AUSTA VIC presents String Group Teaching in Schools with Eugenie Teychenne

Sunday 28 February from 2 – 3:30pm

Enquiries can be made at austavicpresident@outlook.com

AUSTA VIC 2021 Reading Afternoon

Get 2021 off to a musical start by reading through a collection of new music for string orchestra. Enjoy catching up with colleagues in the flesh!

BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN – https://www.trybooking.com/BOGUK 
We prefer bookings so that we can cater appropriately and plan for the correct number of people. You can pay by cash or credit card on the day, but please book if you can.

Sunday 7 February 2021: 1 – 4:30pm

VENUE: Glen Waverley Secondary College

13-21 O’Sullivan Rd (Cnr O’Sullivan Rd and Kingsway), Glen Waverley

Cost: Members – $15, Non-members – $40, Concession – $20

A QR Code and sign in sheets will be available for COVID-safe practices. Please download the Service Victoria app in order to register with the QR code on the day.

PD certificates can be collected on the day upon registration.

Please BYO drink and snack for afternoon tea as this will not be provided this year.

Show & Talent, presented by AUSTA VIC is an opportunity to learn about Australian makers of educational resources especially made for string teachers and students. Meet the creators in this forum-style event, with a designated Q&A after each presenter.

Show & Talent #1 features the work of Frances Gall & Simon Veitch, from Twofold Media who will present their platform violinbowtechnique.com and also Nicole LoBartolo, who is the writer and creator of the ViolinTime series .

This session will be presented online, and is FREE to attend. Booking essential to receive Zoom link.

• 7.30 Twofold Media
• 7.50 Q&A With Simon & Frances
• 8.00 ViolinTime
• 8.30 Q&A with Nicole LoBartolo

THIS IS A FREE AUSTA VIC EVENT – BOOKING IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE ZOOM LINK

Bookings & Enquiries via Trybooking HERE

Twofold Media – Frances Gall & Simon Veitch

https://twofold.com.au

Frances and Simon began Twofold Media in 1996 to develop and publish music education resources using digital video technology. We named our company Twofold as there are two of us and we combine our different skills and interests. Frances is a string musician and teacher and has been an AUSTA member for decades and attended many wonderful AUSTA conferences. Simon is a computer systems engineer with experience in sound engineering, photography, and graphic design. He invented a music synthesizer played in space by the motion of dancers which was used at Expo 88 and at overseas music festivals. All of our experiences have combined in interesting ways and helped with this fascinating music education and technology journey we are on.

We worked with our authors, Robert Wakely and Fintan Murphy, to publish their teaching techniques on video, delivered initially on ‘interactive multimedia CDROM’, then on DVDROM, and now streamed on the internet and available by subscription.

The sites are:  violinbowtechnique.com & sevcikvariations.com

In learning to play a string instrument, you often need to view the player from different angles, so a lot of thought goes into finding the best most visually descriptive shot for filming each particular video. Then the text is written and edited to be as clear as possible, and we include a score whenever that’s needed.

A major point of difference between the content of Twofold’s websites and the many string-teaching videos now found on YouTube and Facebook is the structure – our content is carefully organized and comprehensive. The chapters and topics of our titles provide a guide to your learning and make it easy and natural to return to a topic and understand the logic of the development. Plus of course the quality of Fintan Murphy’s excellent teaching points and thoughtful introductions for each topic!

• violinbowtechnique.com – A comprehensively descriptive site with technique for left-hand and bowing, and is suitable for viola and violin players, with all scores in alto and treble clefs.
• sevcikvariations.com  – ”Ševčík Variations – transformative for any string player“ (Laurie Scott, University of Texas). All 40 bowing variations in Opus 3 are demonstrated, with teaching points by Fintan, helpful links to violinbowtechnique.com and featuring Fintan’s students Dindin and Dandan Wang, who have just been accepted into the Curtis Institute, Philadelphia.

Violintime – Nicole LoBartolo

www.violintime.com

Violin Time and Viola Time Book 1 are comprehensive beginner books. They begin with learning posture and then open string bowing, focusing on playing with a lovely tone and using the whole bow.

Fingers are introduced, beginning with the 3rd and a range of exciting pieces take students on a journey through different keys and finger patterns. 

Scales are included in a logical fashion throughout the book, with pieces using the new finger patterns learned. Bow strokes such as: detache, legato, and staccato are covered in an engaging manner with lovely repertoire.

Each piece has a corresponding video tutorial and some pieces have a fun backing track accessible from the Online tutorials page/backing tracks. These are demonstrated on the violin (Nicole LoBartolo), with piano accompaniment (Jane MacDermott).

Violin Time Book 2 and Viola Time Book 2 focus on developing shifting in a variety of keys, and vibrato. The method used to teach shifting is the ‘lift, glide, and press’ method so that students learn to shift silently between positions. 1st – 3rd position is the first position change covered, then 1st – 2nd position, then later between positions and up to 4th and 5th position.

