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

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

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.

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

Sunday 15 June 2025

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 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

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.

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