Conservatorium High School
Conservatorium High School
As a prominent public government-funded school, the Conservatorium High School, known as Con High, also stands as a co-educational selective secondary day school with a unique focus on music education. Nestled on the western fringe of the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, adjacent to Macquarie Street, it finds itself situated in the heart of Sydney's CBD. As the sole specialist music high school in New South Wales, it holds a significant position as the secondary counterpart to the esteemed Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Over the years, the school has nurtured and produced a host of remarkable alumni, including some of Australia's most celebrated performers, teachers, composers, and musicians. Their significant contributions have left an indelible mark on all facets of the music profession, further bolstering the school's reputation and influence in the music world.
The Conservatorium High School boasts a rich musical heritage, with a rigorous and comprehensive music curriculum that equips students with exceptional skills and knowledge in their chosen musical fields. The school takes pride in fostering a supportive and creative environment where budding musicians can thrive and reach their full potential.
Programs in Conservatorium High School
At the Conservatorium High School, the cultivation of composition and creativity lies at the heart of the educational journey. Research supports the notion that musical creativity is a skill that can be honed and strengthened, akin to the development of performance skills on an instrument. As a result, every student at the Conservatorium High School embarks on a learning path that nurtures and fosters their compositional and creative abilities in music.
In the initial years of Years 7 and 8, the students' creative skills take shape through improvisation and compositional activities integrated into the Classroom Music program and individual Keyboard Musicianship lessons. Moreover, students are provided opportunities to apply these skills in their Small Ensembles work, where collaboration and musical synergy are emphasized.
As students progress into Year 9 and beyond, the emphasis on creative work becomes more structured and focused, with specialized small-group composition classes conducted on a weekly basis. These sessions provide the platform for students to delve deeper into the art of musical creation, channeling their innovative ideas into concrete compositions.
A well-rounded musician, in addition to excelling in their major study areas, must also possess essential foundational skills. These skills encompass sight-reading, harmony comprehension, improvisation, aural acuity, transposition, composition, and a knowledge of diverse musical styles. Often, these areas receive limited attention in regular instrumental lessons due to the focus on mastering existing repertoire.
Keyboard instruments serve as a powerful tool for fostering these essential skills, regardless of students' musical backgrounds. Basic keyboard literacy is recognized as a valuable asset for every musician, regardless of their chosen major study. Consequently, all students in Years 7 and 8 receive weekly lessons with a Keyboard Musicianship specialist teacher. These lessons focus on foundational harmony exercises, scales and modes, improvisation, chord progressions, sight-reading, transposing, and song arranging. Conservatorium High School students are encouraged to dedicate 15 minutes of daily practice to Keyboard Musicianship, and their progress is regularly monitored with formal reports provided twice a year.
Small Ensembles are a key component of the music education at the Conservatorium High School, and all students in Years 7 to 9 participate in them, led by the school's esteemed classroom and instrumental teachers. The purpose of these Small Ensembles is to build the fundamental skills essential for making music with others, serving as a stepping stone for future participation in Large Ensembles or Chamber Music. Engaging in various activities such as performing in unfamiliar styles, learning music by ear, individual and group improvisation, and playing instruments other than their major instrument, students are encouraged to venture beyond their comfort zones and develop a versatile approach to music making.
Through this comprehensive approach to music education, the Conservatorium High School aims to foster well-rounded musicians with a strong foundation in creative expression and a deep appreciation for the art of music.
From Years 9/10, students at the Conservatorium High School will have the opportunity to delve into the realm of standard chamber music compositions relevant to their major study. These enriching classes will be led by professional performing musicians, many of whom are also esteemed educators at the Tertiary Conservatorium. Through this specialized course, students will acquire the foundational skills necessary for professional chamber music making, cultivating a deeper understanding of ensemble dynamics and musical collaboration.
