In their words
Which schools suit what your child loves?
Search for a sport, instrument, subject or worry to see which Brisbane schools people mention it at, and what they said. Tick up to three schools to compare them.
79 schools where people talk about “music” and music, drama and art.
Also counting related words: band, orchestra, choir, instrumental, ensemble. Schools where “music” itself comes up are listed first.
Order:Best matchMost talked aboutLowest feesA to Z
How we work these numbers out
- Order. “Best match” puts schools where your exact word comes up first. “Most talked about” uses the share of reviews that mention it. Neither is a ranking of how good a school is.
- Comes up in X% of reviews is the share of the school's reviews that mention your search. The Brisbane average is the same share across all Brisbane schools.
- Speak well, mixed or raise concerns is worked out by software, using only the sentences about your search. It's right most of the time but not always, so read what people said.
- What students did comes from the sports and activities former students ticked in their review. We show it when at least 3 answered.
- Evidence is strong when 5 or more of at least 10 reviews mention it, some when 2 or more people do, and thin when only one person does.
- Facts such as fees, ATAR and enrolments come from each school's own documents. Fees cover different year levels at different schools, so compare carefully.
- Open Day Reflections come from our visits to 2026 open days. They're useful, but they reflect the school's own voice.
St Peters Lutheran College
Co-ed · Independent · Indooroopilly
- Fees $26,786 a year (2026, Years 10-12 day students)
- Sport QGSSSA (girls), AIC (boys)
- Median ATAR 90.5 (2025)source
- Students 2,302
- Boarding
Strong evidence16 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.
Comes up in 84% of 19 reviews · 1.9× the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 84% Brisbane 44%
Of 33 comments: 18 speak well of it
9 of 10 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
30 more review mentions and 3 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inNorthside Christian College
Co-ed · Independent · Everton Park
- Fees $14,855 a year (2026, Year 12, first child, all-in)
- Students 1,258
Strong evidence11 separate reviews mention it, out of 15.
Comes up in 73% of 15 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 73% Brisbane 44%
Of 17 comments: 9 speak well of it · 1 mixed
2 of 9 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
17 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inBrisbane State High School
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · South Brisbane
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Sport GPS (boys), QGSSSA (girls)
- Median ATAR 94.4 (2025)source
- Students 3,569
Strong evidence14 separate reviews mention it, out of 36.
Comes up in 39% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 39% Brisbane 44%
Of 19 comments: 10 speak well of it
8 of 14 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
Review Subject range and curiosity
Yes, Brisbane State High offered a wide range of subject choices, from sciences and humanities to arts, music, and sport-focused electives. There were also a lot of extracurricular activities like debating, clubs, and representative sport, which helped students explore interests outside the classroom.… Read all
Yes, Brisbane State High offered a wide range of subject choices, from sciences and humanities to arts, music, and sport-focused electives. There were also a lot of extracurricular activities like debating, clubs, and representative sport, which helped students explore interests outside the classroom. Some subjects had hands-on projects or excursions, which made learning more engaging and went beyond just preparing for exams.
2 more from Brisbane State High School
Review Would you recommend it?
…lot of opportunities, both academically and through extracurricular activities like sport, music, and clubs. The school has a strong reputation, great facilities, and a diverse student community. It can be competitive and fast-paced, but if you’re motivated, it’s a great environment to grow in. Read all
Yes, I would recommend Brisbane State High School. It offers a lot of opportunities, both academically and through extracurricular activities like sport, music, and clubs. The school has a strong reputation, great facilities, and a diverse student community. It can be competitive and fast-paced, but if you’re motivated, it’s a great environment to grow in.
Review Experience of arts activities
My child was part of the orchestra, as well as studying drama for a few years. She really enjoyed the orchestra, but there definitely wasn't such a big focus on arts as there were sports.
16 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inQueensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Toowong
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Median ATAR 94.75 (2025)source
- Students 1,370
Strong evidence13 separate reviews mention it, out of 22.