Students will love the beautiful range of music composed for the purpose of shifting. The styles range from tango, to etude, to waltz, to duets. The keys become more challenging as the book progresses, and each piece has a scale and exercise and resources such as finger charts and online videos to help guide the students practice. Vibrato is introduced and the books feature wonderful exercises to help develop a secure arm vibrato.

The string time books are shorter versions of the original Violin Time and Viola Time book 1. They are perfect for a school string program as they are shorter, and less expensive. They are only available in hardcopy, however, students still have access to all of the online tutorials which are accessible via the website.

Pedagogically here is the flow of the book:

They begin with pizzicato on the open strings, then bow hold exercises, followed by an emphasis on learning to play open strings (beginning on D, then A, then G, then E or C) with smooth whole bows.

Bowing divisions on open strings are then introduced using whole bows for crotchets, half bows for quavers in either the LH or UH of the bow. 

Students are always encouraged to sing in fixed pitch before playing the pieces.

The pieces are in memorable patterns so that the emphasis can be on singing in fixed pitch, then memorising, then playing with attention to their tone by watching their bowing strokes and remembering lovely posture.

The 3rd finger (violin and viola) and 4th finger (cello) is introduced first. This is to begin teaching the student the correct hand shape from their very first ‘fingered’ note. Followed by the other fingers – (violin and viola- 3rd, 2nd, 1st); cello (4th, 3rd, 1st).

Bowing speeds are then introduced as are articulation markings.

Each page has a ‘Point for Parents’ section with relevant theory, practise strategies, and helpful tips!

Vibrato Workshop with Jeremy Woolstenhulme

Sunday March 21st 12:00 PM AEDT

Join Jeremy Woolstenhulme, world-class performer, educator, and author of the bestselling series String Basics, as he shows you the best ways to introduce vibrato to your string students. Jeremy will offer teaching tips tailored for each instrument.

James de Rozario, National President of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA), will introduce the workshop. You’ll have a chance to to ask Jeremy all your burning questions live during the workshop.

Register today for this rare opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading strings pedagogues!

REGISTER HERE

About Jeremy Woolstenhulme

Jeremy Woolstenhulme received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Brigham Young University in 2000, and a Master of Arts degree in cello Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2005.

Mr. Woolstenhulme currently serves as the orchestra director at Northview High School in Fulton County, Georgia and taught for 20 years previously in the Clark County School District of Las Vegas, Nevada. He has traveled with his orchestras to London, Washington, D.C., Boston, San Diego, and New York. His orchestra was selected to play at the 2008 and 2017 Midwest Clinic and in 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2018 at the National ASTA Conference.

With a steadily growing number of original and arranged works to his credit, Mr. Woolstenhulme is a commissioned and published composer, many which have been performed around the world. His works have consistently been included as J.W. Pepper Editors’ Choice selections and can be found on festival repertoire lists. He is co-author, with Terry Shade and Wendy Barden of the highly acclaimed string method, String Basics. His specialty is to write for middle and high school orchestras where he composes to teach, challenge, and inspire. He has served as clinician and guest conductor throughout the United States, Canada, Australia (including the prestigious Maryborough Conference) and the People’s Republic of China.

AUSTA VIC presents Fintan Murphy and Sevcik Variations for Mozart

Wednesday 28 April from 7:30 – 9:00pm

Enquiries can be made at austavicpresident@outlook.com

Show & Talent, presented by AUSTA VIC is an opportunity to learn about Australian makers of educational resources especially made for string teachers and students. Meet the creators in this forum-style event, with a designated Q&A after each presenter.

Show & Talent #2 features the work of Lisa Wallace and her String Learning Method Workshop book series. You can find out more about Lisa’s books at her website www.lwstringlearningmethod.com.  Charlie McCarthy will be presenting his Post Classical Violin books on improvisation: www.postclassicalviolin.com

This session will be presented online, and is FREE to attend. Booking essential to receive Zoom link.

• 7.30 String Learning Method
• 7.50 Q&A With Lisa Wallace
• 8.00 Post Classical Violin
• 8.30 Q&A with Charlie McCarthy

THIS IS A FREE AUSTA VIC EVENT – BOOKING IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE ZOOM LINK

Bookings & Enquiries via Trybooking HERE

THE STRING LEARNING METHOD WORKSHOP – LISA WALLACE

www.lwstringlearningmethod.com

POST CLASSICAL VIOLIN – CHARLIE McCARTHY

www.postclassicalviolin.com

The Postclassical method book is an 80 page comprehensive guide to improvising for bowed string players with a classical background. Improvisation is a process you experience, not an event to prepare for. The objective of this book is to guide string players through a structured and sequenced path to becoming a more fluent improvisor and a more effective ensemble member. You will achieve this by also expanding your role as an accompaniment instrument in an ensemble setting. This book is aimed at players who are already reasonably fluent with their instrument and musical vernacular and who can read sheet music.