As an integral part of their musical journey, all students will actively participate in a weekly large ensemble activity, under the guidance of highly experienced conductors. Engaging in these activities, students will develop essential skills such as following a conductor's cues and attentively listening to fellow musicians' performances. While students typically perform on their primary instrument of study, they are also frequently encouraged to showcase their versatility by performing on a secondary instrument.
Singing holds a central role in the vibrant music-making culture at the Conservatorium High School, with all students actively participating in choral singing throughout their school experience. The Whole-school Choir, an integral part of the musical landscape, rehearses weekly and regularly takes the stage in term concerts. Additionally, smaller-group choral opportunities are offered to interested students through auditioned choirs, fostering a diverse range of musical experiences.
The Conservatorium High School takes immense pride in the exceptional standard of musical performance achieved by its talented community of students. This is beautifully showcased in the end-of-term concerts held four times a year, conducted by both the school's dedicated music teachers and external guest conductors.
Throughout the year, the Conservatorium High School presents a diverse and comprehensive program of concerts, a testament to the ongoing musical education provided to its students. These concerts serve as both showcases of the finest musical talents from secondary schools across the state and valuable educational experiences in their own right. The school frequently collaborates with acclaimed conductors, including Stephen Williams, Nicholas Milton, Paul Terracini, David Stanhope, and Cristian Cimei, to further enhance the musical growth of its students.
School Life in Conservatorium High School
Conservatorium High School recognizes the unique learning needs of high potential and gifted students, whose abilities surpass those of their peers in one or more domains such as intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical. To cater to their individual learning requirements, the teaching and learning programs, processes, and policies are designed to provide tailored support and a wide range of enrichment and extension activities. These offerings are carefully evaluated each year, ensuring that they align with the evolving needs of the students.
Conservatorium High School's commitment to education goes beyond academic excellence; Conservatorium High School is dedicated to closing the achievement gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. To achieve this, Conservatorium High School actively engages with the local Aboriginal community, welcoming family members, parents, carers, and community members to foster understanding, nurture cultural identity, and develop shared goals and plans for the success of the Aboriginal students. The Aboriginal Education Policy of the NSW Department of Education reinforces the dedication to improving educational outcomes and well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Accommodation
In the immediate vicinity of Conservatorium High School, you'll find several student-friendly accommodation choices, including shared apartments, homestays, and student residences. These options provide a supportive and vibrant atmosphere for students to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and share their passion for music.
To further assist with finding suitable accommodation, the school's administration may provide students and their families with a list of recommended housing options or connect them with relevant resources. Additionally, Conservatorium High School's website or online student forums may serve as valuable platforms to seek advice from current students or alumni regarding their accommodation experiences and suggestions.
Future Prospects after study in Conservatorium High School
The School Leavers Information Service offers a valuable opportunity for all Australians aged 15-24 to access personalized career guidance. Through a free one-on-one, 45-minute session with a qualified career practitioner, you can discuss any questions you may have and create a well-informed plan for your future. Whether you're considering further study, upskilling, or entering the workforce after school, this service is here to support you.
The convenience of the School Leavers Information Service is further enhanced by its accessibility via text, email, or phone, ensuring that you can connect with a career practitioner in a way that suits you best. Additionally, the School Leavers Information Kit, titled "Your Career: What's next for you?" is available at yourcareer.gov.au. This valuable resource provides downloadable and printable information, tailored to offer education, training, and work options relevant to your individual needs and aspirations. It's a helpful tool to share with your family and friends to keep them informed and engaged in your career journey.
If you are a parent or guardian of a school leaver, Conservatorium High School understands that you may have your own questions and concerns. That's why Conservatorium High School has developed a dedicated Parents and Guardian's Guide for School Leavers, tailored specifically for you. This guide is designed to provide you with the information and support you need to assist your child during this critical transition period in their life. Conservatorium High School values your role in supporting your child's future, and this guide is an additional resource to help you navigate this important time together.
In case, if you need Guardianship and Welfare Services, Homestay for international students in order to study in Conservatorium High School or other schools in Australia, please fill in application below or contact us directly.