At Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, music is not just a class – it is a cornerstone of the student experience. Mrs Lynette Fahie, the School’s Director of Music, sheds light on the significance of the program, especially with the recent introduction of music pods, officially named the Treetop Studios.
“The pods were a substantial investment,” she explained. “They signify our commitment to nurturing musical talent and providing students with top-notch facilities.” With over 25O students participating in individual music lessons every week – over a third of the student body – the need for custom built spaces has been met by this exciting project.
If you have not had a reason to visit them you might not even realise they are there, tucked away in the bush, thanks to their unique, integrative design. There are sheltered benches at the front of each pod, crafted from jarrah by former staff member and parent Mr Kieran Noonan, and custom metal work detailing that contains a neat “Easter egg” – the notes you see are from the classic Australian song Waltzing Matilda. “Even the notation behind our Treetop Studios signage is considered – it is a musical phrase from Give Me A Home Among The Gumtrees” said Mrs Fahie.
With three installed in July 2O22, the Parents and Friends’ Association generously enabled the fourth and final pod to be installed in the School’s 5Oth year and the department immediately put them to use. “Straight away, we were able to relocate into the pods from our more-makeshift spaces,” said Mrs Fahie.
“It is a really wonderful problem to have so many students wanting to learn that we ran out of space for them!” In addition to the necessary soundproofing, each room looks out into the trees, a serene outlook for creativity. “The minute you close that door, the focus just turns inward, so the kids are really able to concentrate on what they are there for – which is to play their music.”
Highlighting the broader impact of music education, Mrs Fahie remarked, “Music goes beyond notes on a page. It teaches discipline, creativity, and emotional intelligence – skills vital for success both inside and outside the classroom.” She also shared that the teachers in her program were on a mission to show kids that the joy of music does not have to stop when you leave school, citing the positive impact of music on mental health and happiness as young people start to navigate the world. “We aim to instill a lifelong love for music in our students,” she said. “Whether they pursue music professionally or not, the skills and experiences gained here will stay with them.”
After all, a world without music – especially live music – is a much darker place, which the past few years have proven true. “Imagine a school play without the band, or an ANZAC service without the Last Post trumpeter – words only carry us so far, and music brings so much to all these moments” Mrs Fahie said.
“That is why it has always been my mission to keep growing our music program for the next generation”. With the pods amongst many new investments into that future, it is sure to be truly bright!
