Music Program

Music comes alive at Mortlake Public School

At Mortlake Public School, we are proud to offer a vibrant and inclusive Music Program that enriches the lives of our students through engaging lessons, performance opportunities, and specialist tuition.

Classroom lessons

Led by our full-time Specialist Music Teacher, Mrs Tracey Krestovsky, every class from Kindergarten to Year 6 enjoys a dedicated one-hour music lesson each week as part of our RFF (Relief from Face-to-Face) program. Lessons are designed in line with the NSW Department of Education Music curriculum, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in music while also catering for High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities.

Beyond the classroom, Mortlake PS offers a range of exciting music ensembles and programs for students to explore their talents.

These provide students with opportunities to extend their musical talents, including High Potential and Gifted Education pathways.

The value of music education

Richard Gill AO (1941-2018) was an iconic Australian musician, conductor, and educator whose contributions to the world of music left an indelible mark. He was also a resident of Sydney's Inner West.

With an unwavering passion for nurturing young talent, he dedicated his life to transforming the landscape of music education in Australia. Richard Gill’s influential career spanned over five decades, during which he conducted orchestras, mentored countless students, and championed the importance of music in society.

In his TEDx Talk, The Value of Music Education, Richard argues the case for igniting the imagination through music and the positive impact music can have on a child's developing mind.

Music Tuition Program

At Mortlake Public School, students have the wonderful opportunity to learn a musical instrument right here on campus – with lessons available before and after school, or during lunchtimes to suit your family’s schedule.

Tuition is delivered by a team of experienced private tutors, with instrument hire available through the school to ensure accessibility for families.

Under the leadership of our new music program director, Yvonne Brown, we are expanding our program with the vision of building a comprehensive school band and music initiative that is second to none.

We aim to:

• Foster musical excellence
• Provide enriching performance experiences
• Nurture student talent and confidence

Our experienced tutors offer lessons in:

2025 lesson fees

Kindergarten

$33 (20 mins)

Years 1–6

$45 (30 mins)
$66 (extended lesson)

Plus an $80 annual admin fee payable to the school.

Instrument library

To ensure access to quality instruments, students can hire instruments from our instrument library.

2025 annual hire fees

Bass Guitar: $200
Violin/Cello: $175/$200
Flute/Clarinet: $200
Trumpet/Saxophone: $200

Music ensembles

Strings ensemble

Led by Ruth Choong

Open to students learning violin, viola, or cello, the Mortlake Public School String Ensemble rehearses weekly and performs at school and community events, with selected students performing at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House.

Guitar ensemble (New in 2025)

Led by Matt Small

Students have the opportunity to join a Guitar Ensemble led by Matt Small, rehearsing weekly and performing at school and community events.

Recorder ensemble

Led by Mrs Krestovski

Festival of Instrumental Music

Selected ensemble members have the opportunity to perform in the Festival of Instrumental Music at the Sydney Opera House, alongside over 1,300 students from across NSW.

Choirs

All choirs are non-auditioned, welcoming students of all abilities to experience the joy of singing and perform at key school and community events, including Anzac Day, Education Week, and our much-loved tradition, with a highlight being the Gimbawali Festival of Stars at the Sydney Opera House, where Mortlake Public School has performed since 2000.

Music that makes a lasting impact

Through classroom learning, performance opportunities, and personalised tuition, music at Mortlake Public School is a powerful and enriching part of school life. We believe every child deserves the chance to experience the transformative power of music, and our program is designed to nurture talent, inspire creativity and foster a deep connection to the arts that lasts well beyond the primary years.