Music Education at WHPS

Waterkloof House Preparatory School has a proud music tradition which sets us apart from many other schools.

The Academic curriculum is supported by Arts and Culture, Drama and Music Education. These are infused into what is primarily a journey of learning, discovery and development. Music is such a powerful medium and at WHPS the task of every Music teacher/educator is to develop a love and appreciation for music amongst pupils from a very early age.

From as early as Grade 000 the pupils are introduced to the various elements of music making. This will hopefully equip them later in life to be able to understand, appreciate and enjoy music. The value of early beginnings cannot be over-emphasized. Children should never be denied the opportunity to study music – it is such a valuable resource and essential to a child’s development. The boys learn so much more than just music... they develop valuable life-long skills and values too.

A staff of 12 qualified music teachers provide music education in a wide variety of musical instruments. Over two-thirds of the boys take private music lessons. These lessons take place during the School day, in consultation with the academic staff and parents. All boys learning a musical instrument are obliged to attend at least one theory lesson a week.

As the interest and involvement in music education is so high, WHPS is able to boast two orchestras, two choirs, a rock band, various recorder ensembles, a guitar ensemble, a percussion ensemble and a djembe ensemble. A Theory Computer Centre was also started 2 years ago, providing the pupils with unlimited hours of enjoyable theory practice.

WHPS offers a very active class music programme. All classes in the Junior phase attend two music lessons per week. One lesson is dedicated to teaching the recorder, which is learnt by all the boys from Grade 1 – 4. Through these lessons, the boys have the opportunity to learn to read music. All boys are encouraged to develop their creative side and this, along with the movement taught in class, helps with the holistic education of the child.

In the Senior Phase, the boys attend one lesson a week. From Grade 5, all boys are taught the guitar, a very popular instrument as well as the djembe.

The Music Department works in accordance with the stipulations laid down by the Education Department ensuring that all boys are easily assimilated into the arts and culture syllabus of any High School or Music Schools.

In a concerted effort to educate the whole child, the various Departments in the School work closely together and the Music Department is an important and integral part of this initiative.

Music education belongs in school because it is basic to learning and making music purely for the joy of learning sounds that delight you, is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression and also has a positive effect on motivation and behavior.

"Music expresses that which cannot be said
and on which it is impossible to be silent."

Victor Hugo

Return from Music Education to WHPS Home Page