The Peninsula Grammar Music Academy is a new specialist program for students who are ready for greater musical challenge, more time to develop their craft and regular opportunities to perform.
Students combine focused music development with the full academic, co-curricular, sporting and pastoral experience of Peninsula Grammar.
Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 6:00-7:00 PM | Ansett Hall
Academy students receive the full breadth of Peninsula Grammar’s academic, sporting, co-curricular and pastoral program. In addition, with a minimum of one hour of musical involvement each day, working alongside industry leaders, a typical Academy week includes:
Academy students progress into VCE Music Performance in Years 11 and 12.
Together, these experiences help students strengthen their technique, develop discipline, collaborate with others and grow in confidence as musicians and young people.
The initial intake is intended for students in Years 7 and 8 in 2027. The Music Academy will be introduced progressively:
Students may then continue into VCE Music in Years 11 and 12, subject to their approved academic and Music pathway.
Every Academy student performs as a soloist at least once per term, with ensemble performances woven into the weekly rhythm of Academy life.
Beyond the school gates, students represent Peninsula Grammar at community concerts, regional events and competitions, building real stage experience and performance confidence no classroom can replicate.
At Peninsula Grammar, every student is encouraged to find their place, develop their voice and grow in confidence on stage.
Students learn alongside an exceptional Music Faculty deliberately recruited for their diverse range of specialist skills, experiences, and industry expertise. Every member of our Music Faculty is an active music industry professional, bringing current industry knowledge, practices, and networks directly to the student. Beyond learning from our own staff, students benefit from direct access to leading professional orchestras, ensembles, and the nation’s premier tertiary performing arts institutions.
An ongoing program of visits from national and internationally renowned artists across classical, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and world music gives students direct, personal contact with professionals at the peak of their craft.
Many members of the specialist Music Academy team are active industry professionals who perform in Australia and internationally. Students will benefit from their current professional experience, learning not only through individual tuition and ensemble work, but also through mentoring, collaboration and performance.
Dr Richard Vaudrey, Peninsula Grammar’s Head of Ensemble and Studio Music, is an accomplished cellist, composer and educator. He is an Educational Presenter for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Conductor of the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, and a Peninsula Grammar alumnus himself. Richard has performed internationally and mentored young musicians through workshops and masterclasses across Australia and the United States, shaping a program that nurtures both technical skill and creative expression for every student.
Leading the Academy’s bespoke curriculum design and delivery is Mr James Le Fevre, former Head of Music at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). His passion and energy for music education will shine as the Academy’s inaugural classroom music teacher. An in-demand clinician, performer and consultant, James has forged a reputation as an engaging and effective practitioner, presenter and conductor with leading institutions across Australia including Musica Viva, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and The Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, to name a few.
Ben Grayson, Clementine Harvey, Kent Ross, Simon Stone, Lionel Towers, Jarah Whyte
James Le Fevre, Will Foster, Georgia Scott
James Churchill, Stephen Docker, Clementine Harvey, Dr. Richard Vaudrey
Stephanie Crowder, Tom Green, Kathy Hinch, Nikol McKail, Clare Wever
Lawson Kennard, David Tweedie
Piet Collins
Stephen Docker, Lionel Towers
Drawing on two decades of diverse teaching experience, heavily influenced by his time as Head of Music at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Mr James Le Fevre has crafted a bespoke curriculum destined to nurture and inspire a love of learning and of music.
Employing a backwards by design approach, the Peninsula Grammar Music Academy curriculum intertwines practical application of learning through performance and composition with differentiated musicianship training (aural and theory), scaffolded listening analysis and purposeful use of technology. Each term will see (and hear) students deep dive into a new element of music and a new genre, building cumulatively to create connections across diverse practices, times and places.
Students will play, perform, collaborate, sing, write, discuss, notate and create. Most importantly they will be supported and challenged to be their best.
Current and prospective families with students in Years 7 and 8 are invited to register their interest.
Complete the form to receive confirmed information about eligibility, auditions, program requirements and the next steps.
Current and prospective families are invited to learn more about the Peninsula Grammar Music Academy. Meet members of the Music team, hear how the Academy will work and ask questions about the student experience, weekly commitment, curriculum and proposed entry process.
Tuesday 18 August 2026
6:00-7:00 PM
Ansett Hall
Join us to learn how the Music Academy will support students to extend their musical ability while remaining fully connected to the broader life of Peninsula Grammar. You will meet members of the Music team, hear about the weekly program and entry process, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Fill out the form below to receive confirmation and any practical information before the event.
The Academy is designed for musically inquisitive and capable students in Years 7 and 8 (during 2026) who are ready to extend their skills, embrace greater challenge and contribute to an ensemble and performance program.
Yes. Current and prospective families may register their interest. Prospective families considering Year 8 entry in 2027 are encouraged to learn more and will also be supported through Peninsula Grammar’s approved enrolment process.
The Academy is intended for all types of instrumentalists and vocalists.
Students will complete approximately one hour of musical involvement each day, including tuition, ensembles, Academy classes, rehearsals and performance.
Yes. Academy students will remain fully connected to the broader life of Peninsula Grammar, including academic learning, sport, co-curricular activities and pastoral care. The program is designed to extend their musical development without placing them on one narrow path.
The entry process includes a live audition and interview. This will help the Music Academy team understand each student’s current strengths, and readiness for the program.
Students auditioned are expected to have undertaken a minimum of two years of formal music study. Acceptance is based on demonstration of potential.
Accompaniment:
Instrument/Genre Specific Information.
No. Families may attend the Information Night before deciding whether to register interest in the Academy.
The Information Night is open to current and prospective families interested in the Academy, particularly families with students in Years 7 and 8 (in 2026).
Scholarship and financial-assistance details are still being finalised. Families may register interest to receive updated information when it becomes available.
Register your interest in the Academy or attend the Music Academy Information Night on Tuesday 18 August 2026 to meet the Music team, learn more about the program and ask questions.
For personalised support, contact the Peninsula Grammar Music team.
Email: pgmusicacademy@pgs.vic.edu.au
