FAQ

Helpful Information.

AT WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD START LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT?

Age and school year level eligibility for 2026 are calculated as at 1 February 2026.

Instrument eligibility by age and year level:

4 years (Kindergarten)
– Kindy Class
Years 1–2 (5–6 years)
– Pre-Instrumental
Year 2 (6–7 years)
– Recorder, Ukulele, Violin, Vocals, Keyboard
Year 3 (7–8 years)
– Guitar, Bucket Drums
Year 5 (8–9 years)
– Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Drums Extension*
Year 6 (9–10 years)
– Cello, Trombone, Electric Guitar**, Bass Guitar**
Year 7 (10–11 years)
– Saxophone, French Horn

* Expression of interest only
** Application only

MY CHILD IS FOUR, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST

We recommend our Kindy class for 4-year-olds.
Requirement: Students must turn 4 by 1 February 2026.
Sorry, no exceptions.

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 0/1, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

We highly recommend starting children in our Pre-Instrumental classes, where they learn pitch and rhythm through fun, engaging activities. This program provides a strong foundation in music, and most of our students begin their musical journey here.

Enrolment by age (as at 1 February 2026):

Aged 4 – Enrol in Pre-Instrumental Kindy
Aged 5 – Enrol in Pre-Instrumental

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 2, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

If your child is in Year 2 and has no prior musical experience, we strongly recommend enrolling them in a one-year Pre-Instrumental class before beginning instrumental lessons.

Children should be in Year 2 and at least 6 years old to commence lessons on the following instruments:

Recorder
Ukulele
Violin
Vocals
Keyboard

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 3, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

For Guitar and Bucket Drums, we recommend that students are:

In Year 3 or above, and
At least 7 years old

Other suitable instruments for this age group include:
Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder and Ukulele.

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 4, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

Suitable instrument for this age group include: Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele, Bucket Drums.

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 5, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

For Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet and Drums Extension, we recommend that students are:

In Year 5 at school, and
At least 8 years old

Additional requirements:

Clarinet, Flute and Trumpet
– Students are recommended to have at least one year of recorder experience prior to commencing.
Drums Extension
– Students must have previous drum learning experience and are required to apply, as places are limited.

Other suitable instruments for this age group include:
Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele and Bucket Drums.

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 6, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

For Trombone, Cello, Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar, we recommend that students are in Year 6 at school.

Additional requirements:

Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar
– Students must have at least one year of prior guitar experience and be confident, skilled players.
– These classes are offered via expression of interest and will commence subject to sufficient enrolments.

Other suitable instrument classes for this age group include:
Trombone, Cello, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Drums Extension, Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele and Bucket Drums.

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 7/8, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

For French Horn and Saxophone, we recommend that students are in Year 7 at school or above.
Other suitable instrument options for this age group include:
Saxophone, Trombone, Cello, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Drums Extension, Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele and Bucket Drums.

MY CHILD IS YEAR 9 OR HIGHER, AT HIGH SCHOOL OR OVER 13 YEARS OLD

We suggest that you look to your high school and enquire there. Alternatively, look for private tuition or other businesses offering tuition for older children.

MY CHILD WANTS TO LEARN PIANO?

We teach keyboard.

WHAT DO YOU HIRE?

We have a range of instruments available for hire for students enrolled in classes. Instruments can be hired on the first day of lessons.
Hire information is located on our Lesson Information page.

HOW DO WE ENROL?

You can enrol online by filling out the form at the top of the page.

You will receive your invoice within the first week or two of enrolling. Please check that your email address is correct when signing up, and keep an eye on your junk folder in case the invoice is filtered there.
To secure your spot in your chosen class(es), please ensure payment is made promptly by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks).
Once payment is received, your child’s place will be secured. If payment is not made by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks), the space may be offered to the next student on the waitlist.
A confirmation email will be sent with your child’s enrolled class(es) in mid-late January. Our first day of lessons is 14th February.

WHAT BOOKS DO WE NEED?

Each instrument has different book requirements, which we will provide upon confirmation of enrolment.

All necessary books and accessories are available for purchase at our music school office on Saturday mornings.
We accept EFTPOS payments.

HOW MUCH ARE LESSONS?

Annual Membership Fee
$250 per year per instrument (inclusive of GST).
If your child is learning more than one instrument, the annual membership fee is cumulative:
2 instruments: $250 × 2 = $500
3 instruments: $250 × 3 = $750

Membership Period
The Annual Membership covers the school year from February to December.

