Have Questions?
About Our Programme?
Learn how our lessons are structured, where they're held, and what you can expect as part of the Timaru School of Music programme.
Lessons are held at designated teaching spaces in Waimataitai School.
TSM lessons can only be held at Waimataitai School.
We teach music after school Mondays to Wednesdays during term time and availability of lessons is decided by the school of music.
- Trumpet and trombone lessons are on Mondays only
Guitar and ukulele lessons are on Mondays and Tuesdays - Recorder lessons are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Violin lessons are Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
We are funded for 36 weeks of lessons per year. Please see the calendar for term dates
We are funded for 36 weeks of lessons per year.
For the price of one 30 minute private lesson, students can sign up for a whole year of lessons with us. These short lessons are funded by the Ministry of Education and are designed to fill a gap in the curriculum that primary school education does not fill. This is why primary school aged children, or children who are not eligible for itinerant lessons in high school are eligible for lessons at the school of music.
The concept of these lessons is that they are short lessons: Those who wish to engage more deeply with their musical study will be able to join the ensemble and also ask for private music lessons from their tutors.
No. We are not funded for providing piano or drum lessons. We can only provide lessons for the woodwind, brass, recorder, violin, guitar and ukulele. Please follow the link to find a piano teacher in South Canterbury.
The structure of our funding encourages us to provide 20 minute group lessons. There may be some instances where group lessons are not appropriate. In this case, 15 minute individual lessons may be considered.
Have Questions
About Enrolments
Find answers to common questions about enroling, lesson placements, and what to expect before getting started.
Lessons are held at designated teaching spaces in Waimataitai School.
TSM Costs as of 2027:
- $60 administration fee per year per student
- $100 hire fee per year for instruments if you need to hire them
- Tutor book (cost depends on the book)
Invoices are due by the end of each term at the latest. Payment is by bank transfer only.
Yes. Please communicate with accounts about this.
We try to match you with a tutor of your choice but we do need to ensure all tutors are allocated students. Tutor availability also depends on the day of the week and time you would like lessons.
You will be put in contact with your tutor as soon as your enrolment has been accepted.
No, you may only learn one instrument at a time with us.
Have Questions
About Helping Your Child Learn?
Support your child's musical journey with practical tips, advice, and answers to common questions about learning and practice.
Your child should practice what they have been assigned to play in their lessons. Please follow the link to advice on how to practice.
Discuss a practice schedule with your child. Decide times and days to practice and monitor and reward their efforts in practice.
At least three times a week. This does not include the lesson. Please allow your child time and energy to practice. On enrolment you will be asked to consider your child’s weekly practice times.
If they are sick, let them rest. If they are too busy, rethink their timetable. If they are struggling with the music, please come to the lesson with them. Your child may not want to practice. Please encourage them to do even a short time. It will likely take longer to see results than some other activities. The benefit of consistent practice will show over a longer time period.
Play music with the instrument your child is learning. It may be good to have a list of tunes on spotify when travelling in the car.
If you become interested in the instrument as well, your child will likely become motivated to learn.
We have limited practice spaces available that can be used by your child. These need to be booked in advance.
Have Questions
About Instrument Hire?
Find answers to common questions about hiring an instrument, costs, and getting started.
Instruments cost $100 per year (four terms). The value of some instruments are higher and attract higher fees.
You may pay the hire fees termly.
The instrument will be in working order when you get it. Extra accessories for instruments must be purchased by you.
You are responsible for paying for the cost of repairs to instruments that have been broken.
Please contact your admin@timaruschoolofmusic.co.nz and your tutor to let them know you are leaving.
PLEASE RETURN HIRED INSTRUMENTS BEFORE LEAVING.
Have Questions
About Concerts & Performance?
Learn more about concerts, ensemble playing, and the performance opportunities available throughout the year.
We have two school concerts a year. One is in the last week of term two and the other is in the last week of term four.
Yes. We are always on the lookout for opportunities for your child to perform in public. The Timaru School of Music also combines their ensembles with the Youth Orchestra of South Canterbury for their end of year concert.
Yes. We encourage ensemble playing at TSM. These ensembles perform at school concerts and other concerts.
Students can receive itinerant lessons if they attend a high school in South Canterbury.
Students can take music as a subject in high school and earn NCEA credits in music.
Students can join the Youth Orchestra of South Canterbury if they play an orchestral instrument.
Ready to Begin?
A clear and supportive pathway into music is just a few steps away.