Instrumental Music Recruitment information for 2026 

The Instrumental music program at Robertson, administered by Education Queensland, is a high-quality program, which is not replicated in any other state or territory in Australia - it is a world class program. Robertson has an excellent instrumental music program and competition is high for students to gain a place. The instrumental teachers have a limited time at each of their schools, so there is a limit to the number of students who can be recruited, and sometimes interested students miss out on a place, sometimes due to parent(s) / caregiver(s) not following the enrolment procedure. Please read all of the information in this and following newsletters, as all of the guidelines and procedures will be there. It is important that you understand the process for selection. 

• Students are only allowed to participate in either Strings (beginning in Year Three) OR Band – brass, woodwind and percussion (beginning in Year Four). 
• Once selected on an instrument, students are not allowed to move from one program to another, or change instruments within the same program (unless recommended by the teacher). Students and families need to consider their child’s instrument choice carefully. If your child is interested in learning a band instrument they need to wait until the band recruitment time in Year Three.
• The instrumental program consists of a group lesson during school time, and an ensemble rehearsal, usually before school, on a specific day each week. Ensemble attendance is mandatory for students in the program.
• Students are expected to commit and continue in the program throughout at least their primary school years.

The process for applying for entry to the instrumental music program for 2025 starts in classroom music during term 3 and is as follows:

• students in Year Two will be shown the available string instruments in the instrumental string program. 
• students in Year Three will be shown the available band instruments in the instrumental band program 
• all students in Year Two and Three will be given a music aptitude test – a listening test to determine their music aural (listening) skills. The scores on this test directly impact a child’s selection for the program. 

Classroom Music, choir and especially the development of accurate in tune singing - is very advantageous to student’s music listening skills. The classroom Music activities and choir program can directly influence your child’s music listening aptitude. In 2026 – all Year 3 students joining strings, and Year 4 students joining band will be required to be a member of Poco Voci (Year 3) or Cantabile (Year 4) choir for at least their first year. 

There will be further information at the Instrumental Music Parent Information meeting on Monday 11 August at 6.30pm in the Hall. Attendance at this meeting is mandatory for parents wanting to enrol their child in the program for 2026. 

Thank you for your interest in the Instrumental Music Program at Robertson. 

Heather Francis, Robyn Gray and Vivienne Thomas 

Music Team