An Ensembles in Schools scheme first run in Masterton is now the ruling model rolling out in classrooms from Wanganui to Nelson.
The pilot musical tuition programme, which was launched in Masterton two years ago through Chamber Music New Zealand (CMNZ), has "gone from strength to strength" at primary schools outside
Wairarapa and is now entering a new phase, according to CMNZ operations manager Richard Hardie.
"Staff and principals at Lakeview, Hadlow and Douglas Park really did pick up the ball and run with it - it was hugely successful and there were some very satisfying results for the pupils," he said.
"Now we're looking to those same Masterton staff to establish what they want now and what direction they want to take, so we can set up a network of primary school teachers for professional development and inspiration as the model rolls out further."
Mr Hardie said the programme returned to some Masterton schools in 2009 and will soon return to the region after a scheme facilitator is appointed in Palmerston North to help establish the network.
"Because we're Wellington-based, it's easy to roll out the programme in Masterton and the facilitator will connect those teachers with Wanganui staff so they can feed off each other and inspire each other.
"And the kids love it. Lakeview is a great example where the teachers and principal really recognised its value and over three years that school has enjoyed a blossoming music programme, of which we've been privileged to play a part."
An Australian-based vocal group and long-time visiting music teacher Julian Raphael were in Nelson this year with Ensembles in Schools, which is a first for the scheme in South Island.
Pupils are introduced through the scheme to songs, sounds, rhythms, cultures, languages and ideas and are ideally concert-ready within a week.
The essence of the programme is to link pupils with professional musicians, Mr Hardie said.
