AUSTA WA
AUSTA WA 2026
Our year began with a great buzz of activity and seeing so many friends old and new at the inaugural AUSTA WA Summer Conference held at UWA on January 23. AUSTA WA will present a range of thought provoking and social events in 2026. Would you like to be a part of shaping what we do? We have an active community of professionals and students who are motivated to create more opportunities for strings in WA. If you would like to join us, please contact our state president Stephanie Fraser: wapresident@austa.asn.au
View the calendar of string events in WA
AUSTA WA Social Media
Join AUSTA WA on Facebook for AUSTA posts, and join the AUSTA WA Facebook Group for sharing all your news, instruments for sale, concerts coming up, auditions and opportunities.
AUSTA WA is a member of the Chamber of Arts and Culture, Western Australia
The Chamber is a place of research and resources for the arts and arts-related activities in WA, and has many useful resources for arts advocacy in our state. Our committee members participate in Chamber professional development and other opportunities, which in turn will benefit AUSTA and our work in the community.
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Events
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March 2026
29mar11:00 AM12:00 PMShift Work with Roger Benedict
Event Details
Sunday March 29 11am-noon AWST online Roger Benedict introduces his latest publication! Free for AUSTA members. $20 for non-members. This event will be recorded. Book here A generous discount code for
Event Details
Sunday March 29 11am-noon AWST online
Roger Benedict introduces his latest publication!
Free for AUSTA members. $20 for non-members.
This event will be recorded.
A generous discount code for purchasing the physical book “Shift Work for Viola” AND Roger’s other publication on technique, “Scale Up!”, will be sent to all who register, a total value of over $24!
Viola player Roger Benedict has had a distinguished career as soloist, orchestral principal and chamber musician, and has earned a reputation as an inspiring and insightful pedagogue. His career includes experience as Principal Viola of SSO, tertiary level string teaching, creating viola publications including a viola scale book. Helen Tuckey worked with him in recent years as he was the Diploma Level Consultant for the most recent AMEB viola syllabus. His latest book is “Shift Work. A new shifting method for viola”.
Roger says: “Shifting is such a fundamental part of string playing technique; it enables us to navigate the fingerboard with ease but is also an integral part of our expressive vocabulary. Many players struggle to shift reliably under pressure – when a player leaves the concert stage saying “I didn’t play in tune” it could often be expressed more accurately as “I didn’t shift well”.
My comprehensive book of shifting exercises provides a guide not only to shifting, but to all facets of left-hand technique, and is a perfect companion to my scale method Scale Up! It is a structured system with foolproof exercises that cover all the different types of shift, both single- and double-stopped, to help build real resilience and reliability. As a result, I hope that violists will develop a fearlessness and freedom in their playing that will enable them to broaden their expressive and interpretive range.
Influential viola blogger Travis Maril says: “Roger Benedict’s “Shift Work” is a fantastic pedagogical resource that belongs on the stand of any violist looking to improve their left hand, and a great companion to his scale book, “Scale Up.” Intermediate to professional players will find helpful exercises to increase their confidence, comfort and ease navigating the fingerboard, clear and concise instructions on the mechanics of each kind of shift, and intuitive exercises to develop fluency in them. Players seeking to improve their double stop shifting will find this book particularly helpful. IMHO, regular practice of the exercises in “Shift Work” will lead players to faster improvements than time spent on that old shifting warhorse, Ševčík Op. 8: this was certainly the case for me!”
