Pinehurst School was recently recognised as a champion school in music education with the popular teaching method Musical Futures and the organisation Musical Futures International.
Founded in England in 2003 by Professor Lucy Green, Musical Futures is a research based, student centred approach to music education that is now used in schools around the world. Its philosophy is simple but powerful. Music is most meaningful when students are actively making it, exploring it, and taking ownership of their learning.
In 2016, our Head of Visual and Performing Arts, Mr Ronayne, travelled to the United Kingdom to observe Musical Futures in action within schools. Seeing the approach firsthand reinforced its impact and potential. Since then, he has championed its development here in New Zealand. Pinehurst now hosts bi annual national professional development days, welcoming course facilitators from overseas and educators from across the country to share ideas, practice and inspiration.
At Pinehurst, the Musical Futures approach shapes our junior music programme from Years 1 to 10. Students experience a wide range of practical music making including percussion, chair drumming, ukulele, bass, guitar and keyboard. Small group lessons are designed around exploration, collaboration and real world music skills. Student led bands and ensembles allow learners to select their own repertoire and take responsibility for planning rehearsals and performances.
Currently, our College students are building their skills through ukulele, developing fluency in chord changes and exploring increasingly complex rhythms. In the coming weeks, students will be assessed not only on technical proficiency but also on their overall musicality and confidence as performers.
We are especially proud that Pinehurst has been recognised as the first school in the world to receive 2026 Champion School status. This honour reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusive, engaging and student centred music education, and our dedication to the philosophy and values that underpin Musical Futures.
To learn more about Pinehurst’s Musical Futures programme and our Champion School recognition, please visit the official profile here:
Music at Pinehurst is about more than learning notes and chords. It is about creativity, confidence and giving every student the opportunity to find their voice.
