Excellence in Music Program is an accelerated classroom music program for students in Years 7–9. Students enrolled in the Excellence in Music Program are also members of Instrumental Music and/or Vocal Lessons. Students engage in a wide variety of authentic, hands-on musical experiences. These include Battle of the Bands, producing their own music videos, and composing and recording in our fully equipped recording studio.
The program offers a dynamic, high‑achievement pathway for talented students across instrumental, vocal and accelerated music studies, fostering creativity, discipline and performance excellence through specialised tuition, enriched curriculum and extensive public performance opportunities.
Across all year levels, we focus on developing the creative, technical and collaborative skills students need to become confident, lifelong musicians, regardless of the musical pathway they choose.
Our Excellence in Music Program enables students to complete Year 12 Music in Year 11, giving them the flexibility to pursue a range of enriching Year 12 options. These can include Extension Music, certificate courses, University subjects, or additional study time to support their broader academic goals.
Selection Criteria
The student must:
Entrance to the Program
All students who wish to apply for the Excellence in Music Program will need to:
1. Complete an online application by providing a Two-Minute Audition Video: This video is your chance to showcase your musical talent and passion. Make sure it's well-lit, with clear audio and video quality. Practise beforehand to ensure you stay within the time limit and present your best performance. The video needs to include the following:
Two Scales: Make sure you practise them thoroughly and demonstrate your proficiency and understanding of musical theory.
One Song: Choose a piece that highlights your strengths as a musician. Whether it's an original composition, a classical piece or a contemporary song, make sure it showcases your skills effectively.
2. Please provide contact details for one Music Teacher reference.
Once online applications close, applicants will be notified of subsequent steps that they must take to finalise the application process.
Maintenance of Position in the Program
- Consistently high academic results and a willingness to go beyond their potential.
- Compliance with school expectations regarding effort, behavior and attendance.
- Enrolment in at least one vocal or instrumental extra-curricular ensemble.u
2025 Achievements
In 2025, Craigslea State High School’s Music and Vocal programs celebrated an outstanding year of achievement, showcasing the talent, creativity and dedication of our student musicians. Students performed across a wide range of ensembles including concert bands, big band, chamber groups, percussion ensemble, and choirs, participating in concerts, competitions and major showcases throughout the year.
Our Vocal Lessons Program achieved outstanding success across our choirs. Chamber Choir made history as the first state school choir to win First Place in the Advanced Choir section at the Queensland Youth Music Awards and was selected as one of five state finalists for Choral Fanfare. Across multiple Brisbane festivals, the Vocal Lessons Program also earned five Gold Awards, two Silver Awards, and a 'Regional Best Performance' award.
Our Instrumental Music Program continued its tradition of strong musicianship with Gold and Silver awards at major ensemble events, while our Contemporary Music pathway excelled with Craigslea rock band 'TEXTT' winning First and Third Place in Brisbane Battle of the Bands competitions. Together, these achievements highlight Craigslea’s commitment to providing students with an inspiring and supportive environment that nurtures exceptional musical growth, leadership and artistic achievement.
2025 Highlights: