Hello there! My name is Karen Armitage and I am the Head of the Music Department in St Andrew’s College Junior School.  I have been teaching for over 35 years and have been Head of Music in the Junior School since 2008.  I have completed all examinations in music theory, singing, piano, violin, and musical theatre with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (London), Royal Irish Academy of Music and hold further qualifications with the London College of Music. I am also a qualified Montessori teacher.  

We are so lucky to have a wonderful team of 11 highly qualified music teachers who bring a wealth of experience and passion to their teaching every day. Our highlights of the year are our Carol Services and Nativities, our P6 Musical, our Performing Arts Festival and our end of year Summer Concert which involves the children singing, dancing and acting - a lot of work but a huge amount of fun, plus the benefits are immeasurable!  We also have two choirs, a ‘Sing Out’ programme for small groups, a junior and a senior choir, a string orchestra and a guitar orchestra.  We also run a Band Jam programme with a number of bands both before and after school and we have introduced composing with music technology in P6.  In September we re-formed the College Choir which is for parents and staff both past and present which has been a lovely addition to the programme. 

We provide individual instrument lessons to approximately 170 students every week where children can choose from a range of instruments – piano, violin, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, drums, clarinet, flute, saxophone and voice.  We also teach a String Programme to all children from P1 to P6 (instruments are provided by the school) where the children learn to play violin in their class groups and can choose violin, cello or double bass from P3 onwards.   

I believe all these exciting opportunities encourage children to grow in confidence whilst giving each child a sense of responsibility and commitment to their peers. Children constantly amaze us by how talented, creative, brave and inspiring they can be.  I look forward to working with your children in the coming year as we sing, perform, compose, play and enjoy the many wonderful opportunities and experiences learning music can provide.  

Karen Armitage

Email : karmitage@st-andrews.ie