Inspiration. Ideas. Community.Welcome to the AUSTA Blog—a space for Australian string teachers, performers, students, and makers to connect, share, and grow together. Here you'll find teaching tips, interviews with inspiring musicians, reflections from classrooms and studios, introductions to new music and resources, and stories from across our vibrant national community. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have decades of...
testing this out
Technology in Instrumental Teaching In the evolving landscape of education, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing learning experiences. This presentation explores the innovative use of various applications in the instrumental music classroom, demonstrating how these digital tools can transform traditional...
Whether you are new to music teaching or an established teacher, discover how the AMEB Teaching Syllabuses can help you enhance your studio teaching practice based on the latest research in music...
We all know the phrase ‘technical work’ can make even the most committed students groan. But what if we, as educators, can reframe technical work as a series of achievable milestones they can work towards in...
La Folia and its ensemble performance: an approach to interpretative editions HIP often provides interpretative and stylistic guides, particularly with regard to Baroque music, for student, teacher, adjudicator and professional player alike. But what of when HIP norms overlook a creative and performing tradition extending centuries? This presentation focuses on the ensemble performance of Corelli's La Folia Op5/12, highlighted by...
I am joining forces with Lachlan Dent, Sophia Lai and Emma Rodda to present Lachlan's new string note tutor app, as well as discussing what to...New Australian Music for Violin and Piano: HSC Core Music Requirements workshop 
Violinist Vov Dylan has been curating over recent years a series of recordings of brand new Australian music for Violin and Piano. The first release Kismet: Vignettes for Violin and Piano by Elena Kats Chernin spent 2 years in...
In order for young students to play violin well, they must be set up correctly. Therefore, their teacher in this initial stage will be one of the most important, often having a profound impact on their musical life. Ironically, beginner...
not fixed or seemingly forgotten? This session will...
Build and Maintain your K-12 Program An overview of a K-12 established and successful String program, focusing on building and developing, maintaining organised structure, instrumental balance, extending standards while being inclusive and always focusing on enjoyment. Key points will include junior programs,...
We all want a full rich tone without forcing the tone and without straining the right arm. Kato Havas famously said, "There is no bow". In this workshop session for violin and viola players...
In this presentation, I will be exploring the concept of the nurturing aspects of scales, including body memory and how various aspects of technique, relevant temperaments, musicianship and expression can be developed....
book (8 authors contributing) published by Bloomsbury NY on a dozen violinists of international importance that came to, from or through Australia....
Demystifying Improvisation This presentation seeks to demystify the use (and abuse) of improvisation by the modern string player, and to explore how we as teachers can inspire using improvisational ideas in our teaching. Suited to intermediate and advanced students, this presentation...A list of new works, including comments which were originally presented at the Reading Day by Miranda Bell, can be downloaded by AUSTA members below. DOWNLOAD: AUSTA Vic New Music Reading Day 2025 List