Full review here: https://www.travis-maril.com/blog/shift-work-roger-benedict
Australian customers should order physical copies here – register for the AUSTA online event first, and then apply the discount code which will arrive with registration email:
https://rogerbenedict.com/shop
Download version here (if you prefer – no code for this one):
https://partitura-verlag.com/en/shop-en/product/roger-benedict-shift-work-a-new-shifting-method-for-viola-download
Time
Past Events
March 2025
16mar11:30 AM5:30 PMWA: Violin/Viola masterclass with Brian Finlayson
Event Details
When: Sunday March 16: 11.30am to 5.30pm Where: Richard Gill Auditorium, WAAPA Three exceptional masterclasses for violinists/violist of all playing levels Instructive, supportive feedback for students, parents and teachers Q and A with Brian
Event Details
When: Sunday March 16: 11.30am to 5.30pm
Where: Richard Gill Auditorium, WAAPA
- Three exceptional masterclasses for violinists/violist of all playing levels
- Instructive, supportive feedback for students, parents and teachers
- Q and A with Brian for each session
- ** Free audience ticket for financial AUSTA members! (one ticket per session)
- *** Participants save $10 with early bird until 2nd March
- 11.30am to 1:00pm: Beginner to Grade 3 (Eight 10 min participant places)
- 1.30pm to 3:00pm: Grade 4 to Grade 7 (Five 15 min participant places)
- 3.30pm to 5.30pm: Grade 8+ (Five 20 min participant places)
Three exceptional masterclasses for violin/violists of all playing levels. Participants are invited to perform an excerpt or short work to receive constructive feedback from State Corinthian Conservatorium’s former Head of Strings Violinist, Violist Brian Finlayson. Brian will impart his wealth of teaching experience to students, teachers and audience alike. Each session will include a ‘Q and A’, with opportunity to ask further questions about violin/viola playing and teaching.
For more about Brian, click here to see his CV.
To join or renew your AUSTA membership, please click here.
Masterclass details and bookings here:https://www.trybooking.com/CYESN
Time
Location
WAAPA
Organizer
May 2025
25may11:30 AM3:30 PMAUSTA WA Chamber Music Masterclass with Brian Finlayson
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Location
Richard Gill Auditorium WAAPA
1/2 Bradford Street, Mount Lawley WA 6050
Organizer
10may1:00 PM5:00 PMUWA Day of Strings
Event Details
Presented in collaboration with AUSTA WA, join celebrated artists and educators Shaun Lee-Chen, Suzie Wijsman and a host of string specialists for a fun day of performance, perfect for violin,
Event Details
Presented in collaboration with AUSTA WA, join celebrated artists and educators Shaun Lee-Chen, Suzie Wijsman and a host of string specialists for a fun day of performance, perfect for violin, viola and cello students from Grade 3 and up.
Book here AUSTA Members can register as an observer for FREE!
Visit our website HERE to access your exclusive AUSTA Member code.
- Catering to a range of ages and skill levels.
Highlights of the day include: violin, viola, and cello masterclasses, technique workshops, a fun try-the-viola session, ensemble playing, teaching beginners, an introduction to Historically Informed Performance, instrument biomechanics, and more!
The day will culminate in a concert featuring all participants, followed by a BBQ—an opportunity to network, chat, and celebrate the day!
We have an exceptional line up of artists and presenters including:
- Shaun Lee-Chen (Violin) – UWA/Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
- Suzie Wijsman (Cello) – UWA
- Sophie Curtis (Cello) – WAYACHAMP/AMEB
- Laura Carr (Violin) – Stringosaurus
- Daemon Clarke (Violin)
- Kathy Potter (Viola)
- Stephanie Fraser (Cello) – AUSTA
- Marlene Romeo (Violin) – AUSTA/AMEB
- Louise Sandercock (Violin) – AUSTA
With more announced soon!
This event will help you refine your technique, explore new ideas, and play alongside fellow musicians in a welcoming and supportive environment.
There will be 3 streams on the day:
- EMERGING – AMEB Grade 3-5 (or equivalent)
- INTERMEDIATE – AMEB Grade 5-7 (or equivalent)
- ADVANCED – AMEB Grade 8+ (or equivalent)
PARENTS, TEACHERS and STRING ENTHUSIASTS are also welcome to attend!
Tickets are just $10 for Participants and $5 for Observers (includes BBQ)
AUSTA Members can register as an observer for FREE!
