Home – Cottage Music Institute

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC

Our Early Childhood Music program offers specialists music classes for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years. These classes explore the fundamental elements of music through singing, dancing, rhythm, movement and games. Casual classes are also offered during the holidays.

This program provides the ideal preparation for, and accompaniment to, instrumental training. As the child progresses through the graded levels on their instrument it becomes more and more complex, so quality musicianship underpins instrumental learning. We offer casual classes outside of term time.

Cottage's Music Theory program is offered to instrumental students preparing for AMEB or ABRSM Theory, Aural and Musicianship tests. As the child progresses through the graded levels on their instrument the music theory they encounter becomes more and more complex. Our classes are designed to build the required knowledge and skills, from basic levels to advanced.

For many years, Cottage Children’s Choir offered expert singing training for children with a focus on quality singing, movement, creativity and beauty of tone. Casual singing classes are now offered over the the course of the year. Singing is central to our Musicianship classes. We offer choir workshops in schools as well Professional Learning for techars.

Cottage Music Institute offers half-day and whole-day professional learning programs focusing on fundamental Musicianship skills for teachers, performers, and students. Courses cater for all levels of music training, and are custom designed. All courses explore ways of learning music in a fun, exciting and challenging way. Participants develop core musical skills using songs, rhymes, listening, and ensemble activities, and incorporate key aspects of Kodály, Orff, Dalcroze, traditional and Jazz/Contemporary teaching approaches.

Our Holiday programs offer the opportunity to experience our specialist music classes for all ages from 2 through to 16 years. We also offer Professional Development programs for teachers during school holiday periods. All courses are custom designed to suit those that are participating.

‘Music is for Life’

Cottage Music Institute

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC

AURAL/MUSICIANSHIP CLASSES

Music Theory Classes

Cottage Children's Choir

Professional Learning

Casual Holiday Classes

"Micheál McCarthy is an outstanding teacher, conductor and musical facilitator. The training that he provides produce a well-equipped, intelligent, thinking, musician's musician. If there was a Micheál McCarthy in every school, what an exciting and wonderfully enriched place Australia would be!"

"Ever since we were colleagues at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, where I witnessed his remarkably transformative and inspirational teaching, I have regarded Micheál McCarthy as one of the finest choral directors I know. ...In all, a superb musician for whom I have the utmost respect."

“Many times I have been asked by family, friends and colleagues where to send their kids for music lessons. I always answer, "Cottage Music with Micheál McCarthy!" I could not think of a better start in your child's musical journey than Micheál’s classes!”

"Micheál McCarthy stands out as one of Australia’s foremost Aural and Musicianship teachers... he sustains this through his empathetic teaching style, his extensive experience as an educator and an uncompromising commitment to his own ongoing professional and musical development."

“Bewitchery and beguilery is what I experienced as I sat and watched a master teacher at work... Micheál cajoled and kept those children so interested in the fun they were having that I think they were unaware that they were achieving such high levels of musicianship and musical knowledge!”

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