AUSTA News 2026
Dr. Emily Dollman
Dr. Emily Dollman
Integrating the latest pedagogical research to your teaching
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...Helen Tuckey
Helen Tuckey
Engaging creativity with technical work
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...Anita Collins
Dr. Anita Collins
Dr. Collins will present a keynote address on July 11 2025Neural Notes: How Learning Strings Shapes Our Brain Development
Learning a string instrument doesn’t just shape a student’s musical ability—it sculpts the brain in ways that support cognitive development, academic progress, social awareness, and stronger brain health. In this...La Folia
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...
Marianne Rothschild
Marianne Rothschild and Lachlan Dent
The String Note tutor App and new Music for String Orchestra
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...Vov Dylan & Margaret Brandman
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...
Howard Penny
Howard Penny
The Real Language of Music: a practice guide to musical rhetoric; bass lines rule! An introduction to elements of musical language common to all periods, as well as the limitations but also possible understandings of notation. The presentation includes a practical demonstration of exploring melodic/rhythmic/harmonic devices, and the power of...Darius Kaperonis
Darius Kaperonis
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...Gregory Lee
Gregory Lee
Productive Practice: Guiding Your Students on How to Practice Effectively Have you ever had students come to their lesson claiming that they practiced, yet you notice that the problems from last week were
not fixed or seemingly forgotten? This session will...Jeremy Woolstenhulme
Jeremy Woolstenhulme
Improving Intonation in String Orchestra Mr. Woolstenhulme will discuss strategies for improving intonation in middle to high school string orchestras. A discussion will include best ways to practice with drone pitches, group singing, repetitive finger patterns, vertical interval tuning, and more. These strategies will improve listening skills among your players...Lindsay Irik
Lindsay Irik
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,...Frances Gall
Frances Gall
How to maximise resonance with minimum effort.
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...Stephen Chin
Stephen Chin
Scales for Violinists and Violists - Creating and Building Relevance
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....Curt Thompson
Curt Thompson
Double Stopping: How Migration Shaped the Careers of Australia's Celebrity Violinists. This presentation highlights the recent publication of a 12-chapter
book (8 authors contributing) published by Bloomsbury NY on a dozen violinists of international importance that came to, from or through Australia....Josephine Vains
Josephine Vains
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...AUSTA Vic New Music Reading Day 2025 List
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
AUSTA Vic 2025 New Music Reading Day
2025 New Music Reading Day Sunday 9 February brought 40 string players and ensemble directors to St Kevin’s College, Glendalough Campus for the New Music Reading Day and AGM. It was a fantastic day of music making and networking, and we are sure everyone walked away inspired and with ideas for the year for their various ensembles. The repertoire list was...
Joanna Fairs-Wu
Joanna Fairs-Wu
Round table discussion with focus on Regional Teachers Roun
d table discussion for regional teachers to voice the challenges and successes of teaching in regional areas whether as a private studio teacher ,in schools or as part of a regional music school...Rupert Guenther
Rupert Guenther
Self-Esteem Wellbeing & Healing Stage-Fright
Rupert Guenther's Self-Esteem Wellbeing & Healing Stage-Fright is a completely new break-though approach to overcoming stage-fright (performance anxiety). It is exactly the opposite of almost everything performers are being encouraged to do, and is based on...Janet Davies
Janet Davies
Somatic education in string teaching using Alexander Technique principles
Somatic education, which trains kinaesthetic sensitivity and perceptual accuracy, should be crucial in string teaching, as movement and sensory perception are fundamental to our art. Additionally, changes in bodily organization can directly...