REGISTER NOW
Time
Location
Callaway Auditorium UWA
June 2025
15jun9:00 AM4:00 PMAUSTA WA String Festival 2025
Event Details
Sunday 15 June 2025 All registrations close 23 May at 11:59pm. Book here Download the pdf flyer Students of AUSTA members and AUSTA members get a 20% discount (and also the Early
Event Details
Sunday 15 June 2025
All registrations close 23 May at 11:59pm.
Students of AUSTA members and AUSTA members get a 20% discount (and also the Early Bird). Login to get your code.
We look forward to welcoming teachers and students of all levels to this exciting annual event. One piece, up to 5 minutes, is to be performed for each ticket purchased. Beginner medleys of 2-3 pieces under 30 seconds each, may be approved on application, let us know in Special Requests.
Most sessions will showcase a variety of levels, ages, and instruments, but we have several special sessions available this year as well:
- Regular sessions: Share your solos, duets, trios, or quartets (under 5 minuntes) in a non-competitive, welcome enviroment. If your piece is 5-10 minutes, please register for two timeslots.
- Adult Friendly sessions: We understand that adult learners have different goals and needs than younger students. And while adult performers are welcome in any session, these special sessions offer a bit of extra support for both solos and ensembles for anyone 16 and over.
- Alternative Styles: Are you an improviser, a looper, or wanting to use electric instruments and/or effects? This is your session! Registration includes a 10-minute time slot to allow for set-up, performance, and clean-up; we will have an amplifier and power board in the room for all performers.
- Advanced Showcase – Solos & Chamber Ensembles: Special sessions for advanced performers (solos at AMEB Gr7+ / ensembles at AMEB Gr6+ or equivalent) with 15 minute timeslots for longer performance times and feedback from 2 adjudicators.
Enter as an individual (with accompaniment or unaccompanied, if the work does not require accompaniment), or as a member of a string chamber group of up to four players – duets, trios or quartets – with each player playing an individual part. If a work has an accompaniment part, play it with your own accompanist or use the collaborative pianist provided by AUSTA. AUSTA covers the performance fees for Festival accompanists. Rehearsals if needed are to be arranged by you once you are allocated an accompanist when scheduling has been finalised. This year, you are required to select an piano accompanist or specify that you are providing your own on registration.
This event is free for audience members to attend, so invite your family and friends to support your performance. Food and beverages will be available to purchase until 2pm at the Grindhouse Cafe located across the courtyard from our performance space.
2025 Festival Adjudicators:
- Kierstan Arkleysmith
- Brian Finlayson
- Rennae Van der Laan
- Zoe Van Drunen
- Noeleen Wright
2025 Festival Accompanists:
- Kendra (Smith) Hamersley (Ellenbrook)
- Michelle Komatsu (Double View)
- Stephanie Nicholls (NOR)
WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
1/2 Bradford Street
Mt Lawley, WA 6050
Stephanie Fraser – wapresident@austa.asn.au
Registration Notes
HAVE YOUR PIECE TITLE, COMPOSER AND DURATION READY WHEN YOU REGISTER. INCOMPLETE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CANCELLED AND REFUNDED LESS A $10 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.
REMEMBER THAT PIECES WITH A WRITTEN ACCOMPANIMENT MAY NOT BE PERFORMED UNACCOMPANIED.
SELECT YOUR SESSION CAREFULLY. THERE WILL BE A FEE OF $15 FOR ANY REQUESTED SESSION/PIECE CHANGES AFTER REGISTRATION IS SUBMITTED AND NO CHANGES WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER 23 MAY 2025.
Please address membership questions if applicable prior to proceeding with booking, and contact AUSTA Administration admin@austa.asn.au for membership enquiries. The AUSTA membership discount can be combined with an early bird registration.
