Music Program at NCG

Our Music Programme offers weekly lessons and ensemble activities led by a team of 14 visiting instrumental and vocal teachers. Lessons occur throughout the school day and before/after school, with efforts made to minimize impact on classroom subjects.

Instrumental Instruction

Students have the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments from experienced teachers. The instrumental lessons available include:

  • Cello

  • Clarinet

  • Drums

  • Flute

  • Guitar and Bass Guitar

  • Keyboard

  • Piano

  • Recording Techniques

  • Saxophone

  • Theory

  • Trombone

  • Trumpet

  • Violin and Viola

  • Voice (Classical, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Rock, Pop)

Cost and Instrument Hire

Lessons for international students are offered on a private basis and are priced at the teacher’s current rate, typically $35 per half hour. NCG provides string, wind instruments and few brass instruments for hire at a charge of $30 per term. Guitar, drums, and keyboards are not available for hire but can be used for practice after school hours, subject to availability.

Lesson Schedule

Lessons commence early in Term 1 and continue weekly throughout the school year. For students joining mid-year, lessons are arranged promptly upon arrival. Fixed lesson times are allocated, ensuring minimal disruption to academic studies. Students receive approximately 32-36 lessons per year, depending on the school calendar.

Music Groups and Ensembles

NCG offers a wide array of music groups and ensembles for students to join, including:

  • Choirs (Bel Canto; NCG and NC Combined Choir)

  • NCG and NC Combined Orchestra

  • *Junior Orchestra

  • *Flute Group

  • NCG and NC Combined Concert Band

  • *Jazz Combo

  • NCG and NC Combined Jazz Band

  • *Rock Groups

  • *Chamber Music groups

*Exclusive to NCG students.

Performance Opportunities

Our music groups regularly perform at school and community events, competitions, and festivals both locally and nationally. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Musical Theatre productions.

Contact Us

For inquiries or further information, please email Brad Banks (HOD Music) at brad.banks@ncg.school.nz or Patricia Anderson (Arts Coordinator) at patricia.anderson@ncg.school.nz.