Some testimonials and reviews from other improvising violinists around the world:

“The Postclassical Violin book is a welcoming tome of clearly structured information, practical advice, and good humour. What a great combo!”

• Jazz violinist and composer Zach Brock

“Charlie has done a fantastic job of bridging the gap between classical and post-classical styles. This book should remove a lot of the “mystery” and fear that classically trained violinists have of contemporary music. His method should feel very accessible to classical players, with sheet music transcriptions and step-by-step instructions. I especially like the staged approach where players can gain fluency a bit at a time. This book should be a staple for anyone wanting to explore jazz violin!”

• Electric violinist and host of the Rockstar Violinist Podcast Matt Bell

“This book really connects the jazz and classical violin worlds, clarifies the creative process and enables classically trained musicians to engage with music outside of the concert hall. The ten-level system is sequential, comprehensive and the concepts all have practical application in the real world.”

• Multi-award-winning Australian violinist and composer Shenzo Gregorio

About Charlie:

Originally from Ireland, Charlie McCarthy is an Australian based violinist/fiddle player who has performed with symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz combos, bluegrass and Irish bands as well as being a session musician/soloist for movie soundtracks, pit orchestras, studio recordings and everything in between. Charlie began learning the violin when he was two years old and comes from a classical background. From an early start in the Suzuki system and humble beginnings playing viola in youth orchestras, busking and string quartet gigs at weddings he has gone on to perform as a professional orchestral musician, session recording player, live looper and sideman in folk and jazz ensembles.

Charlie has performed at most of the major music festivals and music venues in Australia with the bluegrass group The Seals, jazz quartet Belleville and presently with Hobart based ensembles The Harry Edwards Quartet and Django’s Tiger.

As an educator he has previously held the position of Head of Strings at Perth College in Western Australia and Head of Strings at St Michael’s Collegiate in Hobart. Charlie is currently a lecturer at the University of Tasmania in contemporary violin and also offers online violin lessons for players of all ages and styles. As an artist constantly developing and refining his own pedagogical philosophy his students benefit from his genuine love of music and his ability to kindle artistry as well as sequencing practical technique.

Above all, Charlie McCarthy just loves playing the fiddle and having a great time sharing the joy of music with others

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

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

VCE String Masterclass, August 22

Presenter: Elizabeth Sellars

The VCE String Masterclass is now open for booking. Our string pedagogue for 2021 is Elizabeth Sellars. This masterclass is for students in Years 11 and 12 preparing for performance examinations. String students and string chamber groups are invited to apply. Year 11 IB performers are also welcome. Performers will have a minimum of 20 minutes each and more than one work may be presented. Students need to bring their own accompanist for works with piano. Performers must register with Janet Fernandes to receive a Trybooking link for this event. (See details below.)

VCE String Masterclass

Date: Sunday, August 22

Time: 2-4pm

Venue: Online

Fees: $40 per performer, one family member free. Registration is only required for performers.

Observers: Due to current COVID lockdown restrictions, this has now become a non-public event online.

Registrations and enquiries:

Janet Fernandes austavicvcestringmasterclass@gmail.com

Australian-born violinist Dr Elizabeth Sellars has enjoyed a distinguished career as both performer and teacher in Australia and abroad. Elizabeth is a prize-winning graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London where she studied with David Takeno (violin) and the Takacs String Quartets (chamber music). Further significant influences included Sandor Vegh and Yehudi Menuhin with whom Elizabeth worked at Prussia Cove in Cornwall and at the International Menuhin Music Academy in Gstaad. During her time in London, Elizabeth was a winner of the inaugural John Tunnell Trust and the Royal Overseas League Ensemble Prize and Miller Trophy. As a soloist and chamber musician, she toured extensively in the UK, broadcast for the BBC, and performed throughout Europe and Asia with the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Now resident in Australia, Elizabeth has appeared as guest Concertmaster and Principal Violin with the Tasmanian and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, Orchestra Victoria, and Australian Chamber Orchestra. As a sought-after chamber musician, she has appeared for Musica Viva and has collaborated with Ensemble Liaison, Wilma and Friends, Flinders Quartet and Elision Ensembles. Her performances have been published by Move, Naxos, ABC Classics, Toccata Classics and Tzadik and her CD The Messiaen Nexus (with Kenji Fujimura) won the 2014 Limelight Chamber Music Recording of the Year. Her most recent CD contributes the first complete recording of Pinto’s sonatas. Elizabeth continues to perform on radio and in festivals worldwide and is a founding member of Sutherland Trio with cellist Molly Kadarauch and pianist Caroline Almonte.

After sixteen years as Lecturer in Violin at Monash University, Elizabeth now teaches privately and at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. She is currently recording Australian horn trios with Quercus and plays on a Eugenio Degani violin made in Veneto in 1876.