All students entering Nga Tawa are encouraged to begin or continue their musical education.

Private tuition is available in piano, keyboard, singing, classical and electric guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, double bass, brass instruments and percussion. If a girl is already involved in learning an instrument every effort will be made by the Music Staff to ensure she continues this at the School.

The Music Department hopes that all pupils learning orchestral instruments will join a performance group when they have reached a reasonable standard of proficiency. Learning to play together is an important part of instrumental training and not only helps to exercise techniques learnt in lessons, but also develops musicianship and sight reading. Each year several groups participate in the Schools Chamber Music Contest as well as Rockquest, and the orchestra, percussion and guitar ensembles ensure some group music making for the students.

Chapel Choir practices regularly and it is customary for the Choir to be invited to local parishes to sing, as well as giving concerts and assisting at weddings held in the Chapel. Con Brio is the “all comers” school choir for which no audition is required. It provides a training ground for later entrance into the more specialised choirs, as well as an opportunity to participate in the New Zealand Choral Festival in June. The Chamber Choir offers girls the opportunity and challenge of performing in a smaller choral ensemble.

Performance Music is offered as an option at Year 10 level, and is offered for N.C.E.A., (Levels 1, 2 and 3), and also International Baccalaureate. Core Music, School Singing, and House Music once a year, as well as a regular Musical (every four years) ensure every student is involved in some kind of music-making during her time at Nga Tawa.

Nga Tawa’s music students maintain a high public profile and have often performed as guest artists for other organisations, in the Wanganui Opera House or Regent Theatre in Palmerston. Recent competitive successes include winning the Schools’ Chamber Music Contest for the second year in a row, and individual awards at local competitions.