AUSTA Q Mini-Conference 2025

When: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April 

Registration for the Mini-Conference is now open. Early bird registrations will be from 9th March until 16th March. The schedule will be released very shortly so keep an eye on the newsflashes and the event page for full details.

This years event promises to be packed full of interesting and pertinent sessions. Presenters this year to include Dr Anthony Young, David Peirce Physiotherapist, Loreta Fin AM, Raquel Bastos, Delegates Orchestra conducted by Warwick Adeney. This year a special session will be included for the presentation of a gift to AUSTA members in celebration of 50 Years of AUSTA.

Click the trybooking link below to get more information about the Mini-Conference Schedule and to register to come.

https://www.trybooking.com/CZWZX
The Full Schedule of all the Mini-Conference sessions is now available.

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 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.

2025 Melbourne String Orchestra Festival

Eltham High School: Sunday 18th May 2025

12:15pm – Registration

1:00pm – Festival String Orchestra Rehearsal

2:30pm Afternoon Tea

3:00pm Festival Concert

4:00pm Finish

Festival Piece: DARK MATTER by Andrew Aronowicz

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!

Request a registration form at austavicpresident@outlook.com

Eltham High School

30 – 60 Withers Way

Eltham VIC 3095

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

Sunday 29th June 1:30pm or 3pm concert

The AUSTA SA String Showcase is a welcoming performance opportunity for any string player to share a solo piece and celebrate their musical progress in a supportive concert environment. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, refining your repertoire, or simply eager to perform, this is a fantastic chance to gain experience and connect with the string community. A piano will be available on the day, you’re welcome to bring an accompanist if you’d like to include one. We warmly invite students, teachers, families, and friends to join us for this relaxed and inspiring afternoon of music-making.

Book here

Sunday 29th June 10am – 12pm

Seymour College, Gilles Road Jane Hardy gate 6, Glen Osmond, with a free family concert from 12 – 12:30pm. This workshop is for primary and secondary string players from Preliminary to Grade 4 and is an opportunity for players to meet new friends while learning skills needed to successfully play in string ensembles. Music can be downloaded from the link on the booking confirmation. Play the music through with your teacher to confirm your group.

ALBINONI More than 1 year experience/Prelim
BACH Grade 1-2 AMEB
CORELLI Grade 3-4 AMEB

Book here

Sunday 15 June 2025

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

Find out more

Sunday 8th June 2pm – 4:30pm

If you are an adult and learning a bowed string instrument, join us for a fun afternoon in Rose Park, playing new string ensemble repertoire and catching up over afternoon tea. Music will be emailed to you before the workshop to bring along. Enjoy a fun and friendly session playing in a small group setting, perfect for adult string players of all levels. We’ll explore new repertoire together, build skills, and enjoy a social, supportive atmosphere. Come for the music and stay for the company!

Book here

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

https://www.wayachamp.com/wayajam

AUSTA Golden Jubilee National Conference 2025

SYDNEY 11 – 13 July 2025

Supporting teachers, advancing players,

inspiring artistry, building connection

Visit the Conference Webpage for full information.

• Saturday 5 July
• Doors open: 5:30pm
• ️Q&A with Brian: 6:00pm
• Social time from: 7:00pm

RSVP here

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

AUSTA ACT is holding the 2025 String Concerto Competition on Sunday August 24th at St Mary MacKillop College.

Entrants are to choose a section that best represents their technical level, and play one movement of a concerto in the AMEB Syllabus.

Entries close on August 18th, early bird discount by August 8th.

There is a limit of 12 candidates in Section 1 and 10 candidates in Section 2 and 3. Candidates will be accepted on a first come first served basis.

There are three sections based on AMEB Grade:
1. AMEB Grade 2-4:  1pm-2.30pm
Playing time 5 minutes
Prizes 1st place $100; 2nd place $75
Early Bird $50 Regular price $65

2. AMEB Grade 5-7:  3pm-5pm
Playing time 10 minutes
Prizes 1st place $150; 2nd place $100
Early Bird $50 Regular price $65

3. AMEB Grade 8+: 5.30pm-7.30pm
10 minutes
Prizes 1st place $250; 2nd place $150
Early Bird $60 Regular price $75

The Paul McDermott Scholarship
Each year, young Victorian violinists are invited to apply for the prestigious Paul McDermott Scholarship—but few know the remarkable story behind the man whose name it bears.

