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Special Interest Music

Woodville High School is a designated Special Interest Music Centre. The Music Centre offers a wide range of specialist music courses to cater for the varied needs of its student population.

Diversity, Integrity and Resilience

The Special Interest Music Centre at Woodville High School has been recognised both nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for over 40 years.

Public performance is a major focus of our courses and staff and students look forward each year to performance highlights such as: Generations in Jazz, Victorian Schools Music Festival, South Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival, Festival of Music and Jazz Cabaret.

Watch our music videos on our YouTube Channel

History of Special Music

From 1976, the Special Interest Music Centre was established at Woodville High School. The music centre fosters the development of the musically gifted by sharing music with others of like mind without being separate from the mainstream education of a secondary school.

Special Interest Music Curriculum

The Special Interest Music program is available for students who are currently learning an instrument or show musical potential, and wish to study music at greater depth.

Special Interest Music Centres have special staffing and resource allocations and as such are able to offer unique opportunities for the study of music at secondary level.

In addition to Special Interest Music, students participate in Elective Music as a core subject. Special Interest Music students study music as a double subject up to and including year 10. The following aspects form the basis of these courses:

  • solo performance
  • musicianship
  • music in context
  • music technology
  • composition/arranging
  • ensemble
  • performance
  • choral performance
  • instrumental/vocal studies

Auditioning For Special Music

The Audition Process

The audition process will consist of 3 or 4 parts:

  • Practical musicianship test
  • Performance
  • In person interview
  • Theory test (applicants currently in secondary school only).

Requirements

  • The allocated time for this process is approximately 60 minutes.
  • Parents/guardians are required to be present.

Candidate Selection

Entry into the Special Interest Music program is by
audition only.

The number of places offered in a particular year is dependant upon:
• limitation of class sizes
• individual applicant abilities
• special cause variations (eg One Plan).

Click here to apply

Assessment Criteria

Practical Musicianship Test

  • rhythm
  • rhythmic coordination
  • pitch discrimination
  • intonation
  • melodic memory
  • creativity

In addition to Special Interest Music, students participate in Elective Music as a core subject. Special Interest Music students study music as a double subject up to and including year 10. The following aspects form the basis of these courses:

Performance

  • tone quality
  • rhythm
  • articulation
  • note accuracy
  • pitch/intonation
  • musicianship

Interview

  • demonstrated commitment to a long-term activity
  • demonstrated work and time management skills
  • academic background
  • musical background

Key Dates for 2026 Enrolments

DateEvent
Thursday 10 April 2025Closing date for applications. Further information regarding the audition process and individual audition times will be sent by email in May 2025
Wednesday 14 May – Thursday 15 May 2025Audition and Interviews at Woodville High School
Monday 19 – Friday 23 May 2025Successful applicants notified 

Apply now for 2026

Applications for the Special Interest Music Program are now open for Year 7 entry in 2026.

Click here to apply

FAQ’s

Do you need to be able to read music to audition?

No but students need to demonstrate a willingness to learn.

What pieces should I play for my audition?

Students should select 2 pieces which show off their performance ability.  We suggest that these pieces are contrasting in speed or style. If backing tracks are required, please bring them along on a USB. If students are applying on 2 instruments, they should present one piece on each instrument.

Do I need my own instrument?

Students need to supply their own instrument for auditions (with the exception of piano or percussion) but the music centre has a fleet of instruments which can be hired once students begin school.

Can my child continue with their current private teacher?

Yes, if lessons are working well in terms of learning and convenience. If not, we will provide you with other options

Middle Years

At Woodville High School, the Middle Years represent an exciting stage of growth and opportunity for students in Years 7 to 9. Our supportive learning community is focused on nurturing every student’s potential while fostering a strong sense of belonging and personal development.

Senior Years

The journey from Year 10 to 12 is an exciting one for every young person and we feel very honoured to be part of it with you. We believe that the journey should be one that is enriching, inspiring and where every senior school student will cultivate the capabilities, skills and dispositions that will enable them to thrive as they navigate an ever-changing world.

Special Interest Music

Woodville High School is a designated Special Interest Music Centre. The Music Centre offers a wide range of specialist music courses to cater for the varied needs of its student population.