The Metropolitan North region (MNR) Music Resource Centre (MRC) supports students and teachers by offering an extension program for
double reeds (oboe and bassoon),
french horn and
double bass.
Information and eligibility
The extension program allows students who are already learning oboe, bassoon, french horn or double bass through their school Instrumental Music (IM) program, the opportunity to attend free extension lessons with a specialist teacher. Students benefit through learning instrument-specific techniques from specialist teachers and also by meeting, learning and performing alongside students on the same instrument from across the region.
The extension program does not aim to take the place of the students' normal IM program or lessons at school, but to extend each individual's knowledge and musicianship, which enhances their own school IM program.
Lesson times and location
The venue for the extension program lessons is the Kelvin Grove State College Senior School.
Lessons are located in the MRC annex off Boundary Road, in the demountable called Y block. Metered and limited free car parking is available in streets surrounding the college and paid parking is available in the QUT carpark, also located off Boundary Road.
All extension program lessons are held on afternoons, usually between 3.30 and 5.30pm. Each teacher offers lessons on a different day. Times are negotiated with students
upon enrolment in the program.
Lesson structure
Lessons are in small group format, containing 3–6 students. Students are grouped according to their level. Students are provided with lesson materials by the teacher and are encouraged to perform with their peers in an ensemble. The extension program holds a concert at least once per year where each student performs a solo and all students perform together in ensembles to showcase their work.
Applying for the extension program
To apply for a place in the extension program, the student’s regular IM teacher will need to download and print the enrolment form available through their regional MRC intranet. After filling out the relevant information, students will need to have their school IM teacher and principal also sign the application before forwarding it to the MRC. Students also need to be entered in the survey online.
Once the application is received, the student and/or parents will be contacted directly by the specialist teacher to arrange a suitable lesson time.
Important information
Please note that the extension program is unable to supply students with instruments for hire or loan. The extension program is only eligible to students already learning the oboe, bassoon, or french horn or double bass through their school IM program.