Cooks Hill School of Music: Building Harmony in the Heart of Newcastle
In its inaugural year, Cooks Hill School of Music has emerged as a vibrant hub for musical education under the passionate direction of Samuel Martin.
Nestled along the bustling Darby Street precinct, the school has become a dynamic space where music enthusiasts of all ages and abilities can explore their musical potential.
"What started as a tribute to my aunt's love for music has blossomed into something extraordinary," reflects Samuel, who brings over 36 years of musical expertise alongside his background in science, technology, and education.
"Her inheritance made this possible, and I like to think we're creating a legacy that would make her proud."
The school's thoughtfully designed space features six dedicated lesson rooms and a spacious band room, accommodating a comprehensive range of musical instruction. From piano and guitar to strings, drums, and vocals, the curriculum caters to diverse musical interests and aspirations.
"While many of our students are between 5 and 15 years old, we've seen remarkable enthusiasm from adult learners as well," Samuel explains.
"Music doesn't discriminate by age, and neither do we."
The school's approach to teaching is grounded in both science and passion.
"Research consistently shows that learning a musical instrument provides a complete cognitive workout, enhancing both mental agility and social skills," Samuel notes.
"We're witnessing these benefits firsthand in our students, with each lesson tailored to individual learning styles and preferences."
Looking ahead, Samuel envisions the school evolving into more than just a learning centre. "
We're building a community here," he says.
"Our goal is to create an environment where students can form bands, collaborate, and potentially contribute to a larger social enterprise – one that harmonises musical education with community engagement."
As the school enters 2025, new students are encouraged to enrol by visiting www.chsom.com.au.