Christchurch School of Music (CSM)

Learning an instrument impacts on so many different aspects of development.

A violin is not just a violin.
A trumpet is not just a trumpet.

They’re tools helping students build focus, coordination, confidence, resilience, and stronger brains.

And once students start to understand why music matters, engagement, retention, and recruitment can begin to change too.

"This is not..." Posters:
https://ow.ly/UuoP50YYvZr

Guitar Teacher Vacancy at CSM - come and join our great team of music teachers!

This Kidsfest concert is going to be so much fun! Our wonderful In-School band students are working hard on lots of great songs from Justine Beiber, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and others to share with children and their grown ups. Probably most suitable for primary aged students. After the concert, children will have the chance to try out all the instruments and find one they would love to learn. Just $5 a ticket available from Eventfinda https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/rockin-out-with-csm2/christchurch

The Christchurch Youth Orchestra was very fortunate to have a visit from Josef Špaček at their rehearsal on Tuesday. Joseph is a Czech solo violinist and former concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. He was here celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Michael Hill Violin Competition. It was an amazing experience for the orchestra and they came away very inspired.

What a wonderful weekend of music making at the May Music Festival - well done to everyone who participated - you all worked so hard and showed so much courage and musicianship.

All the best to all students participating in the May Music Festival tomorrow and Sunday. We know you have been practising hard and we can't wait to hear you all play.

There is so much valuable research about how important music is to brain development. This is why what we do at CSM from babies up is so important!

Music is one of the strongest tools for early brain growth. Children learn best through sound, rhythm, and movement, and these experiences build important pathways in the developing mind. Music supports thinking skills long before homework can make a difference.

Researchers found that even one year of music lessons can raise a child’s IQ in a meaningful way. The combination of rhythm, listening, and coordination activates many parts of the brain at the same time. This activity strengthens memory, focus, and problem solving.

When children clap, sing, or explore simple instruments, their brain becomes more flexible. These moments train attention and pattern recognition, which help with reading and learning later. Music also supports emotional growth by giving children a safe way to express feelings.

Parents may think music is only a hobby, but science shows it is a powerful form of training. It teaches timing, patience, and listening, skills that shape strong thinking habits. These lessons help the brain grow in ways that worksheets cannot.

Offering music in daily life, even through simple songs or steady beats, supports healthy development. With time and practice, children gain confidence and sharper thinking, showing how deeply music guides the mind during early growth.

Senior Chamber Music Opportunity for CSM students 15 and over. The wonderful CSO Chamber Music weekends are on again this year from 16-18 July and we encourage all our players to take this chance to connect with other players and get expert coaching from CSO players. All the details you need are on the posters or here on the CSO website https://cso.co.nz/hikiorotau/