Paul McDermott Violin Scholarship 2021

Entries are now open for the 2021 Paul McDermott Violin Scholarship.

Today young Victorian violinists are invited annually to apply for the scholarship that bears Paul McDermott’s name but few know the story behind the man and the scholarship.

The scholarship was created in 1980 by an anonymous local music lover and benefactor. Paul McDermott was chosen as the dedicatee for the scholarship as he was a much loved local violinist and conductor. He served as the chief conductor of the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra from 1960 – 1973 and was founder and president of the Australian Musicians’ Guild.

The guild was established in 1971 and gave regular concerts including Music in the Round which became a fixture in the musical life of Melbourne from 1972 to 1985. It involved a whole weekend of music at an historic venue such as Werribee Mansion or the Abbotsford Convent. This also became the perfect event to showcase the talents of the annual recipient of the Paul McDermott scholarship where they had the chance to play alongside professional Australian chamber musicians and international guests.

The Music in the Round concerts unfortunately came to an end when Paul McDermott died in 1985. Until that year he had continued to work tirelessly as both artistic director and a busy performer. The Australian Musicians’ Guild also folded in 1996 at which time the running of the scholarship was entrusted to AUSTA.

In recent years there have been two resurrections of Music in the Round, one by oboist Jeff Crellin at Monash University, and another for the 10 year anniversary of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation in 2014 directed by Chris Howlett. The legacy lives on with a prestigious award to add to any young violinist’s biography, a prize of $1500 to aid further study, and a public performance at an AUSTA event. Violinists that reside in Victoria and are younger than 15 years on July 1st 2021 are invited to apply for this year’s scholarship.

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

Cost to entre: $35

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Enquiries: Andrew Schellhorn: 0449 766 632

AUSTA Victoria presents

CANCELLED – due to continuing COVID regulations, this event has been sadly cancelled. We hope to reschedule for later in 2021.

2021 String Performers Festival

After a difficult 2020, we are very excited to be presenting our eighth String Performers’ Festival – a welcoming, non-competitive performance opportunity for students. String students of all levels are welcome and all performers will receive written feedback and a medallion.

Sunday, 20th June 2021

9am – 2pm

There will be five sessions on the day to choose from.  A Festival Accompanist will be available for Preliminary – Grade 4 pieces on the day.

• • • • Session One:               9.00 – 10.00am   Festival Accompanist Available
      • Session Two:              10.00 – 11.00am Festival Accompanist Available
      • Session Three:            11.00– 12.00pm  Festival Accompanist Available
      • Session Four:              12.00 – 1.00pm   Festival Accompanist Available
      • Session Five:               1.00 – 2.00pm     Festival Accompanist Available

Cost: $20 per performer / $10 per additional family performer.

Senior players are always welcome to perform at the Festival, however the day tends towards beginner and middle level players.

All performers are asked to bring 2 people only to support them on the day. Numbers are limited, so book quickly!

VENUE:
Scotch College Music School – Keith Humble Auditorium
1 Morrison Street
HAWTHORN VIC 3122

Enquiries: jamesderozario@hotmail.com

Bookings open 15^th May

Sound is arguably the defining feature of string playing. A beautiful sound is reliant upon optimal resonance while skilful bow strokes create musical character. This discussion will look at the physics of sound production and the physical movements needed to develop supple bow technique. I encourage participants to have instruments and bows at hand to try as we go!

Cost: AUSTA Members: $15, Non-members $25
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/BRZFZ

Sunday July 4 – via Zoom

1pm AWST
2.30pm ACST
3pm AEST

No matter how advanced your students are (some will have just learned to play
open strings!) they can all perform their pieces with a professional accompanist in
front of a small, supportive audience of family and friends, receive a constructive,
encouraging adjudication and take home a trophy! Open to primary and high school
students of AUSTA members. Students of regional members will also be able to
participate in 2021 via video submission.

Trybooking link is now active:

http://www.trybooking.com/BRKVJ