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

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.