Music
Music Program
The Music Program at Furlong Park School for Deaf Children is delivered through Musica Viva’s Musica Viva In Schools (MVIS) program, supported by the Marian & E.H. Flack Trust. Since 2010, students have participated in an Extended Music Residency Program led by musician and educator Karen Kyriakou, giving every child rich access to music learning.
Students learn to play instruments, read simple notation, dance, sign songs, improvise and compose. They begin with action songs, signed songs and non-pitched percussion (hand drums, claves, shakers, tambourines, guiros). As they grow, they learn xylophones, recorders, ukuleles and ensemble playing in two or three parts. All instruments used in the program are purchased through Musica Viva.
Each year, two MVIS ensembles visit the school to perform live concerts. Students prepare by exploring the resource kits provided, learning about the instruments and music they will hear. This ensures they can fully enjoy and understand the performance experience.
A highlight of the school year is the End-of-Year Concert, held each November. Every student participates, performing dances, instrumental pieces and signed choir items based on a theme. Students often create their own costumes and props, and families are warmly invited to attend.
Musica Viva In Schools is Australia’s largest independent provider of school music education, reaching nearly 300,000 students each year.
More information is available at
musicaviva.com.au/education.
