admin@nrcac.edu.au

Northern Rivers Conservatorium

When one of our own shines, the whole community lights up.

NRC is delighted to celebrate the achievement of one of our current students, Malik, whose remarkable story was recently featured on the ABC television program The Piano. Malik’s journey to the stage has been anything but ordinary. Choosing one of the hardest paths possible to learn piano, he has shown determination, resilience, and an unshakable love for music that has captured the hearts of many.

Appearing in Episode 5 of The Piano, Malik’s performance amazed both the judges and audiences alike. His story was first shared by ABC North Coast and has since spread widely, inspiring people across the region and beyond. It is a reminder of the extraordinary talent and courage that exists within our community, often in the most unexpected places.

For us at NRC, Malik’s success is about more than a single performance. It represents what is possible when young people are supported to follow their passion and when music education is accessible and inclusive. The Conservatorium has been proud to play a role in Malik’s development, providing guidance and encouragement along his musical journey. Seeing him shine on a national stage reinforces why we do what we do – to nurture creativity, inspire confidence, and open doors to new opportunities.

Music has the power to change lives, and Malik’s story is proof of that. His journey has not only brought joy and inspiration to those who witnessed his performance but has also reminded us of the resilience and strength that thrives within our students.

We are so proud of Malik and thrilled to share his achievement with the wider community.

Malik’s story is one of perseverance, possibility, and hope it is a shining example of what happens when talent, dedication and community support come together.

You can listen to his story via ABC North Coast here or watch his performance on ABC iview in Episode 5 of The Piano (from 13:12–20:49) here.

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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.