The CSM is one of New Zealand's greatest musical treasures, where tens of thousands of Christchurch children and adults have learned to love and appreciate music. CSM is a place where the whole family can learn music in the same place at the same time! We also offer a wide range of orchestras, ensembles, and performing groups for all ages and abilities.
We are very excited to let our community know that CSM has been chosen by the Christchurch City Council to build in the Performing Arts precinct. Christchurch School of Music chosen to build in Performing Arts Precinct. It is the first step towards CSM having a building of its own after 67 years of a nomadic existence. There is a lot to do and in the next few months we will be launching a public fundraising campaign. If you would like to donate to this important cause please follow this link or feel free to call CSM Music Director on 03 3661 711 or email musdir@csm.org.nz
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Want to play more with the most fabulous community organisation in Christchurch? Contact us now to talk about enrolment!
Term 4 2023 begins on Saturday 7 October
For further term dates and events check out our calendar
The Chinese philosopher, Confucius said long ago “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without”. Playing an instrument has many benefits and can bring a great deal of joy to the performer and the listener. Studies continue to prove what those involved with music know through experience : participating in musical activities whether playing an instrument, singing or listening has many positive effects on the brain as well as a student’s health and well-being. Numerous studies have found a strong link between music learning and academic success. Some of the proven benefits include: 1) Increased memory capacity 2) Improved language ability 3) Increased empathy 4) Improved self-confidence 5) Increased attention span and focus 6) Self-discipline 7) Improved health including delayed onset of dementia CSM offers a range of lesson options to suit the needs of our students, young and old. If you are unsure of the best option, feel free to contact our office for assistance. The right time to start learning an instrument depends on the child. Physical development, maturity, coordination, and concentration are all important factors in making the right decision. Some of these factors can be overcome by the sheer will to learn, but it is important that a child learns on an instrument that is the right size. Many instruments are available in small sizes or lightweight materials so that keen students can start learning earlier. The benefits of playing with other students in an orchestra, ensemble, or chamber group are numerous and include improved awareness of intonation (playing in tune!), rhythmic skills, sight reading, and awareness of how the parts fit together in a musical composition. Although these are all important reasons, the main reason CSM focuses on group playing is that we find students who choose to join a group at an early stage are much more likely to continue practicing and playing their instrument. We believe this is a combination of the social nature of playing in a group, the exposure to exciting repertoire at an early stage, a better understanding of where their chosen instrument fits into the group, and, perhaps most importantly, more rapid progress. In short, playing with others motivates students! Scientific studies have proven that singing at a young age provides many benefits: better academic achievement, better socialisation and communication skills, increased confidence, and even happiness! All of CSM’s singing programmes are designed with these goals in mind. The voice is a wonderful instrument in its own right and comes with the advantage of being in demand in every style of music, of being truly portable, and with no purchase cost required! The vocal programme at CSM offers students the opportunity to have tailored individual or group lessons along with a range of ensemble experiences. Give your child the gift of a lifetime of music with CSM Sings!Learn!
Strings
Woodwind
Brass
Percussion
Guitar
Ukulele
Piano
Take Orff with Music
Theory
Aural Perception
Play!
Orchestras
Concert Band
Wind Ensembles
Recorder Ensembles
Big Band
Chamber Music
Rock Bands
Jazz Band
Samba Band
Orff Marimba
Guitar Ensembles
Sing!
Voice Lessons
Choirs