Fostering a Love For Music

It is the fun, the friendships and the love of music and performance that students develop as part of our music program, that makes music at Toorak special, and ensures our students graduate as proficient musicians with incredible memories and a passion for music that lasts a lifetime.

We foster a love for music through our three 'pillars' of highly engaging classroom music opportunities, instrumental music lessons and ensemble rehearsals and performances, with every student encouraged to follow their musical passions.

In the classroom, music students develop skills in singing, rhythm and movement, and have the opportunity to learn a range of instruments and participate in musical theatre performances. They are encouraged to connect their learning from their classroom music and instrumental music lessons with frequent performance opportunities at share-assemblies, open-mic concerts and soirees.

At our recent Easter assembly, our Prep-Year 2 students donned their Easter Bonnets and performed “Little Peter Rabbit” to the whole school. A huge cheer and response from the audience inspired an encore performance with everyone joining in on the singing and the actions. The pride felt by our youngest students and the spontaneous sense of fun perfectly showcased how music can connect a community.

Toorak has allowed me to fully engage in and focus on my music. As a Year 12 student who plans to pursue music in tertiary education, I’ve thrived on that. Being elected as leader of Chamber Winds, and co-leader of Symphony Winds has been a fabulous opportunity to learn more about working in ensembles. I’ve been thriving off the connectedness that we’re developing, and am firmly of the opinion that there’s nothing better than seeing another musician finally nail a piece! Zoe G, Year 12

Our Senior School program sees students develop skills in a wide range of orchestral and contemporary instruments with our teachers harnessing the perseverance, commitment and joy of those who are keen to develop their skills in piano, singing, woodwind, brass, percussion, guitar and orchestral strings. Students who have a passion for music technology, songwriting and elite performance opportunities, are nurtured in our music elective subjects and students who would like to learn more specialised or rare instruments are encouraged and supported to do so with our ensemble and performance programs.

It is on the stage, however, where we can all witness our students' love for music and our ensemble musicians showcased their passion for performance at the 2021 Autumn Concert. This year’s Music Captains and ensemble leaders were presented with their badges and led the ensembles through conduct on and offstage, confidently MC’ing the entire concert. Students combined with Collegian musicians to celebrate their love for music with performances by string ensembles, choirs, concert bands, rocks bands and even our newly formed K-pop ensemble. This concert was once again a highlight of Toorak's calendar and no doubt further inspired and encouraged our students to connect to music and develop their identity through the power of music.

Ms Amy Wert - Director of Music