Piano

Learn Piano & keyboards

The Piano Department aims to provide high quality piano and keyboard lessons to students of all ages.

Piano students can learn anything from Mozart to Taylor Swift and beyond. Students can sit exams through the AMEB examination system, with Conservatorium teachers providing excellent exam preparation and tuition.

Advanced students have the opportunity to join the Academy (an advanced classical ensemble), the Stage Band (an advanced jazz band), or the Contemporary Academy Program (an advanced band for singer/songwriters, guitarists, drummers, keys players).

Creative kids vouchers are available for all school age children in NSW and can be redeemed for music lessons at the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium.

Piano & keyboard lessons

One-on-one music lessons are at the heart of learning music at Coffs Con, for children and adults. Teaching is tailored to our students’ musical experience level, as well as their learning style, and is delivered by our highly trained and experienced music tutors.

Music lessons are usually taken weekly and are available in a wide range of instruments and voice.  Students can participate in formal examinations through the Australian Music Examination Board or Trinity College if they wish, and support is available for High School students taking Music as an HSC subject.

Our music students are invited to participate in performances and events throughout the year, and are part of a vibrant community that offers an extensive program of concerts, master classes and workshops that will enrich their musical education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes.  Younger students and beginners usually start with half an hour.

Absolutely not! The Conservatorium has keyboards for hire so owning a piano is not a necessity.

It doesn’t matter what your level of musical experience or ability is, you are welcome to learn at the Con!  We cater for all ages and all abilities and we pride ourselves on matching students to instruments they will love and tutors with whom they will enjoy learning.

It’s the difference between “take” and “make”!  Individual lessons give students the chance to work on technique and ‘take’ learning from their tutor.  Ensembles enable students to start ‘making’ music with each other, once they have reached a certain level of proficiency.

Playing music with others is a lot of fun, and we encourage students to think about joining an ensemble.  Different ensembles will be appropriate for different students, depending on their proficiency and enthusiasm!  Some of our ensembles have a limited number of places, but we try to accommodate as many students as possible.  Entry into The Academy and Contemporary Academy are by audition. All other ensembles encourage new members and new support.

We love classical music.  And jazz. And hip-hop.  And chamber music, and pop music…  In fact, we love ALL kinds of music and our tutors and students play all kinds of music!
You certainly don’t have to be a classical musician to study at the Con (although we love teaching classical techniques too), so speak to your tutor or contact our office for more information about how you can learn to play the kinds of music you love.

Yes! Twice a year, the Conservatorium teachers hold Studio Concerts, which give their students a chance to show what they have learnt in front of family and friends only. This all happens in a welcoming and encouraging environment and is a great way for parents and friends to see progress and enjoy the ability and goals of the students.

Enjoyment is what music should be about. If you wish to take lessons without the stress of a deadline and exams, that’s absolutely fine.

No, the Conservatorium runs according to the NSW school term.  We do occasionally hold programs such as String Camps and workshops during the holidays, but our regular lessons and rehearsals are held during term-time.

Class times and waiting lists

Individual music lessons are held:

  • Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7:30pm,
  • Saturdays from 8:30-12:30.

Lessons times vary in length, from 30 to 60 minutes, according to the age and level of the student.

Lessons run for ten weeks each term, in line with the NSW public school term dates.
We take enrolments at any time into most classes, but our programs are popular so you may be placed on a short waiting list.

Whether you know what instrument you’re interested in or you’d like more information, we can help you select the best music lessons for your needs – contact us on 02 6652 1592 or register your interest and we’ll get in touch with you!