The Cornwall Hill Music Academy is one of the largest and liveliest academies in Gauteng. It boasts a large array of orchestras, bands and ensembles and more than 26 specialist music teachers and staff. The Music Academy provides a unique and excellent standard in instrumental and vocal tuition. Many of our staff also teach at tertiary institutions in Gauteng and are all committed professional musicians who are active performers across the country and abroad.
At Cornwall Hill College, every pupil is encouraged to take part in music, either by playing an instrument, joining one of our many ensembles, by singing in a choir, or all of the above! There is a strong focus on performance with at least one-fourth of the school actively involved in music performance. Alongside individual lessons, opportunities for pupils to take part in music at our School are vast, with many concerts and events throughout the year. These events include the annual Winter Classics Music Concert, the Matric Dance, the termly Chamber Concerts and the annual Orchestra Festival.
Instruments taught at the Academy include piano, keyboard, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, drum kit, timpani, flute, recorder and clarinet. Vocal training is also offered.
The Theory of Music is delivered through dedicated group theory sessions, that allow interaction and involvement by all children by experienced and talented teachers
In addition to performing at our School and numerous Eisteddfods across the province, our young musicians have also performed at venues such as the Linder Auditorium, Pretoria State Theatre and the Brooklyn Theatre.
Orchestras and Ensembles
Playing in an orchestra or ensemble is a vital part of the development of any young instrumentalist and at the Music Academy, our philosophy is that all pupils should have the opportunity to experience and learn from this.
The Music Academy currently boasts two award-winning orchestras consisting of over 100 pupils. Other ensembles include Flute ensemble, Recorder ensembles, String Ensemble, Jazz band, Saxophone quartet, Jazz quartet, Brass ensemble, Rock band, Guitar ensembles and Marimba bands.
Eisteddfods, Competitions and External Exams
All pupils are encouraged to participate in eisteddfods, competitions, and other external exams. These opportunities include the Pretoria Eisteddfod, AKV Eisteddfod, Artisticulta Eisteddfod, Roedean Music Competition, Philip H Moore Music Competition, Il Vento National Competition and the National SASMT Ensemble Competition.