About Us
Pizzicato — adjective; to pluck the strings of a musical instrument.
We believe music is an essential part of every child's education and development. Our mission is to bring students together to play music regardless of their background or circumstances. Pizzi instils joy and imparts important life lessons they can carry with them into the broader community.
What We Do
We deliver free, ensemble-based string instrument and musicianship tuition to school age children living in or attending school in the City of Hume.
Our program builds community, bringing joy and pride to our students and their families. We deliver a program that respects both classical and community music traditions and enables students to feel pride in themselves and their cultural heritage.
In addition to free tuition, we provide each student with a free violin, viola or cello to use as their own for the duration of their study with us.
Pizzi sessions are delivered in the music classrooms at Gladstone Park Secondary College on Mondays after school.
Pizzi Praise
"Pizzi holds a special place in our family's heart as it has become more than just an educational program; it's a community and a second home for us. Through Pizzi, our children have not only excelled academically but have also grown socially and emotionally. The supportive environment, dedicated staff, and innovative approach to learning have truly made a difference in our lives. Playing an instrument at Pizzi is particularly valuable to my daughter. She gains confidence and a sense of success through playing the violin. Pizzi is not just a program; it's a lifeline for our family, providing invaluable support and opportunities for our children's development."
— Parent
Why Pizzi Is Important
Music lessons and instruments are usually expensive and our of reach for many families. Pizzi makes music available free of charge to school age children living or studying in the City of Hume.
Music is fun, builds community, and helps kids grow into confident self-possessed young people. By learning an instrument in an ensemble Pizzi kids are able to collaborate and build both interpersonal and creative skills.
Pizzi kids develop respect and kindness as they stretch themselves to pursue excellence. They explore their creativity and develop pride in self expression.
A community has built up around Pizzi that includes students, their parents, volunteers and supporters, they come together at our concerts to share in the joy that music provides.
Our Story
The Pizzicato Effect was established by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) working in collaboration with Meadows Primary School and the City of Hume in 2009. The program received additional financial support from various contributors including government, philanthropic trusts and private donors.
The program was first offered as an in-school program at Meadows Primary, but later as an after school program offered two afternoons per week during school terms to up to 70 students. It comprised group music lessons and a weekly coming together of all students as one group to play for each other and for their families. More formal concerts were held once a term for families and program contributors.
In August 2023 the MSO, due to strategic and financial imperatives, withdrew from the program. Since that time a group of former teaching artists, parents and volunteers have been working together to save the program. The structure we chose was as an incorporated association auspiced by The Piano Project. Our goal for the future is to establish the program in our new home at Gladstone Park Secondary College and see it continue to grow.
Duty of Care
We are committed to providing a child safe and child friendly environment, where children and young people with whom we have contact are safe and feel safe, and able to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives.
We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.
To affirm our commitment to child safety, Pizzicato Effect has developed a Child Safe Policy. The Child Safe Policy applies to all participants, staff, contractors, volunteers, and authorised persons engaged by our Association. All employees and volunteers working on our programs hold a current Victorian Working with Children Check. Pizzicato Effect has zero tolerance for child abuse.
