This year we are pleased to announce that we have two exceptional instrumental music tutors available to work with our students.

Mr Phil Ryan will be joining St Joseph’s School as our multi-instrumental tutor this year. Mr Ryan is an outstanding brass player, has a history of symphonic performance and is highly regarded as a teacher at both the school and tertiary levels. He is a very experienced musician and educator and has a reputation for excellence in student engagement and learning.

Mr Ryan will offer tuition on all band instruments: brass, woodwind and percussion. It is usual for students to own their own instrument, however, the school does have a limited number of instruments available for use. Should you wish to take advantage of this option, please approach Mr Ryan.

Lessons are charged at the MTAQ rate of $36 per 30-minute lesson. Where students are at a similar level of instrumental learning, two students may learn in the one lesson with the charge being $18 per student. Invoicing and payment are to be negotiated directly between Mr Ryan and the student family.

Mr Ryan will also offer one lunchtime rehearsal a week for all students interested in participating in the St Joseph’s School Band. This is an opportunity for students to play together and develop their ensemble and performance skills. At this point, students from both the Primary and Secondary will rehearse as one band but there is the possibility that separate bands will develop, depending on student participation and interest. Band rehearsals will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room each Thursday lunchtime, commencing Thursday, 11 February, 2021. The cost of this rehearsal is covered by the school.

If your child is interested in lessons, please contact Mr Ryan on ryanette@bigpond.net.au or mobile 0418 743 443.

We also welcome back Ms Maple Egerton, an experienced string and Primary school teacher. Ms Egerton grew up in Brisbane and studied performance on Viola at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, going on to complete further post-graduate training on Violin and Cello, and obtaining a Master’s Degree, also from the Conservatorium. Ms Egerton has experience in teaching beginner to advanced students; from 5 years to adult, and has successfully prepared students for concerts, examinations, auditions and tertiary music programmes.

Ms Egerton will be offering private music lessons at St Joseph’s School this year on a Tuesday and is highly qualified in teaching Violin, Viola, Cello and Music Theory. Lessons will be conducted individually at a cost of $30 per lesson billed by the term by Ms Egerton. Lesson times will be negotiated with classroom teachers during school hours. St Joseph’s School has some Violins available for hire.

If you are interested, please contact Ms Egerton on email mapleisnow@gmail.com or 0488 392 979.

PLEASE NOTE - Parents are to contact the instrumental music tutors directly to book and pay for lessons. Lessons are held during school hours.