AUSTA NSW
AUSTA NSW provides professional development and performance opportunities for string teachers, students, and performers across the state. Activities include workshops, ensemble reading days, student festivals, and performance awards. The chapter fosters collaboration and collegiality, with regular events for both metropolitan and regional participants. Notable annual activities include the performers’ festival and recognition of excellence through state and national awards.
Events
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October 2026
18oct2:30 PM5:30 PMHSC Music Performance Professional Development Day
Event Details
Change is on the way for String Teachers and Students: HSC Performance preparation with a new syllabus Change is on the Way for String Teachers and Students: HSC Performance preparation within a
Event Details
Change is on the way for String Teachers and Students: HSC Performance preparation with a new syllabus
Change is on the Way for String Teachers and Students: HSC Performance preparation within a New Curriculum. From Term 1 2027, NSW schools begin teaching the new Music 1,2 syllabi for years 11 and 12. The first HSC examinations will come our way in 2028. Here, familiar ‘Concepts of Music’ give way to ‘Music Context and Music Language’, including prescribed focus areas and a compulsory composition component. Assessment, programming and repertoire selection are likely to shift. This workshop opens a dialogue on change, on what remains constant and what needs to be considered into the future so that what must be achieved can be achieved with success and benefit for all.
Join AUSTA NSW to help you prepare for the changes and success in dialogue with experts and colleagues
2:30pm: Understanding Change
A Forum led by Dr. Jim Coyle (Sydney University) and Ynping Mak (Newtown Performing Arts) to unpack changes to Music 1 and Music 2. What has stayed and how do we best plan the student’s path to the HSC? Panel discussion and open Q&A follows – bring your questions!
3:45pm: Light refreshments and informal conversations.
4:15pm: Instrumental sessions
Join leading teachers for a workshop on practical skills, repertoire possibilities and developmental strategies that will enable you to succeed in this new context.
Violin: Caron Chan
Viola: Lisa Grosman
Cello: Simone Koolhaas
Double Bass: Alex Henery
Gain a clearer idea of the new HSC requirements,
Connect with a network of colleagues navigating change
Experience meaningful professional development and inspiration.
Event link: https://www.trybooking.com/DPWNQ
Cost: $30 for AUSTA members with the code AUSTAHSC2026, $60 for non-members
Time
November 2026
22nov8:30 AM3:00 PMAUSTA NSW String Festival at St Ives
Event Details
The AUSTA NSW String Festival is an event designed to give young players the opportunity to perform in friendly, non-competitive and supportive environment. Participants are invited to play one piece
Event Details
- Piano accompanists will be available on the day, but participants may also bring their own
- Any piece that is intended to be performed with accompaniment must use an accompanist. Only perform solo/unaccompanied if that is how the composer wrote the piece
- When booking, please answer ‘Yes’ if you wish to use one of the AUSTA accompanists
- Several accompanists will assist with the event. Please book carefully, so that you are with your preferred accompanist. Accompanist contact information will be released around four weeks before the event (or earlier if possible).
- Penelope Campbell (Sessions 1,2,3,4 in Room A) – rehearsals in Petersham
- Benjamin Au (Sessions 1,2,3 in Room B) – rehearsals in Artarmon
- SzuYu Chen (Session 4 in Room B, Sessions 5, 6 in Room A) – rehearsals in Roseville
- Our much-loved accompanist, Alison Cameron, is taking a break for this event, so please select another accompanist.
- Rehearsals must be arranged privately before the event. No rehearsals are possible at the venue
- You must supply the piano part to your accompanist, with any cut sections clearly marked
CERTIFICATES AND TROPHIES
Each participant will receive a certificate of participation, a trophy, and a panel report with valuable feedback.
ENROLMENT
- All enrolments are through trybooking.com
- There is a maximum performance length of 7 minutes
- Teachers may enrol students, or students may enrol individually
- Payment by credit card is required at the time of booking
- A 10% discount via discount code AUSTAFEST2026 is available for current AUSTA members and their students.
- To assist the organisers, please enrol with the correct repertoire and performance length at the time of enrolment
Time
Past Events
November 2025
16nov8:00 AM4:30 PMAUSTA (NSW) String Festival at St Ives
Event Details
The AUSTA NSW String Festival is an event designed to give young players the opportunity to perform in friendly, non-competitive and supportive environment. Participants are invited to play one piece
Event Details
Location
St Ives Preparatory School – Sydney Grammar School
11 Ayres Rd , St Ives NSW 2075
ACCOMPANISTS
- Piano accompanists will be available on the day, but participants may also bring their own
- Any piece that is intended to be performed with accompaniment must use an accompanist. Only perform solo/unaccompanied if that is how the composer wrote the piece
- When booking, please answer ‘Yes’ if you wish to use one of the AUSTA accompanists
- Several accompanists will assist with the event. Once you have enrolled, an accompanist will be allocated to you three to four weeks before the event
- Rehearsals must be arranged privately before the event. No rehearsals are possible at the venue
- You must supply the piano part to your accompanist, with any cut sections clearly marked
Note: for the upcoming String Festival, our regular pianist Alison Cameron will only be available for the morning session. Additional accompanists will cover other sections.
