Music

'Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.'  LaoTsu

Music is vitally important for the general development of children, and the dedication of the music staff is testament to this. Providing engaging, fun and meaningful learning opportunities and experiences is core to what they do. Allowing students to also explore their own creativity and talents, music also aids academic development and any involvement in ensembles enhances social skills.

Students are supported by dedicated, professional instrumental tutors that are well known around the music scene in Hobart. It is with this breadth of variety that students can develop their skills in any genre or style of music they like. By enabling students to do this, they become more well-rounded and intelligent musically and academically. 

Instrumental Tuition

Private instrumental tuition is offered by our highly experienced and respected instrumental tutors. It has been shown around the world that students who undertake learning a musical instrument in some form, demonstrate a more highly improved academic outcome and focus to general learning, so parents – and students – are encouraged to undertake this opportunity where possible. Lessons at the Junior School are provided outside of school hours to ensure minimal disruption to classroom learning. Lessons at the Senior School occur on a rotational basis each week.

Boys can learn a variety of instruments that can include:

  • Guitar (acoustic, electric & bass)
  • Piano
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Drums/Percussion
  • Voice

Please note that piano tuition is offered in Kinder, Prep and Year 1, with further instrumental tuition offered from Year 3.


Learn more about the Music programs

Junior School Music

Junior School Choir

The choir rehearsal schedule will be announced on this page.

Performance Opportunities

Year 5 and Year 6 class bands, along with the Junior School Choir, are provided with performance opportunities in End of Semester Assembly, End of Year Assembly, City of Clarence Eisteddfod, Festival of Voices/Young Tasmania Sings, Edmund Rice and Mary Rice Masses, along with involvement in the annual Choomalaka Festival.

Senior School Music

Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule

The co-curricular ensemble rehearsal schedule will be announced on this page.

Band & Choir

The Music programs aim at St Virgil’s College is to encourage boys to practice on their instruments so that they have enough skill to combine their efforts to produce music in a group situation. 

The Band Program at St Virgil’s College consists of Concert Band and Stage Band.

There is also the opportunity for interested students to further their singing experience by participating in the College Choir.

Dependent on student interest and involvement, the College also provides opportunities for the following smaller ensembles:

  • Saxophone Ensemble
  • Flute Ensemble
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Brass Ensemble
  • Guitar Ensemble

Choir, Band and Ensemble participants have numerous opportunities to practise their skills in front of audiences large and small – from whole school assemblies and masses to public celebrations and school musical performances.

If you would like any further information regarding the music program please contact the Director of Music.

Borrowing of Musical Instruments

Students have the opportunity, either as part of the curriculum in Year 7 and 8 or who are having private instrumental tuition with our College tutors, to borrow instruments overnight from Monday to Thursday and over the weekend from Friday to Monday morning. If students wish to borrow an instrument, they simply come to the music block at the end of the school day and see one of the Music Department staff who will sign an instrument out for them. It is important that the instrument be returned the following morning if borrowed between Monday and Thursday - and first thing on Monday morning if borrowing Friday afternoon - as instruments are shared amongst all music classes and not having access to them impacts on learning. If there are any questions simply make contact with the Music Department. Students will need to bring their student ID card as instruments will be loaned as per the library borrowing process.

Performance Opportunities

Assembly performance opportunities are regularly available to any interested students. This is a wonderful way to show your skills to your peers, so come and see the Music Department staff to put your name on the list. 

Lunchtime concerts are also another performance opportunity for any students interested in forming a group. If you are interested, come and see the Music Department. 

All co-curricular ensembles participate in the City of Clarence Eisteddfod, along with the opportunity for involvement in the annual Choomalaka Festival.

Contact the Director of Music

If you have any questions about the music program, please contact Director of Music, Jack Machin, jmachin@stvirgils.tas.edu.au.