Comes up in 59% of 22 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 59% Brisbane 44%
Of 15 comments: 5 speak well of it · 2 raise concerns
1 of 4 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
Review Chances to take part in the arts
Even though subjects like music and drama weren't an option, the school encouraged artistic expression through annual events such as the Battle of the Bands and Festival of Creativity, where students performed instrumental pieces, showcased their paintings etc. Due to a high number of applications, auditions… Read all
Even though subjects like music and drama weren't an option, the school encouraged artistic expression through annual events such as the Battle of the Bands and Festival of Creativity, where students performed instrumental pieces, showcased their paintings etc. Due to a high number of applications, auditions were usually required, but I don't know anyone who applied and didn't get accepted. I was part of a creative writing club, with sessions held every Friday afternoon. I, along with other members, wrote stories and shared ideas together over the course of one to two hours. The school provides opportunities to create and establish clubs if it has enough support, so this is another way that students can be involved in the arts.
2 more from Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Review Chances to take part in the arts
There were no drama clubs. However, the school does encourage art production as they host a popular festival of creativity once a year, which encourages students to submit artwork and to perform dances. The school also has a strings and band ensemble.
Review School culture
…graduate with a high score. Although it was competitive, it was more the reason for students to band together and support one another. In a program like IB that's incredibly difficult, it was almost impossible for anyone to get through it alone- at least, that was my experience. I found that people were… Read all
As mentioned previously, QASMT is highly competitive and academics-focused. Students strive for good grades, and this culture is supported by the school itself in the way that award ceremonies are constantly held and students are praised for their achievements. QASMT prides itself in this, additionally expecting students to maintain a high standard of dress and behaviour both in and out of the school with strict rules. Because of this, most students had the same mindset- do well and graduate with a high score. Although it was competitive, it was more the reason for students to band together and support one another. In a program like IB that's incredibly difficult, it was almost impossible for anyone to get through it alone- at least, that was my experience. I found that people were more than happy to help each other, sharing notes and teaching each other concepts. As the IB does not rely on a bell-curve grading system like the ATAR, this means that one person getting a high score does not make it harder for another person to do well. This is one thing that I appreciated- that we competed with ourselves to be constantly better rather than be in competition with others where people would ultimately be more selfish with resources etc. in order to do good.
12 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inMansfield State High School
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Mansfield
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,978
Strong evidence9 separate reviews mention it, out of 28.
Comes up in 32% of 28 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 32% Brisbane 44%
Of 14 comments: 10 speak well of it
3 of 9 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
Review Chances to take part in the arts
My school offered diverse arts programs, including music, drama, and visual arts, fostering creativity with supportive teachers and opportunities.
2 more from Mansfield State High School
Review What we like and dislike
I like the academic programs the school provides and the music and culture programs. I dislike the bullying system and child support the school gives.
Review Experience of arts activities
My child was a member of the school band and also greatly enjoyed it. He got to play many different enjoyable songs and showcased his ability at many different stages outside and inside of school. The teachers are extremely talented and there is a large variety of instruments for the students to play.
11 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inSt Joseph’s College (Gregory Terrace)
Boys · Catholic · Spring Hill
- Fees $26,439 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
- Sport GPS
- Median ATAR 93.35 (2024)source
- Students 1,959
Strong evidence6 separate reviews mention it, out of 18.
Comes up in 33% of 18 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 33% Brisbane 44%
Of 14 comments: 9 speak well of it
5 of 9 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
13 more review mentions and 1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inIndooroopilly State High School
Co-ed · State · Indooroopilly
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 2,910
Strong evidence9 separate reviews mention it, out of 23.
Comes up in 39% of 23 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 39% Brisbane 44%
Of 13 comments: 3 speak well of it
2 of 3 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
Review Why we chose this school
…reputation, diverse student community, and excellent extracurricular offerings, especially in music, STEM and language programs. We live within the catchment, so no major move was needed, but we did consider private options and decided Indooroopilly SHS provided comparable quality without the high tuition… Read all
We chose Indooroopilly State High School because of its strong academic reputation, diverse student community, and excellent extracurricular offerings, especially in music, STEM and language programs. We live within the catchment, so no major move was needed, but we did consider private options and decided Indooroopilly SHS provided comparable quality without the high tuition fees. We absolutely feel the school is worth it given the quality of teaching, facilities and the wide range of opportunities available to students. It has met and, in many ways, exceeded our expectations.
