Our programme
The Arohanui Strings+ experience
Breaking down barriers to access by providing free, community-based instrumental music programmes weekly and throughout the year.
Families enquire first so admissions, eligibility and waitlists can be managed with care.
01 — After-school ensembles
Playing together from day one
The heart of the programme is weekly after-school ensemble learning across Taitā/Pomare, Moera, Wainuiomata, Stokes Valley, Miramar / Strathmore Park, Newtown and Mt Cook. Tamariki can choose the right instrument for them: strings, brass or woodwind. They join at the right stage for them and progress through the orchestra as they grow, learning to lead and follow, cooperate and support each other.
Programmes are designed around high-quality music learning. Our team of tutors includes some of the best musicians and educators in the region, because the strongest social outcomes come from access to excellence.
After-school participants may be able to take instruments home through our instrument loan programme, so practice and discovery can continue between sessions. Families should contact us to register interest rather than arriving directly at a programme.
Ensembles perform regularly for whānau, schools and the wider community, as well as in high-profile venues such as the Michael Fowler Centre, Walter Nash Stadium, Government House and New Zealand Parliament. Students also gain opportunities with major orchestras such as the NZSO and Orchestra Wellington.
Our delivery partners
Part of a vibrant musical ecosystem
We are hugely fortunate to be part of the Wellington region’s vibrant musical ecosystem. We create pathways and partnerships for our ākonga with many of the organisations based here.
These include the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), Orchestra Wellington (OW), New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ), SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music, Malaga Sā, MEFA and the Hutt Valley Performing Arts Competitions.
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New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Side-by-side playing and professional mentorship give ākonga the experience of learning alongside national orchestral musicians.
Orchestra Wellington
Scholarships and performance opportunities help committed young musicians deepen their skills and take their next steps.
Kaibosh
Free, healthy afternoon tea supports tamariki at every centre so they can learn, rehearse and connect with energy.
02 — In-school programmes
Music inside the school day
Eligible schools can access eight-week programmes where our music tutors deliver classes inside curriculum time, so music sits in the middle of a child’s week rather than at the edge of it. These classes introduce instruments, ensemble skills and musicianship in trusted school environments, while supporting schools with the delivery of the music curriculum. Enquire with our team.
03 — Holiday programmes
Keeping the momentum between terms
Holiday programmes give students focused time for ensemble playing, sectionals, creativity and performance. They are where confidence often jumps, and where many students discover just how far they have come.
Programmes include shared meals and practical support, including a free, healthy afternoon tea at every centre through Kaibosh. Places are managed through the Arohanui Strings+ team rather than public session entry.
Founded in 2008, Kaibosh is the first dedicated food rescue charity for Aotearoa.
04 — Scholarship lessons
Support for committed students
Fully funded scholarship lessons support particularly motivated young musicians with professional tutors, deepening technique and opening doors to youth orchestras, exams, competitions and further opportunities. Like everything we do, scholarship support is free for the family.
Every lesson is free because people give.
Your support pays for tutors, instruments and concert opportunities for young people across our seven communities. Donations of $5 or more are eligible for a 33% donation tax credit.
