Warringa Park School pupils strike the right notes

Pupils at Warringa Park School are making the most of music, as the school takes on a couple of artists-in-residence until the end of next term.

Musica Viva in Schools is providing four Victorian schools, including Warringa Park, with an extended residency by Irish musicians Karen Kyriakou and Jason Day.

Both musicians have extensive experience teaching music to pupils who have a range of disabilities.

At Warringa Park, Ms Kyriakou is leading specialised music lessons once a week, teaching pupils to play the keyboard.

A concert will be held for teachers and parents at the Hoppers Crossing school at the end of term three.

Music Viva state manager Helenka King says each residency is tailored to meet the specific needs of pupils and focuses on developing musical abilities and improving pupils’ social skills.

The not-for-profit organisation has been running since 1981 and brings musicians to Australia to tour schools.

This is the first time Warringa Park has been involved in the program.

“These residencies have a real impact on students’ social wellbeing as well as improving their overall academic performance,” Ms King said.

“Our musicians are very excited about the outcomes.”