Pricing
Music for Life offers hourly and half-hourly music lessons in one or more instruments. The classroom contains a drum kit, electric guitar and bass guitar, piano and synth keyboards, and microphones. This enables the teacher to accompany a student on another instrument while they are learning to play their own. When a student has become proficient enough to play in a group, they can participate in a two-hour rehearsal with other students and a supervising teacher.
- 1 hour lesson - $99
- Half an hour lesson - $55
- 2 hour supervised rehearsal - $66
The first music lesson is always conducted by Anthony – the director of SoulTech Studios. In this session, Anthony explains to the student how Music for Life operates and gives a demonstration on each of the available instruments. If the student is familiar with any particular songs or musical styles, Anthony can play the song off his phone and show the student what each instrument is doing. This will assist the student in choosing which instrument they would like to learn.
SPECIALISED PROGRAM
The student’s first lesson helps to determine whether the student is ready to commit to weekly lessons and it will also give Anthony an idea of how to best engage the student with the task of learning an instrument. Students have varying levels of ability based on their individual circumstances and Music for Life constructs music lessons that respond directly to the student’s needs.
Considerations such as the student’s living conditions and social life, their interest in music, their attention span and many other factors, all play a role in a student’s capacity to commit to weekly music lessons. Sometimes a student’s level of interest is quite low for the first few lessons but increases as the student builds their confidence and ability on an instrument. Some students want to learn their instrument quickly and some are slower and more methodical in their approach.
REGISTRATION
After the first lesson, if the student wants to participate in Music for Life, they need to fill out the registration form. This can be done by the student and/or their sponsoring agency. The form provides a record of relevant details such as NDIS recipient category and access requirements.
Music for Life operates on the same days as the Victorian school term and holiday periods. The registration form is an agreement between teacher and student to attend weekly music lessons at a specific time and day for a school term. Payment is required prior to the lesson unless there is an arrangement otherwise with a sponsoring agency. Students can cancel weekly lessons after completing a full school term or they can commit to weekly lessons for the next school term.
NDIS and SPONSORSHIP
SoulTech Studios is a registered NDIS provider under the category of ‘Innovative Community Participation’. Music for Life students who are eligible can access financial support for weekly lessons through the NDIS. There may be other agencies such as mental health clinics or welfare services who can financially support students to participate in Music for Life.
NDIS recipients and sponsoring agencies should speak directly with Anthony in regard to financial support for attending Music for Life. Call Anthony on 0422 549 149. Visit the NDIS Budget Calculator.
MENTAL HEALTH and PTSD
Teachers at SoulTech are committed to enabling musical collaborations for individuals who live with mental illness and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Learning and practicing a musical instrument compels the mind to focus on accomplishing a series of short-term goals and this is an effective way of creating a positive outlet from negative thoughts. Performing in a musical group encourages the development of teamwork skills and it also provides a social support network for the participants.
SoulTech Studios facilitates an environment where an individual can realise both personal and shared goals and experiences. Music for Life would be greatly beneficial for war veterans and survivors of abuse who live with PTSD.
YOUTH
Music for life seeks to cater for young people who are under-represented in the music industry.
When we think of each decade - such as the 70s, 80s or 90s - these eras can be identified through popular culture which is reflected in the music, art, and fashion trends of the time. Historically, young people have spearheaded social change and progressive thinking in society. Some of the world’s most successful musical groups began their careers during their school years.
Playing in a band provides an enormous boost to one’s self-esteem and it is also very helpful in building a positive self-identity. SoulTech encourages females and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to be empowered through Music for Life and define their place in the music industry.
CULTURE
SoulTech Studios welcomes First Nations people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Music has played an important role in First Nations people giving a voice to their struggle for equality in Australian society. Indigenous artists offer inspiration to their people and the wider community with stories of survival and overcoming adversity. Music for Life provides an opportunity for First Nations people to bring their message to the community through musical expression.
Music is also a major aspect of expressing cultural identity for people from CALD backgrounds. The Music for Life teachers at SoulTech are familiar with a wide range of ethnic music styles and can integrate these styles into modern musical formats and instrumentation. Alternately, CALD students may choose to learn any popular style of music which assists them to engage with their community.
SoulTech Studios has comprehensive business insurance and Anthony has full VIT registration. SoulTech Studios complies with DET occupational health standards and COVID safe practices.