Coordinator of Music Events | Music Teacher 5-12 | Tutor | IP Coordinator

Primary School Instrumental Program (IP)

Welcome back to school and welcome back to the Instrumental Program (IP) for 2024. For those new to IP and for those returning to IP, we can’t wait to see you down in the Music Department with IP beginning in Week 3. If you’ve done IP before, you’ll know most of the information below, and if you haven’t, be sure to read it twice! 

What is it?

IP runs alongside the Primary School Music classes, and involves the learning of an orchestral instrument in small groups, from Years 3 – 6. The students learn from professional musicians who are experts on their instruments, and have many years of performing and teaching experience. Students will have Music and IP on the same day, and must bring their instrument and their music to every lesson. 

When is it?

Music and IP classes take place on the following days:

• Years 3 and 5: Tuesday
• Years 4 and 6: Wednesday

IP starts in Week 3. If you have not been allocated an instrument for IP, I will be in contact with students to do an instrument trial before then.

What about your instrument?

In IP you use an instrument every week. You have to bring it to school every week, and take it home to practise every week. Looking after your instrument is kind of like looking after a pet, except don’t give it food! You need to make sure you clean your instrument, be gentle with it, and play it! Your IP teachers will show you exactly how to clean and look after your instrument, so pay close attention to them. On every school instrument there is a tag with your name on it and a serial number. If you notice that either the name tag or the serial number tag have gone missing, please bring the instrument into the Music Department so that we can replace the tag. If you have your own instrument that you are using for IP, you still have to bring it to school every week, and look after it too! 

Who am I?

I’m Mr Owen and I’m the IP Coordinator this year. That means that you’re going to be seeing me every week at IP, and I’ll also be the person that you come to with any IP questions. If you need to get in touch, feel free to email me. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My instrument is too heavy, can I just leave it at school?

A: You have to take your instrument home so that you can practise and get better! Ask an older sibling, a friend, or a trusted adult to help you take it home and bring it back in each week.

Q: Can I leave my instrument in the classroom?

A: We have instrument cubbies in the Music Department for you to leave your instrument in during the school day. Bring your instrument to the Music Department in the morning when you arrive, use it in IP, put it back in the cubby, then take it home at the end of the day.

Q: I don’t have time to practise my instrument! What do I do?

A: Speak with your IP teacher about some tips to find time to practise. My favourite tip is to use a big planner and write on it when I’m going to do some practise. I put the planner on the fridge so everyone can see it!

Q: Can I keep learning my instrument after IP?

A: Yes! If you’re interested in doing private lessons on your instrument, send an email to the Music Department or look for the Music tile on the parent portal and you can find more information about signing up for lessons.

Q: Should I buy my instrument from Aldi?

A: No. The instruments from Aldi, despite being cheap, are not great quality instruments to learn and develop technique on. We recommend using one of our school instruments that is regularly tested and checked for its quality. However, if you’d like to purchase an instrument, we’d be happy to recommend certain models, brands and shops in Sydney.

Q: Should I buy a music stand from Aldi?

A: Yes! Unlike the instruments from Aldi, the quality of the music stands has nothing to do with your playing technique and development. We can highly recommend the Aldi music stand.