Music is a vibrant and valued part of life at Marsden. As part of our holistic education, we are committed to nurturing students’ creativity, confidence, and wellbeing through a rich and inclusive music programme from Primary School through to Year 13.

Led by highly skilled specialist teachers, Marsden’s music programme offers every student the opportunity to explore, create, and perform — whether they are discovering music for the first time or pursuing it at an advanced level.

Primary Music

Marsden Primary students develop a love of music through a rich and engaging classroom programme. All students enjoy weekly music lessons with a specialist music teacher, where they explore the elements of music in fun, practical, and stimulating ways.

Each year level includes a specific instrumental focus:

 

• Junior School: Ocarina
• Years 3–4: Strings (violin or cello)
• Year 5: Recorder
• Year 6: Ukulele

 

Students can also participate in a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, including:

 

• Music Club (percussion, ukulele, recorder ensemble)
• Junior Choir
• Chapel Choir
• School Orchestra

Marsden Primary's 2024 production of Peter Pan

At the end of each term, Primary students perform at a school service held at St Mary’s Church, with the Chapel Choir playing a key role. Throughout the year, concerts and informal performances give students the chance to perform in a supportive and welcoming environment.

 

Primary students also take part in a production every second year, alternating with participation in the Wellington ArtSplash festival.

Specialist Instrumental Music Tuition

Marsden offers individual instrumental and vocal tuition with highly trained itinerant teachers. Lessons are available for students of all ages in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, brass, guitar, drums, and harpsichord.

Music in Years 7–13

The Year 7–13 Music programme offers increasing breadth and depth for students who wish to continue their musical journey.

All students study Music as part of the curriculum in Years 7–9:

• Years 7–8: Two class music lessons per week
  Year 9: One class music lesson per week

In Year 7, all students participate in the Year 7 Band Programme, learning a new instrument (rather than one they already play). This inclusive approach encourages collaboration, with more experienced musicians supporting those new to music. Students also explore music technology through coding, using the OSMO Jam programme to compose multi-layered pieces.

In Year 8, students study musical styles from around the world and continue working with Jam, learning to read and play chords on keyboard and guitar through popular music.

In Year 9, students focus on Rock ’n’ Roll, Jazz, and the Blues.

Students who wish to continue their studies can pursue Music through a strong programme in Years 10–13.

Ensembles and Co-curricular Opportunities

Year 7–13 students can participate in a wide range of ensembles, including:

 

• Ad Summa (all-comers choir)
• Altissime (auditioned choir)
• The Larks (Years 7–9 choir)
• Kapa Haka
• School Orchestra
• Handbells
• School productions (biennial)

These ensembles foster teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging.

Opportunities to perform

All Marsden students are encouraged to bring their voices and musical talents into the life of the school. Music plays an important role in our school culture, and students have many opportunities to perform throughout the year in both formal and informal settings.

House Music Competition 2025

Students sing and perform at key school events including Old Girls’ Day, House Music, the Carol Service, and prize giving ceremonies.

 

We also host an annual showcase concert, the Swainson Memorial Music Competition, and itinerant music recitals, providing further opportunities for students to share their music in a supportive and celebratory environment.

There are also opportunities for students to perform in the wider community. In 2023, our premier choir Altissime was awarded Gold at New Zealand’s largest secondary school choral festival, The Big Sing. They have also performed in church recitals and Christmas services at Old St Paul’s. Smaller ensembles and soloists regularly share their music with the local community, including residents of Huntleigh Retirement Village and Metlifecare Karori, reflecting Marsden’s strong commitment to service and meaningful connection beyond the school.