Established in 1980 by an anonymous local music lover and benefactor, the scholarship honours Paul McDermott, a beloved local violinist, conductor, and champion of music education. McDermott served as the chief conductor of the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra from 1960 to 1973 and was the founder and president of the Australian Musicians’ Guild. Under his leadership, the Guild flourished, presenting regular concerts and launching Music in the Round, a celebrated weekend-long festival held at historic venues such as Werribee Mansion and the Abbotsford Convent. This event became a highlight in Melbourne’s cultural calendar from 1972 until McDermott’s passing in 1985, and served as a unique platform for scholarship recipients to perform alongside leading Australian and international chamber musicians.

After McDermott’s death, and the eventual closure of the Guild in 1996, the scholarship was entrusted to AUSTA VIC, who proudly continue its legacy. Though Music in the Round ended, its spirit has been revived in recent years through projects by Jeff Crellin and Chris Howlett.

Today, the Paul McDermott Scholarship remains a significant accolade in the Victorian string community—a $1500 award that supports the further study of a promising young violinist under the age of 15. The recipient also receives the opportunity to perform at an AUSTA VIC event, adding a prestigious milestone to their musical journey and honouring the vision of a man who gave so much to Australian music.

For more information, please contact Andrew Schellhorn: andrew.schellhorn@gmail.com

To apply for audition, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/knfX7ok4rU4ihkkq8

Bibliography: Cooke, Max. The Australian Musicians’ Guild [online]. Australian Journal of Music Education, No. 9, Oct 1971: 47-48.

We are excited to announce the AUSTA VIC Spring Pedagogy Series!

This September, join us online for three inspiring sessions led by outstanding educators from across the East Coast.

• Lachlan Dent – Making Young Ensembles Sound Great!
  Thursday 18 September, 7:00 pm
  Practical strategies for tone development, rhythm, intonation, and repertoire.

https://www.trybooking.com/DFHUS

• Stephen Chin – The Art of Scales
  Monday 22 September, 6:30 pm
  A hands-on exploration of how scales can nurture technique, musicianship, and expression.

https://www.trybooking.com/DFIBN

• Bernardo Alviz – All Things Double Bass
  Wednesday 24 September, 7:00 pm
  A deep-dive into repertoire, posture, technique, and everything double bass.

https://www.trybooking.com/DFIBO

Stay at home, recharge, and connect with colleagues while gaining practical tools to energise your teaching.

Register now for the AUSTA Q Bundaberg Strings Festival. Full details and register here:

https://www.trybooking.com/DGKYW

Entry Fee

$15 (incl. GST) + try booking fees (50c)

Please note, entries must close Tuesday 28th October 2025.

The ‘AUSTA NQ Celebration of Strings’ Festival is an annual workshop which brings together hundreds of the string players from primary schools in the Townsville region for a great concert celebrating the fun of string playing. For to students up to year 8, in five massive orchestras, our concert promises to be a hit, especially for an auditorium full of adoring family and friends.
Come and enjoy the fun and festivity as these keen string players strut their stuff on the big stage.

Download a copy of the schedule for the weekend here.

Beyond the Music: Building Communities that Keep Students Coming Back

TUESDAY 14th OCTOBER

Want your students to feel connected, supported, and inspired to stick with music for the long haul?
Join us on ZOOM (check your time zone) for a practical, uplifting session packed with ideas to:
✔️ Foster inclusivity & belonging
✔️ Strengthen student commitment
✔️ Create a positive, thriving culture
✔️ Build communities where young musicians love to learn & grow

Don’t miss this chance to explore strategies that go beyond the music and into what really makes students stay engaged.

Register now and find your zoom link in the confirmation email

REGISTER HERE

Presentation via Zoom only

WA – 4:30pm
QLD – 6:30pm
SA and NT – 7pm
ACT, NSW, TAS and VIC 7:30pm

SATURDAY 4 & SUNDAY 5 October– AUSTA Q Professional Weekend

Registration is now open!
https://www.trybooking.com/DFQQH 

The Professional Weekend is another staple of the AUSTA Q Calendar. This year we have an incredible weekend:

A Musical Career in Strings Playing and Teaching

with Doretta Balkizas, Patrick Murphy and Colleagues

Whether you are a highly experienced teacher, early career teacher, tertiary student, or high school student interested in a career in music, the AUSTA Q Professional Weekend 2025 will provide a variety of sessions to extend your skills and perspective as players and teachers. No string teacher or student aspiring to a career in music can afford to miss this invaluable event!

Please remember to bring your instruments!