Time
Location
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14jun1:00 PM5:00 PMDouble Bass Day
Event Details
Led by Associate Principal Double Bass of WASO and passionate educator John Keene – Double Bass students and players of all ages and abilities are invited to join us for
Event Details
Led by Associate Principal Double Bass of WASO and passionate educator John Keene – Double Bass students and players of all ages and abilities are invited to join us for a fun and informative day of workshops, masterclasses and performance.
Saturday 14 June 1:00 – 5:00pm
Callaway Music Auditorium, UWA
TICKETS
$10 Participants
$5 Observers
All tickets include a BBQ
Concert: free
Time
July 2025
20jul9:30 AM12:30 PMWinter WAYAJAM
Event Details
A fun session of chamber music. Come alone or bring a few friends and we’ll organise the rest. Whether you’ve never played chamber music before
Event Details
A fun session of chamber music. Come alone or bring a few friends and we’ll organise the rest.
Whether you’ve never played chamber music before or you already have an established group, this workshop caters to all string players wanting to improve their chamber music skills.
WAYACHAMP’s unique WAYAJAM model sees students of all levels and abilities working on their chamber music skills. Students of similar levels are formed into trios and quartets and work on:
technical developments in tuning, rhythm, pulse, blend and balance
musical developments in expression, style and interpretation
personal developments including teamwork, active listening and confidence
The session culminates in a casual performance for participants’ families to celebrate what we have learnt.
WAYAJAM events involve sight-reading. Music is provided from the simplest level so that everyone can participate. If you’re up for a challenge, we have something for you too!
Open to Violin, viola, cello students who have been learning their instrument for at least one year. Ages 9 – 17
Schedule
Introduction and group allocation
Rehearsal Session 1
Break
Rehearsal Session 2
Full rehearsal
Casual performance
Cost $58 per student
Time
05jul6:00 PM8:00 PMAUSTA Mid-Year Social Farewell/Q&A with Brian Finlayson
Event Details
AUSTA warmly invites string teachers and players to a special mid year social event. Come and enjoy a great evening at Allegro Pizza. We will also have special guest, Violinist/Violist Brian
Event Details
- Saturday 5 July
- Doors open: 5:30pm
- ️Q&A with Brian: 6:00pm
- Social time from: 7:00pm
Allegro Pizza
231A Stirling Hwy, Claremont WA 6010
Time
Location
Allegro Pizza
231A Stirling Hwy
August 2025
31augAll DayWA: Daniel Schmitt Viola Masterclasses PLUS
Event Details
AUSTA WA is pleased to present masterclasses for viola with Daniel Schmidt, who has been principal viola of WASO since 2019. His full biography is below. This should be a
Event Details
AUSTA WA is pleased to present masterclasses for viola with Daniel Schmidt, who has been principal viola of WASO since 2019. His full biography is below. This should be a great event for students and teachers, with a shorter playing opportunity in both sessions towards the end of the sessions and audience or audience plus ensemble playing will be free for current AUSTA members. To check or to renew your membership, log on here:
https://www.austa.asn.au
The morning masterclass features works by Faure, Kreisler, Hoffmeister, Casadesus/J.C Bach and Stamitz, followed by ensemble reading session. The afternoon masterclass features works by Giardini, Sitt, Hopkins, J.S. Bach and Reger, also followed by ensemble reading session. As solo performer places are full, please email organiser Helen Tuckey helenvla@bigpond.net.au to go on the waiting list, or for further enquiries. After the master class section has ended, violists of all levels who register as “Plus” can play in the multi-level ensemble reading session, so please bring your viola. Ensemble works for the reading sessions will include a range of music from Handel’s Queen of Sheba and Bach Chorales to Chinese folk songs, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to Grandfather’s Clock, and less familiar works with a range of reading abilities catered for.
If you are staying for both sessions, please BYO refreshments. AUSTA WA accepts no responsibility for supervision of participants.
