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

AUSTA ACT

Pedagogy Day

Date & Time:
Saturday, 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

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

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.

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

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

AUSTA ACT

Reading Day

Date & Time:
29 March 2026
2.00-5.00pm

Venue:
54 National Circuit, Forrest

Cost:
Members: $15.00
Non-Members: $30.00
Students with current student ID: $15.00

Registration for Reading Day

Come along to our annual Reading Day to choose new music for your String Ensembles and network with your peers. We will be reading through the latest releases from Australian and International composers and publishers.

Don’t forget to bring your instrument.

Contact: austaact@gmail.com