Important Notes
If lessons commence partway through the school year, the full Annual Membership fee still applies and is not pro-rated.
If lessons are discontinued partway through the year, no refunds will be issued.

WHEN DO WE PAY?

You will receive your invoice within the first week or two of enrolling. Please check that your email address is correct when signing up, and keep an eye on your junk folder in case the invoice is filtered there.
To secure your spot in your chosen class(es), please ensure payment is made promptly by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks).
Once payment is received, your child’s place will be secured. If payment is not made by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks), the space may be offered to the next student on the waitlist.

If you have questions please contact the Treasurer via email on treasurer@papakuramusicschool.org.nz

WHEN DO LESSONS START?

Lessons in 2026 will start 14th February.

HOW DO I ENROL IN BAGPIPES?

Contact Papakura Pipe Band Academy directly via email info@papakurapipeband.co.nz

CAN MY CHILD LEARN MORE THAN ONE INSTRUMENT?

Yes, your child can learn up to 4 instruments.
However, due to timetabling constraints, we may not be able to accommodate all instrument choices.

ARE THERE OTHER GROUPS THAT MY CHILD CAN PLAY IN?

Yes! We offer four groups that your child can join free of charge:

Junior Band – Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Drums
(For first-year students)
Senior Band – Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Drums
(For second-year students and above)
String Orchestra – Violin and Cello
(For second-year students and above)
Rock Band – For any instrument, second-year students and above
(Students must audition to join the Rock Band)

DO YOU HAVE A MAP OF THE CLASSROOMS?

We are working on it.

WHAT DAYS OF THE WEEK ARE LESSONS ON?

Lessons are only on Saturday mornings between 8am-12pm

COVID-19

If we feel it's unsafe at any of the alert levels we will move to online learning. This could be due to additional information and advice from the government, staffing shortage or illness amongst our families.

HOW CAN I ENROL FOR NEXT YEAR?

Enrolments open mid-December for the following year via our website. An announcement will be made via our Facebook page.

IS THERE A SIBLING DISCOUNT?

Unfortunately, at this time there is not.

FAQ

AT WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD START LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT?

Age and school year level eligibility for 2026 are calculated as at 1 February 2026.

Instrument eligibility by age and year level:

4 years (Kindergarten) – Kindy Class

Years 1–2 (5–6 years) – Pre-Instrumental

Year 2 (6–7 years) – Recorder, Ukulele, Violin, Vocals, Keyboard

Year 3 (7–8 years) – Guitar, Bucket Drums

Year 5 (8–9 years) – Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Drums Extension*

Year 6 (9–10 years) – Cello, Trombone, Electric Guitar**, Bass Guitar**

Year 7 (10–11 years) – Saxophone, French Horn * Expression of interest only ** Application only

MY CHILD IS FOUR, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 0/1, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

We highly recommend starting children in our Pre-Instrumental classes, where they learn pitch and rhythm through fun, engaging activities. This program provides a strong foundation in music, and most of our students begin their musical journey here.

Enrolment by age (as at 1 February 2026):

Aged 4 – Enrol in Pre-Instrumental Kindy

Aged 5 – Enrol in Pre-Instrumental

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 2, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

If your child is in Year 2 and has no prior musical experience, we strongly recommend enrolling them in a one-year Pre-Instrumental class before beginning instrumental lessons.

Children should be in Year 2 and at least 6 years old to commence lessons on the following instruments:

Recorder

Ukulele

Violin

Vocals

Keyboard

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 3, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

For Guitar and Bucket Drums, we recommend that students are:

In Year 3 or above, and

At least 7 years old

Other suitable instruments for this age group include: Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder and Ukulele.

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 4, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 5, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

For Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet and Drums Extension, we recommend that students are:

In Year 5 at school, and

At least 8 years old

Additional requirements:

Clarinet, Flute and Trumpet – Students are recommended to have at least one year of recorder experience prior to commencing.

Drums Extension – Students must have previous drum learning experience and are required to apply, as places are limited.

Other suitable instruments for this age group include: Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele and Bucket Drums.

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 6, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

For Trombone, Cello, Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar, we recommend that students are in Year 6 at school.

Additional requirements:

Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar – Students must have at least one year of prior guitar experience and be confident, skilled players. – These classes are offered via expression of interest and will commence subject to sufficient enrolments.

Other suitable instrument classes for this age group include: Trombone, Cello, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Drums Extension, Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele and Bucket Drums.

​

MY CHILD IS IN YEAR 7/8, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

MY CHILD IS YEAR 9 OR HIGHER, AT HIGH SCHOOL OR OVER 13 YEARS OLD

MY CHILD WANTS TO LEARN PIANO?