CERTIFICATES AND TROPHIES
Each participant will receive a certificate of participation, a trophy, and a panel report with valuable feedback.
ENROLMENT
- All enrolments are through trybooking.com
- There is a maximum performance length of 7 minutes
- Teachers may enrol students, or students may enrol individually
- Payment by credit card is required at the time of booking
- A 10% discount via discount code is available for current AUSTA members and their students. AUSTA members (not students or parents) should contact the event organiser if they cannot locate the discount code
- Performers will be placed in a session based on the age and level provided in the enrolment form. The organiser reserves the right to move a performance to a nearby session if necessary.
- Please enrol with the correct repertoire and performance length at the time of enrolment, as this may not be altered.
Time
Location
Sydney Grammar School - St Ives
February 2026
15feb8:00 PM8:30 PMAUSTA (NSW) Annual General Meeting
Event Details
Annual General Meeting https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/j/83521317772 February 15, 8 pm Agenda Apologies Confirmation of Minutes from AGM 2025 Financial Report President’s Report Election of Office Bearers and Committee
Event Details
Annual General Meeting
https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/j/83521317772
February 15, 8 pm
Agenda
Apologies
Confirmation of Minutes from AGM 2025
Financial Report
President’s Report
Election of Office Bearers and Committee
Time
March 2026
28mar5:00 PM8:00 AMAUSTA (NSW) Ensemble Reading Day
Event Details
Calling composers, string teachers and players! AUSTA NSW is bringing back an exciting event to our calendar- a Reading Day to present new repertoire and introduce you to exciting new
Event Details
AUSTA NSW is bringing back an exciting event to our calendar- a Reading Day to present new repertoire and introduce you to exciting new music trends for your school string orchestras and youth orchestras heading into 2026.Additionally, we are calling out to local composers to make submissions for works to be presented, alongside some other preselected repertoire from both the Australian Music Centre and AUSTA.
Santa Sabina College
90 The Boulevarde, Strathfield NSW 2135
Time
14mar(mar 14)2:30 PM15(mar 15)1:30 PM2026 AUSTA (NSW) New England String Performers Festival
Event Details
The AUSTA (NSW) New England String Performers’ Festival gives young string players the opportunity to perform in a friendly and supportive environment. On Saturday March 14 at 2.30 pm soloists will perform in
Event Details
The AUSTA (NSW) New England String Performers’ Festival gives young string players the opportunity to perform in a friendly and supportive environment.
On Saturday March 14 at 2.30 pm soloists will perform in a graded Concerto Showcase.
On Sunday March 15 starting at 10.00 am performers can present one solo piece (either with piano or unaccompanied) in recital. Depending on the number of registrations received there will be multiple recital sessions with a pianist.
Unlike an eisteddfod there are no winners and no first or second places. It is an event to celebrate and showcase the talent of young string players. All participants will leave with a Certificate of Participation, a trophy and an adjudicator’s report.
New England Conservatorium of Music Auditorium
Faulkner Street, Armidale NSW 2350
Trybooking Link https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1526576
Time
May 2026
24may8:30 AM3:30 PMAUSTA NSW STRING FESTIVAL AT CRANBROOK SCHOOL 2026
Event Details
The Austa NSW String Festival is an event organised to give young string players (violin, viola, cello and double bass) the opportunity to perform in a friendly, non-competitive, and supportive
Event Details
The Austa NSW String Festival is an event organised to give young string players (violin, viola, cello and double bass) the opportunity to perform in a friendly, non-competitive, and supportive environment.
Participants are invited to play one piece either solo or with an accompanist to the best of their ability. Participants will play one by one in a small group with other players of a similar age and ability. Each performer will receive a report and a trophy.
Booking link below!
Time
Organizer
June 2026
19jun3:30 PM8:30 PMCello Masterclass- Maximilian Hornung
Event Details
The internationally acclaimed cellist Maximilian Hornung is visiting Australia and Sydney to present recitals (June 14, 21) and perform as soloist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (June 12, 13). For
Event Details
The internationally acclaimed cellist Maximilian Hornung is visiting Australia and Sydney to present recitals (June 14, 21) and perform as soloist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (June 12, 13).
For more information about Mr. Hornung see https://www.maximilianhornung.com/
On June 19 (commencing at 3.30 pm) AUSTA (NSW) presents two public cello masterclasses with Maximilian Hornung featuring up to nine talented young cellists who will work on playing, interpretation and artistry.
Get tickets here:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1583763
Live Stream available for afternoon session 3.30 pm AEST
Time
Location
Meriden
3 Margaret St, Strathfield