful gift of music. I feel that the three days were packed with exclusive opportunities in which there was something unique for everyone to enjoy.”

We’re immensely proud of the effort and energy that go into ensembles of every kind, and so encouraged as music teachers when students choose then to use their skills in worship with their local churches. It’s our aim as musicians and teachers that your child’s experience of learning music at Donvale will form a solid foundation for a lifetime of positive and engaging musical experiences