Kids at the Con

The Kids at the Con program is designed to help children between the ages of 3 and 10 engage with the exciting world of music. Structured classes are presented in a challenging but non-competitive environment which encourages the development of artistic expression and creativity.

Based on both the Orff-Schulwerk approach and the Kodaly method, students will be introduced to music using singing, imitation, movement, playing tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments, improvisation, story-telling and guided listening activities.

All classes take place in the Conservatorium’s historic Macquarie Street buildings on Saturday and Wednesdays. For more details visit our 'available classes page'

Red: 3 to 4 year olds

In the Red class, children focus on basic musical elements through exploring music with differentiation in pitch, beat and tempo. Motor skills are also improved using musical games. This class is perfect for preschoolers and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.
Click 'HERE' to view all available dates and times, and enrol your child.

Orange: 4 to 5 year olds

Building on foundational elements developed in the Red class, children are introduced to the first 5 solfa notes (doh-soh). Activities for group interaction are also encouraged as well as some exploration into improvisation. Our Orange class has a slightly faster pace than the Red class and begins to investigate rhythmic notation. As parents/guardians are encouraged to attend, but we also encourage independent music-making.
Click 'HERE' to view all available dates and times, and enrol your child.

Yellow: 5 to 6 year olds

In the Yellow class, children continue to experience beat, pitch, tempo, dynamics and structure through playing, singing and moving. Simple notation is introduced and rhythmic and aural elements become more complex. Ensemble work is explored in more detail. Working with different parts in both singing and on instruments contributes to a wider understanding of how music comes together. Our Yellow class is suited to children who have already started school, and who can read simple letters, numbers and words.
Click 'HERE' to view all available dates and times, and enrol your child.

Green: 6 to 7 year olds

In the Green class, children continue to experience the elements of music through singing, moving and playing. Conventional music notation is introduced including rhythm, bass and treble clef. Ensemble work broadens to 3–4 parts and aural training also reflects this with more difficult solfege and learning of songs in more than 1 part. Many of the participants in this level have already begun individual instrumental lessons but this is not a prerequisite.
Click 'HERE' to view all available dates and times, and enrol your child.

Blue: 7 to 10 year olds

In the Blue class, conventional and graphic notation are explored and a broader range of rhythmic and pitch concepts are used. Building on solfege of previous levels, more challenging ensemble and aural activities are presented. The participants in this level bring a diversity of musical experiences to class but share equally in experiencing and making music.
Click 'HERE' to view all available dates and times, and enrol your child.

Term dates

Term 1, 2024	Term 2, 2024	Term 3, 2024	Term 4, 2024
10 Feb – 6 Apr-	4 May – 29 Jun*	3 Aug – 21 Sept	19 Oct – 7 Dec**

• Classes WILL NOT BE HELD March 30 – Easter Long Weekend

*Classes WILL NOT BE HELD June 8 – Sovereign’s Birthday long weekend
* * Classes on Saturday December 7 will be substituted with the Kids at the Con End of Year Concert. Details will be released to students enrolled in Term 4 classes.

Wednesday classes are generally held on the Wednesday following the Saturday date listed, with the exception of Term 4. Please see the specific class timetable for exact dates.