admin@nrcac.edu.au

Northern Rivers Conservatorium

On Tuesday the Northern Rivers Conservatorium was alive with laughter, rhythm, and song as we welcomed early childhood educators to a three hour professional development workshop in Early Childhood Music. The session, led by the talented Emma Hart and Ngyire Starkey offered a joyful “cup filler” for educators seeking new tools, inspiration, and confidence to bring more music into the lives of the children.

Educators from Bangalow Community Children’s Centre, Lismore Parish Centre Preschool, St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre and Clunes Community Preschool gathered to immerse themselves in playful music-making. The workshop explored the many ways music supports children’s educational journeys as well as their emotional and social development. Through rhythm games, movement, song, and creative activities, participants experienced firsthand how music encourages connection, confidence, and joy.

One of the sweetest and most memorable moments of the day came when the group sang lullabies to teddies. The scene captured the essence of what music offers: comfort, tenderness, and the power to nurture. It was a collective “swoon” moment that reminded everyone of the deep emotional resonance music can carry, even in its simplest form.

The workshop wasn’t just about trying out activities; it was about equipping educators with practical strategies they could easily take back to their workplace. Participants left with a toolkit they could share immediately with their young learners.

By the end of the day, the feedback was unanimous. Participants were already calling for future “cup refillers” to continue the learning, laughter, and exchange of ideas. For the Conservatorium, the day was another example of our commitment for the love of music, extending not only to our students and performers, but also to the educators who shape the earliest experiences of music for children across our region.

We look forward to welcoming more educators to upcoming workshops and to seeing the ripple effects of this joyful day flow into classrooms, preschools, and homes throughout the Northern Rivers.

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Conditions of Enrolment

Enrolment

An enrolment becomes valid and lessons can commence upon confirmation of lesson placement by the Northern Rivers Conservatorium (NRC) Administration.
Enrolment is continuing for the whole calendar year until notice of withdrawal (see Student Withdrawal).
Term dates for Community Music are as published by the NSW Department of Education, with Music in Schools term dates advised by your participating school.
Music in School schedules of lessons are available online at our website and it is the responsibility of parents, carers, and students to ensure that they have the latest timetable.

Fees

A registration fee is payable once a year by every student enrolled.
An invoice for fees will be raised at the beginning of each term for all enrolled students.
Fees are on a term basis and payable within seven days of the date of invoice, unless NRC has agreed to a regular payment arrangement.
In the event of financial hardship, please contact the office to discuss payment plans and/or apply for fee assistance through our bursary programme.
Any student with outstanding fees from a previous term will be automatically withdrawn. Students may only re-enrol if accounts are paid in full or an approved payment schedule implemented; in this case it may not be possible to provide the student with the same lesson time, day or teacher.

Delivery of Lessons

Lessons begin and end promptly at the designated time.
It is the student’s responsibility to attend their lessons on time. For Music In Schools students, our families are asked to check the schedules prior to their child’s day and remind their child prior to leaving home.

Missed Lessons / Refunds

NRC must be informed of all absences, with 24 hours’ notice where possible, by phone (6621 2266), SMS (0448 026 211), or email admin@nrcac.edu.au
Credits or refunds are not given for missed lessons, unless due to tutor absence.

Make-up Lessons

Make-up lessons are only available to Community Music students, with a maximum of one make-up lesson per term.
Tutors can deliver make-up lessons only if they have available time and have received more than 24 hours’ notice of the absence.
In the event that a make-up lesson is not available, one of the following options may be chosen instead: one free attendance to one of the holiday make-up workshops offered each year that is equivalent to two hours’ music education activity, OR one free ticket to an NRC visiting artist’s concert/workshop event.

Change of Teacher

NRC reserves the right to supply a substitute tutor if the original tutor is unavailable.

Student Withdrawal

Two weeks’ notification is required for any withdrawal and must be given in writing to the NRC office.

Disclaimer

NRC reserves the right to review and implement changes to fees at any time.
Our tutors reserve the right to discontinue lessons where student behaviour is deemed inappropriate.