WHAT DO YOU HIRE?

HOW DO WE ENROL?

You can enrol online by filling out the form at the top of the page.

You will receive your invoice within the first week or two of enrolling. Please check that your email address is correct when signing up, and keep an eye on your junk folder in case the invoice is filtered there.

To secure your spot in your chosen class(es), please ensure payment is made promptly by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks).

Once payment is received, your child’s place will be secured. If payment is not made by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks), the space may be offered to the next student on the waitlist.

A confirmation email will be sent with your child’s enrolled class(es) in mid-late January. Our first day of lessons is 14th February.

WHAT BOOKS DO WE NEED?

Each instrument has different book requirements, which we will provide upon confirmation of enrolment.

All necessary books and accessories are available for purchase at our music school office on Saturday mornings. We accept EFTPOS payments.

HOW MUCH ARE LESSONS?

Annual Membership Fee $250 per year per instrument (inclusive of GST). If your child is learning more than one instrument, the annual membership fee is cumulative: 2 instruments: $250 × 2 = $500 3 instruments: $250 × 3 = $750

Membership Period The Annual Membership covers the school year from February to December.

Important Notes If lessons commence partway through the school year, the full Annual Membership fee still applies and is not pro-rated. If lessons are discontinued partway through the year, no refunds will be issued.

WHEN DO WE PAY?

You will receive your invoice within the first week or two of enrolling. Please check that your email address is correct when signing up, and keep an eye on your junk folder in case the invoice is filtered there.

To secure your spot in your chosen class(es), please ensure payment is made promptly by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks).

Once payment is received, your child’s place will be secured. If payment is not made by the due date on the invoice (within 2 weeks), the space may be offered to the next student on the waitlist.

If you have questions please contact the Treasurer via email on treasurer@papakuramusicschool.org.nz

WHEN DO LESSONS START?

HOW DO I ENROL IN BAGPIPES?

CAN MY CHILD LEARN MORE THAN ONE INSTRUMENT?

ARE THERE OTHER GROUPS THAT MY CHILD CAN PLAY IN?

Yes! We offer four groups that your child can join free of charge:

Junior Band – Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Drums (For first-year students)

Senior Band – Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Drums (For second-year students and above)

String Orchestra – Violin and Cello (For second-year students and above)

Rock Band – For any instrument, second-year students and above (Students must audition to join the Rock Band)

DO YOU HAVE A MAP OF THE CLASSROOMS?

WHAT DAYS OF THE WEEK ARE LESSONS ON?

COVID-19

HOW CAN I ENROL FOR NEXT YEAR?

4 years (Kindergarten)
– Kindy Class

Years 1–2 (5–6 years)
– Pre-Instrumental

Year 2 (6–7 years)
– Recorder, Ukulele, Violin, Vocals, Keyboard

Year 3 (7–8 years)
– Guitar, Bucket Drums

Year 5 (8–9 years)
– Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Drums Extension*

Year 6 (9–10 years)
– Cello, Trombone, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar

Year 7 (10–11 years)
– Saxophone, French Horn

* Expression of interest only
** Application only

Other suitable instruments for this age group include:
Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder and Ukulele.

Clarinet, Flute and Trumpet
– Students are recommended to have at least one year of recorder experience prior to commencing.

Drums Extension
– Students must have previous drum learning experience and are required to apply, as places are limited.

Other suitable instruments for this age group include:
Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele and Bucket Drums.

Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar
– Students must have at least one year of prior guitar experience and be confident, skilled players.
– These classes are offered via expression of interest and will commence subject to sufficient enrolments.

Other suitable instrument classes for this age group include:
Trombone, Cello, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Drums Extension, Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Vocals, Recorder, Ukulele and Bucket Drums.

All necessary books and accessories are available for purchase at our music school office on Saturday mornings.
We accept EFTPOS payments.

Annual Membership Fee
$250 per year per instrument (inclusive of GST).
If your child is learning more than one instrument, the annual membership fee is cumulative:
2 instruments: $250 × 2 = $500
3 instruments: $250 × 3 = $750

Membership Period
The Annual Membership covers the school year from February to December.

Important Notes
If lessons commence partway through the school year, the full Annual Membership fee still applies and is not pro-rated.
If lessons are discontinued partway through the year, no refunds will be issued.

Junior Band – Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Drums
(For first-year students)

Senior Band – Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Drums
(For second-year students and above)

String Orchestra – Violin and Cello
(For second-year students and above)

Rock Band – For any instrument, second-year students and above
(Students must audition to join the Rock Band)