A PD certificate for teachers will be available after the event by email. Please send a request to helenvla@bigpond.net.au stating your full name. Video recordings may be made only with permission of the performer and their family.
About Daniel:
Daniel has been a member of Bayerische Staatsoper Orchestra in Munich and held principal positions with the Royal Flemish Philharmonic and the Royal Opera Orchestra “La Monnaie” in Brussels under the baton of Philippe Herreweghe and Antonio Pappano. He has also appeared as guest principal with the Munich Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestre des Champs Élysées Paris and the Opera Australia Orchestra.
Born in Germany, Daniel began his music studies with violin and piano. He studied viola with Bruno Giuranna at the University of the Arts in Berlin, completing his Master’s Degree. His intensive study of chamber music includes lessons with Franco Gulli and Joseph Silverstein.
He was the violist in the Lenos String Quartet, which won the National German Music Competition. He has performed with Lenos throughout Europe and performances have been broadcast on SR Kultur, NDR2 (Germany) and Radio DRS (Switzerland).
As a chamber musician he has performed at numerous festivals in Europe, the UK, South Korea and Japan. In Australia he has appeared at the Melbourne Recital Centre, performing Schumann’s Piano Quintet with Emanuel Ax, Wilma Smith, Dale Barltrop and David Berlin.
Daniel Schmitt plays a viola made in 1964 by Otto A. Erdesz in Toronto, Canada.
Book here
Hear Daniel:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2554062924910554
Time
Location
WA Academy of Performing Arts, Mt Lawley
Organizer
September 2025
13sepAll DayWA: AUSTA Cello Masterclass with Rachel Johnston
Event Details
AUSTA WA is pleased to present a cello masterclass for 2025 with Musica Viva artist, Rachel Johnston. This masterclass presents ideal opportunity for students of all playing levels to participate.
Event Details
AUSTA WA is pleased to present a cello masterclass for 2025 with Musica Viva artist, Rachel Johnston. This masterclass presents ideal opportunity for students of all playing levels to participate. Students are invited to perform an excerpt or short work to receive feedback/workshop with Rachel. The afternoon will conclude with a ‘Q and A’, with opportunity to ask Rachel further questions about cello playing, performing and teaching.
Saturday 13 September 1:15 – 5:00pm
Free Audience ticket for AUSTA members
- Beginner to Grade 3 (Four 10 min participant places)
- Grade 4 to Grade 7 (Four 15 min participant places)
- Grade 8+ (Three 20 min participant places)
Save $10 with Early Bird participant bookings till August 30th.
Please note participant ticket will include free entry for one accompanying adult.
For more details about Rachel please see her website: https://racheljohnstoncellist.com/
Time
Location
Wigmore Hall
35 Stirling Hwy
Organizer
January 2026
23janAll DayAUSTA WA Summer Conference
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Location
UWA Conservatorium of Music
35 Stirling Highway Nedlands
Organizer
February 2026
22feb10:30 AM5:00 PMTchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Workshop
Event Details
Sunday 22nd February, 10:30am to 5:00pm Manning Community Centre Directed by Laurence Jackson Join fellow adult string players for a rewarding day immersed in one of the most glorious works in the chamber
Event Details
Sunday 22nd February, 10:30am to 5:00pm
Manning Community Centre
Directed by Laurence Jackson
Join fellow adult string players for a rewarding day immersed in one of the most glorious works in the chamber orchestra repertoire – Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.
Under the expert guidance of Laurence Jackson, participants will explore ensemble playing, musical interpretation, and the art of achieving a truly unified sound.
Why take part:
- Expert coaching by Laurence Jackson, internationally acclaimed violinist, former leader of the Maggini String Quartet, and concertmaster at WASO.
- Inspiring repertoire: Discover the depth, passion, and beauty of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade.
- Collaborative atmosphere: Enjoy a supportive, collegial environment encouraging musical growth.
Cost: $95
Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/DGXDK
More info: Contact Sarah safirn@protonmail.com