AUSTA ACT

Workshop For Teachers with John Ma

Date & Time: Sunday 30th November 2025, 2.00-5.00pm

Venue: Orana Steiner School – Unwin Street Weston

Cost: Members $40, Non-Members $60, Tertiary Students $20 with student ID on the day

Online Registration: www.trybooking.com/DFODM

Contact: austaact@gmail.com

Would you like to know more about historically informed interpretations of repertoire for string instruments? Then bring your instrument and join us for this AUSTA ‘hands on’ practical workshop for teachers.

SA String Showcase

The SA String Showcase, presented by AUSTA SA, is a celebration of string playing in all its forms. Open to all ages and levels, it provides a supportive, non-graded and non-competitive chance to perform. Solos, chamber music (duos, trios, quartets), and accompanied works are all welcome.

To ensure every performance shines, we strongly encourage performers to use an accompanist unless their piece is unaccompanied. An official accompanist will be provided by AUSTA SA.

Session Times

1:30pm Concert: For unaccompanied works, chamber groups, or those with their own accompanist/teacher.

3:00pm Concert: For performers using the AUSTA SA accompanist. If booked, arrive at 1:00pm for a compulsory rehearsal. Parents may drop students at 1:00pm and return at 2:45pm.

At its heart, the Showcase is about confidence, progress, and community in SA’s string world.

SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER – AUSTA Q International Reading Day on Zoom

Registration and Full information here.

Register now for the AUSTA Q Bundaberg Strings Festival. Full details and register here:

https://www.trybooking.com/DGKYW

Entry Fee

$15 (incl. GST) + try booking fees (50c)

Please note, entries must close Tuesday 28th October 2025.

The ‘AUSTA NQ Celebration of Strings’ Festival is an annual workshop which brings together hundreds of the string players from primary schools in the Townsville region for a great concert celebrating the fun of string playing. For to students up to year 8, in five massive orchestras, our concert promises to be a hit, especially for an auditorium full of adoring family and friends.
Come and enjoy the fun and festivity as these keen string players strut their stuff on the big stage.

Download a copy of the schedule for the weekend here.

AUSTA ACT

Christmas Dinner

Date & Time: Saturday 6th December 2025, 7.00pm

Venue: Snapper & Co – Mariner Place Yarralumla

Cost: Buy your own dinner

Online Registration: coming

Contact: austaact@gmail.com

AUSTA ACT

Pedagogy Day

Date & Time:
Sunday, 22 February 2026
2..00-5.00pm

Venue:
Orana Steiner School
Ironbark Music Room
Unwin Place, Weston

Cost:
Members: Free
Non-Members: $35.00
Students with current student ID: $15.00

Registration Link for Pedagogy Day

Passionate about string teaching? Join us for the AUSTA ACT String Pedagogy Day. Meet other string teachers in our region and make lifelong supportive connections and partnerships.

We will begin with a discussion on practice tips exploring ways in which we inspire our students to keep progressing and achieving their music goals. After a short break we will spilt into upper and lower strings to explore the geography of the fingerboard.

Contact: austaact@gmail.com

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

Download the flyer

Come join us for our Annual AUSTA Vic Reading Day and AGM – online!

Explore fresh repertoire for string ensembles.

Join us for AUSTA VIC’s annual String Reading Day, proudly supported by Fine Music.

An energising afternoon where teachers, conductors, and ensemble directors come together to explore new and exciting works for string orchestra.

We will read through a wide range of international and Australian compositions, from emerging voices to established favourites, with a special spotlight on the creativity of our local Victorian composers. All selected works have strong pedagogical value, offer accessible technical challenges, and are suitable for ensembles across primary, secondary, and community levels.

Reading Day is a practical, hands-on way to refresh your repertoire list, connect with colleagues, discover new music your students will love, and support the ongoing growth of string education.

We would love to see you there!

Date: Sunday 8th February

Time: 1 – 4:30pm (including AGM)

Can’t make it – join us online: https://www.trybooking.com/DHXMF

Come join us for our Annual AUSTA Vic Reading Day and AGM!

Explore fresh repertoire for string ensembles.

Join us for AUSTA VIC’s annual String Reading Day, proudly supported by Fine Music.

An energising afternoon where teachers, conductors, and ensemble directors come together to explore new and exciting works for string orchestra.

We will read through a wide range of international and Australian compositions, from emerging voices to established favourites, with a special spotlight on the creativity of our local Victorian composers. All selected works have strong pedagogical value, offer accessible technical challenges, and are suitable for ensembles across primary, secondary, and community levels.

Reading Day is a practical, hands-on way to refresh your repertoire list, connect with colleagues, discover new music your students will love, and support the ongoing growth of string education.

