The Penrith Con website is not compatible with Internet Explorer. Please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari for the best experience.
Penrith Con About Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we see most often.
New Students
Our tutors generally accept students from the following ages for private lessons, depending on the instrument:
5+ years: Piano, Violin, Cello, Ukulele, Drums
8+ years: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Woodwinds, Brass, Tuned Percussion
10+ years: Voice
We also offer Early Childhood Music group classses which promote musical skills in children under the age of 5.
There is no upper age limit to start private lessons, and at Penrith Conservatorium of Music we welcome new students from childhood through to retirement.
Yes, students must bring their own instrument, accessories and materials (e.g. sheet music) to lessons every week.
The following equipment is provided in studios for lessons at Penrith Conservatorium of Music:
- Every studio is equipped with at least one music stand and two chairs.
- Pianos are provided in piano and voice studios.
- Guitar amplifiers are provided in guitar studios. Electric guitar and bass guitar students must bring their own guitar and instrument cable.
- Drum kits and rebound pads are provided in drum studios. Drums and percussion students must bring their own sticks/mallets.
- Adjustable cello chairs are provided in cello studios.
We understand that new beginners may not have an instrument yet, or may wish to hire an instrument for a while before committing to a purchase. If you do not have an instrument yet, please notify Penrith Conservatorium of Music staff prior to finalising your enrolment.
Penrith Conservatorium of Music has a number of violins, violas and classical guitars, in both full and fractional sizes. Instrument hire is available to enrolled students of Penrith Conservatorium of Music only. Please contact us to enquire.
Private tutors may be able to assist enrolled students with the hire or purchase of other instruments including brass, woodwinds, cello, bass, and keyboards.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for detailed information regarding missed lessons.
There is no need to re-enrol. Your regular lesson slot automatically carries across into subsequent terms (including new calendar years).
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for detailed information regarding ongoing enrolments.
Usually, new students can enrol immediately into their desired course of lessons.
If there is no more availability for your chosen instrument, tutor or group class, then we will add you to the relevant waitlist and you will be contacted as soon as a place becomes available.
Fees & Payment
The fee range for one 10-week term of weekly 30-minute private lessons in 2026 is estimated between $465.00 to $615.00, depending on the tutor.
Private lesson fees are set by each tutor individually, and lessons are billed by full term in advance. Penrith Conservatorium of Music charges an additional $15.00 Administration Fee once per student, per term.
Fees for group lessons, Penrith Youth Orchestra and ensemble programs are advertised on our website.
Yes, we accept Active & Creative Kids vouchers. Let us know if you would like to redeem your voucher.
No, free trial lessons are not available at Penrith Conservatorium of Music.
Some of our tutors may offer casual lessons at their standard fee. If you are interested in a casual lesson, please include this in your lesson enquiry form.
For more information about enrolment, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for detailed information regarding cancellation & refunds.
Other Enquiries
New students: When submitting your lesson enquiry, please include information about your/your child’s current experience level, previous exams completed and the exam grade you are intending to complete. Our staff will be happy to recommend an appropriate tutor.
Current students: Anyone seeking to undertake formal music exams (AMEB, Trinity, ABRSM) should speak to their tutor. Your tutor will help select the correct exam for your level, and will guide you through the enrolment process.
External exam students: Students undertaking AMEB examination at The Joan should refer to the AMEB examination schedule. The day schedule is usually posted on the door of the relevant studio, and is sometimes different from the notice issued to students.
If you cannot find your examination venue, please speak to Penrith Con or The Joan staff. Penrith Conservatorium of Music is not affiliated with the AMEB, and we are unable to assist with special requests.
Penrith Con’s studios are available to hire as warm-up rooms and rehearsal spaces before your exam, or recording rooms for your video exam. Please visit our Studio Hire page for more information.
Secondary students may be offered work experience placements to fulfill formal work experience requirements set by their school. Placements are limited, and are only offered to suitable applicants when resources are available. To apply for work experience at Penrith Con, students should provide their CV and cover letter by email to penrithcon@ppandva.com.au. The cover letter should specify the desired work experience dates, number of hours required to complete, and detail the student’s relevant experience and interests.
Tertiary students should visit our Opportunities page to learn more about our arts worker training programs. Paid internships are not available.
Penrith Conservatorium of Music has a number of education programs that would benefit greatly from your support. Please visit Support Us to find out more. We are a not-for-profit organisation and cash donations above $2.00 are tax-deductible.
We usually do not accept donation of old instruments or sheet music. However, if you are looking to donate an instrument of exceptional quality that has been recently inspected and professionally serviced, please feel free to contact us.