2 more from Indooroopilly State High School
Review What we like and dislike
…enrichment options. Diverse cultural environment that teaches respect and global awareness. Good music and sports programs. Modern facilities, especially the science labs and the new performing arts centre Dislikes: The school can feel quite large and sometimes a bit impersonal. Parking and drop-off… Read all
Likes: Dedicated teachers who go out of their way to support students. Strong academic focus with extension and enrichment options. Diverse cultural environment that teaches respect and global awareness. Good music and sports programs. Modern facilities, especially the science labs and the new performing arts centre Dislikes: The school can feel quite large and sometimes a bit impersonal. Parking and drop-off zones are often congested.
Review The parent community
Indooroopilly SHS is a fairly large school, so the parent community isn’t especially close-knit overall. However, parents involved in specific programs (like music, sports teams or P&C) do get to know each other and form connections. There are regular concerts, information nights and events that give parents chances to meet.
10 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inCannon Hill Anglican College
Co-ed · Independent · Cannon Hill
- Fees $21,456 a year (2026, Years 7-12, all-inclusive single tuition fee)
- Sport TAS
- Students 1,364
Strong evidence8 separate reviews mention it, out of 15.
Comes up in 53% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 53% Brisbane 44%
Of 12 comments: 7 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
7 of 10 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
12 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inKelvin Grove State College
Co-ed · State · Kelvin Grove
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,646
Strong evidence8 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.
Comes up in 42% of 19 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 42% Brisbane 44%
Of 11 comments: 4 speak well of it
3 of 6 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
11 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inCraigslea State High School
Co-ed · State · Chermside West
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,241
Strong evidence5 separate reviews mention it, out of 10.
Comes up in 50% of 10 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 50% Brisbane 44%
Of 10 comments: 6 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
3 of 4 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
Review Chances to take part in the arts
There used to be more opportunities but COVID heavily impacted a lot of the clubs and performances. There was meant to be a musical every 2/3 years but due to lockdowns it got delayed significantly. The choirs started back up again a year before I left though, and there were different choirs for different vocal skill levels.
9 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inQueensland Academy for Creative Industries
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Kelvin Grove
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 437
Some evidence5 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 60% of 5 reviews · about the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 60% Brisbane 44%
Of 11 comments: 5 speak well of it
2 of 5 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
Review Chances to take part in the arts
…resources. They have drama studios and a great theatre. They have good film technology. For music they have an array of instruments and recording studios which students even used to produce their own music. They have showcase nights for all the arts. Read all
They have so so many opportunities for the arts. They have amazing art studios with great resources. They have drama studios and a great theatre. They have good film technology. For music they have an array of instruments and recording studios which students even used to produce their own music. They have showcase nights for all the arts.
2 more from Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
Review Chances to take part in the arts
In Year 11, students can choose to specialise in one or two arts subjects. Being a music student, I thought the opportunities were really cool (eg; getting a professional string quartet to play your composition) and loved the recording studio. Other disciplines also always had their own events like theatre… Read all
In Year 11, students can choose to specialise in one or two arts subjects. Being a music student, I thought the opportunities were really cool (eg; getting a professional string quartet to play your composition) and loved the recording studio. Other disciplines also always had their own events like theatre performances and art showcases. It was nice to see other students work. Albeit, it is important to note that while there is this creative freedom, it is still limited by the IB guidelines and assessments.
Review Year 12 subject choices
English SL, Mandarin Ab Initio, Psychology HL, Biology HL, Math AI SL, Music HL I wish I had done a different language instead of Mandarin, as it was very difficult. However, I loved the teacher and the class so it’s not a deep regret. I also wish I took biology at an SL level or did chemistry instead,… Read all
English SL, Mandarin Ab Initio, Psychology HL, Biology HL, Math AI SL, Music HL I wish I had done a different language instead of Mandarin, as it was very difficult. However, I loved the teacher and the class so it’s not a deep regret. I also wish I took biology at an SL level or did chemistry instead, because I later realised it was not a strong subject of mine.
3 more review mentions and 2 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inCitipointe Christian College
Co-ed · Independent · Carindale
- Fees $16,164 a year (2026, Years 10-12, all-inclusive)
- Sport ISC
- Median ATAR 88.15 (2025)source
- Students 1,764
Some evidence6 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 75% of 8 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (44%)
This school 75% Brisbane 44%
Of 9 comments: 4 speak well of it
5 of 5 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music
9 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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Reviews come from parents and former students whose link to the school we've checked. Open Day Reflections come from our recordings at 2026 open days. Words in [brackets] were unclear, and […] marks a skipped part. They reflect the school's own voice, so read them alongside the reviews. How reviews work