We would love to see you there!

Date: Sunday 8th February

Time: 1 – 4:30pm (including AGM)

Venue: Xavier College Senior School – EHPAC

Attend in person: https://www.trybooking.com/DHXGK 

Can’t make it – join us online: https://www.trybooking.com/DHXMF

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 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

https://www.trybooking.com/DJUML

2026 AUSTA Vic String Performers Festival!

The String Performers Festival is an inclusive, student-centred performance event designed to nurture confidence, musical growth, and a love of performing. Hosted in a supportive, non-competitive setting, the festival provides young string players with the opportunity to share their music in front of an encouraging audience.

Students perform in small sessions, allowing for a calm and positive experience. Each performer receives individual written feedback from experienced string educators, helping to support ongoing learning and development beyond the event itself. All participants are also presented with a festival medallion in recognition of their achievement.

The festival is particularly suited to beginner–Grade 4 level performers, though students performing at higher levels are also welcome to participate with their own accompanist. Family, friends, and teachers are warmly encouraged to attend, creating a celebratory environment that supports every student on stage.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Sunday 29th March

Sessions: 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Venue: Yarra Valley Grammar

For all performer bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DIQAG

All enquiries please contact: austavicsecretary@austa.asn.au

Save the date!!

AUSTA ACT

Stephen Chin

Date & Time:
28 March 2026
Session 1: Intonation 1.30-3.00pm
Session 2: Achieving Success 3.30-5.00pm

Venue:
54 National Circuit Forrest

Cost:
Members: $30.00/session or both sessions $45.00
Non-Members: $45.00/session or both sessions $65.00
Students with current student ID: $15.00/session or both sessions $25.00

Registration Link for Stephen Chin Presentations

Stephen Chin

Stephen is formerly a Principal String Teacher and Director of Orchestras at Brisbane Grammar School, is a past National President of the Australian String Teachers’ Association (AUSTA) and was inaugural conductor of the BEL Orchestra at the University of Queensland.  He is also a lecturer in String Pedagogy at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University.  His early studies at Sydney University in violin and composition were completed under John Harding and Peter Sculthorpe respectively. He has performed with The ABC Sinfonia, The Badinerie Players, The Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra, The Queensland Symphony Orchestra, The Queensland Pops Orchestra and Corda Spiritus.  Stephen publishes a number of string compositions and arrangements which have been used as test pieces for competitions throughout Australia and as examination pieces for the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB).

Session 1: Intonation

History of string tuning and with practical approaches to support students to refine their intonation.

Session 2: Motivating your students to achieve success

As Stephen is a violinist, this is aimed at violin & viola teachers, however cello & bass teachers are also more than welcome.

Stephen will share with us his approach to accelerate students while keeping them engaged and self motivated.

Contact: austaact@gmail.com

Register here

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Experience the AUSTA String Performance Day, an opportunity to perform in an elegant and inspiring venue.

Participants rehearse with an official AUSTA accompanist in a dedicated rehearsal space prior to presenting their performance in the Chapel.

1:30pm Concert: For unaccompanied works, chamber groups, or those with their own accompanist/teacher.

3:00pm Concert: For performers using the AUSTA SA accompanist. A compulsory rehearsal time will be emailed to you by Saturday 21 March. Parents are to bring their child to the Music Department rehearsal space at time given, then take child to the chapel between 2:45-2:55pm.

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.

AUSTA VIC welcomes Simon Fischer

Simon Fischer is one of the world’s most highly regarded string pedagogues, internationally respected for his profound and lasting impact on string teaching and technical understanding. As a violinist, teacher, and author, his work has shaped the way generations of musicians approach technical development, problem-solving, and effective practice.

He is best known for his influential pedagogical publications, including Basics, Practice, Scales, and Warming Up, among many others. These works are valued for their depth, clarity, and practical approach, offering musicians clear and effective solutions to complex technical challenges. With decades of experience as a performer, clinician, and educator, Simon brings exceptional insight into technique, tone production, and the development of effective practice strategies.

In this online professional development session, Simon will explore principles of tone production, alongside broader technical and pedagogical considerations, sharing advanced insights drawn from his extensive teaching and research. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with questions, with dedicated time allocated for discussion and exploration of specific technical and pedagogical topics.

We look forward to seeing you there!

AUSTA welcomes Simon Fischer

Date: Thursday 5th March

Time: 7:30 pm

Online

Tickets:

AUSTA Members: $30

Students: $35

Non-members: $60

For all bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DIQBB

All enquiries please contact: austavicsecretary@austa.asn.au