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.

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

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 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

Kickstart Term 2 with a full day of practical, inspiring professional learning designed to support and elevate your string teaching and musicianship.

Our Pedagogy Day brings together a range of experienced presenters, offering sessions focused on real, usable strategies across all areas of string teaching, from developing early musicianship, to refining exam performance, instrument care, and inclusive teaching approaches.

Whether you are working in the studio, classroom, or ensemble setting, this is a valuable opportunity to refresh your approach, gain new ideas, and connect with fellow string educators.

Registration will open from 9:00am, with sessions beginning at 9:30am. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. On the day, don’t forget to bring your keep cup for tea and coffee.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Methodist Ladies’ College for generously hosting us for the day.

All bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DKVBM