Bands, Workshops & Ensembles

Playing music in a group is a fun way to supercharge your musical abilities, meet new people, and bring more joy and meaning into your life. Music is inherently social, and much of what you practise makes infinitely more sense once you’re applying it in a group with other musicians and creating something special together. No matter what stage of learning music you’re at, playing with others is the essential ingredient to bring it all together. We like to think of your music lessons as your ‘training’ and playing in bands as ‘the game’; without playing in groups, it’s all training and no game!

  • Guitar Ensemble

    A contemporary guitar (and bass) choir, playing songs with all parts on guitars. We cover a variety of genres, such as rock/pop/funk/jazz/folk/bluegrass/classical and more!

    This is a fun way to gain experience playing with people and meet and share music within a guitarist community. Arrangements are written in both notation and tab so traditional music reading is not required.

  • Songwriters Workshop

    Learn a variety of skills, techniques and exercises that will make it easier getting past the blank page stage, and give you a safe space to present your music for constructive critique and workshopping. Our experienced mentors can provide you with advice on all aspects of being a songwriter, from booking your own gigs, recording demos, to arranging your music for a band.

  • Band Program

    Jump into a band based on similar age, ability, and musical interests and then rehearse, jam, and write songs together with the aid of an experienced mentor, building up to live performances in local live music venues. If you've always wanted to be in a band but don't have a network of other musicians this is a great place to start. Register your interest by contacting us and we’ll work at placing you into either an existing band, or starting a new one.

  • Guitar for Singers Group

    If you know how to strum a chord and sing a tune separately but the idea of putting it all together makes your brain ache then this is the group for you! We welcome all levels of playing guitar and singing at the same time, from basic strumming while singing easy melodies to coordinating parts, riffs and basslines with soaring harmonies.

  • Firebird Choir

    Feel the magic of singing harmonies together in a judgement-free positive space. We use excellent in-house arrangements catering to a variety of skill levels from beginner to advanced. Choir at Firebird is open to anybody aged 16+ (We are currently taking EOIs for under 16s, and is a fantastic and fun way to explore and develop singing harmonies and parts.

  • Improvisation Workshop

    Explore soloing, jamming, and playing grooves together in various genres like funk, blues, rock, and jazz. You’ll learn how to unlock your ears and work at bridging the gap between what you hear in your head and what you can play. Learn what it means to 'comp' for another soloist and improvise as a group.

    All instruments and skill levels are welcome.

“My experience of the band program has been fantastic. I've made a new group of friends. We've created original songs under the guidance of some brilliant teachers at Firebird. It's a great feeling, playing with a band. Not nearly as scary, or as difficult, as you might think. Just be brave and remember to check that ego at the door!”

-Ed (Band Program)

“The Firebird Choir is such a great place to explore making beautiful music in a fun and comfortable environment. I look forward to every rehearsal and I always leave with a big smile on my face.”

-Heather (Choir)

Ensemble Prices

Ensembles run on a fortnightly rotation.

Regular Rate: $40 per session ($45 for non-students)

Casual Rate: $50 per session ($55 for non-students)

Firebird Choir: $25 ($30 for casual rate)

If you enrol for a term, or the rest of a term you’ll be charged the regular rate, and for one off sessions we charge the casual rate.

Please note that the band program requires enrolling for the term (no casual attendance).

Join in the fun!

The workshops and group music offerings are an excellent way of developing and refining the musical skills learned in private lessons, so it’s highly encouraged to join in the fun of our group bands and workshops. Conducted and directed by the Firebird Family of music teachers, they are a structured and fun environment to get to know your instrument and fellow students!

To book in for our group music offerings, please contact us by email for more information.

Please note that group music offerings are subject to change depending on student numbers in each instrument discipline. If you have enrolled in music lessons at Firebird, you can ask your teacher about current ensemble and workshop offerings.