Specialist Music Programme
The Specialist Music Programme (SMP) is a unique offering here at Burnside High School.
Established in 1997, by an Act of Parliament, the SMP programme is a collaboration between Burnside High School, Westburn Primary School and the University of Canterbury. It exists to nurture musical talent in children and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 18.
The aim of the SMP
To “provide the highest possible standard of musical education, training and opportunities for children of high musical talent and potential, in a seamless, co-ordinated programme from primary to tertiary levels.”
The programme involves weekly tuition by some of Canterbury’s finest musicians.
The results of the programme speak for themselves with SMP musicians featuring annually in national competition finals, making significant contributions to musical ensembles and productions at the participating institutions, and significant performances within the wider community.
Future opportunities
While it is not feasible that all SMP members take up a professional career in music, many do and are to be found in ensembles and music organisations nationally and across the world.
Whatever they choose as their career, SMP students know what it means to work at the highest level and what is possible when you realise your passion.
You can find more information on the SMP website.
Student success
Will Luhrs
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Congratulations to Will Luhrs who has won a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Alex Gibson
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Burnside High School student and saxophonist Alex Gibson, 15, has excelled; winning the Top in the World accolade for Cambridge IGCSE Music.
