Online Classroom Sessions

Bring the NZSO live to your classroom!

In these FREE Zoom sessions, students in Years 1-8 will discover the magic of orchestral music! They’ll meet NZSO musicians, learn about the different instruments of the orchestra, and experience some of the greatest orchestral works ever composed. At the end of these sessions, students will have the chance to ask questions and interact with the musicians. 

These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage with New Zealand’s national orchestra, all from the comfort of your classroom! Downloadable PDF classroom resources are also available in 2026. 

Booking is essential as places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to secure your spot! 

Years 3-8 
Zoom Session: Introduction to the Orchestra
When: Tuesday, 03 March, 9.30am
Duration: 60 mins

Introduce your students to the captivating world of orchestral music with this exciting Zoom session! Hosted by New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Animateur Chris Lam Sam, NZSO players will also join live to demonstrate their instruments, giving students a close-up look at the different sections of the orchestra. 

During the session, students will watch excerpts of the NZSO performing well-known orchestral pieces, gaining insight into how an orchestra works together to create beautiful music. At the end, students will have the unique opportunity to ask questions and engage with the musicians directly. 

This workshop is perfect for sparking a love for music in young learners and offering them a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of musicians from their national orchestra. 

A downloadable PDF resource with pre- and post-workshop activities will be provided to teachers ahead of the session. 

Years 0-2 
Zoom Session Theme: Musical Colours
When: Tuesday, 10 March, 9.30am

In this engaging and interactive Zoom session, students will work with NZSO Animateur Chris Lam Sam to explore how music can paint pictures with sound! NZSO players will also join the session to demonstrate how their instruments evoke different emotions and imagery, like happiness, sadness, anger, and even silliness! 

Through fun activities, students will be invited to “draw” with sound, using body percussion to match the mood and speed of the music. They will also get the chance to listen to contrasting musical ideas and identify which feelings the music represents, and the players will answer some of the children’s questions at the end of the session! 

This session provides a playful and creative way for students to experience the power of music, while developing their listening and emotional awareness skills.  

A downloadable PDF resource with pre- and post-session activities will be provided to teachers ahead of time. 

Years 3-4 
Zoom Session Theme: Soundscapes - How Music Can Tell a Story
When: Tuesday, 17 March, 9.30am

In this immersive session students will work with NZSO Animateur Chris Lam Sam to discover how music can bring stories to life! NZSO players will also join the workshops to invent musical soundscapes for famous tales or imaginative scenarios, while students add their own sound effects to enhance the narrative. 

Through fun and interactive activities, students will hear short musical excerpts of famous musical stories and create their own sounds to add another layer of creativity to the storytelling. The players will answer some of the children’s questions at the end of the session! 

This session encourages active listening, imagination, and collaboration, making it a perfect blend of music and storytelling for young learners! 

A downloadable PDF resource with pre- and post-session activities will be provided to teachers ahead of time. 

Years 5-8 
Zoom Session Theme: Musical Deep Dive – Ngā Tohu o Te Taiao / The Signs of Nature, the NZSO’s specially commissioned children’s suite of music inspired by the natural world of Aotearoa.
When: Tuesday, 24 March, 9.30am  
Duration: approx. 45 mins 

Led by NZSO Animateur Chris Lam Sam and joined by NZSO players, students will explore how music can bring the seasonal signs of nature to life. From the rising of the Matariki and Pūanga stars in the winter sky, to the return of life to the land in spring, students will listen to key excerpts from the suite and discover how rhythm, melody, and dissonance can reflect the beauty and challenges of nature.

Students will also create their own seasonal soundscape using body percussion and voice, making this session an engaging blend of music and creativity. The NZSO musicians will answer students’ questions at the end of the session.

Teachers will receive a downloadable PDF resource with pre- and post-session activities to support classroom learning.

CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please contact the NZSO Education & Community Engagement Team at education@nzso.co.nz