At Music for Canberra, we provide a wide range of musical opportunities, with a strong focus on strings and the development of young musicians. We are home to Canberra’s only youth orchestra program and offer dedicated string ensembles that nurture technique, musicianship, and a love of playing together. Across all our programs, our focus is to inspire and support joyful learning experiences for everyone, grounded in high-quality music education and a spirit of creativity, connection, and growth.

The NCO is a full symphony orchestra dedicated to performing the major works of the symphonic repertoire. Essentially community-based, it has a permanent membership of around 50 players from a variety of backgrounds, including current and former members of the Canberra Youth Orchestra and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. The NCO performs 4 major concerts each year, as well as an annual Concerto Concert, where members of the orchestra have the opportunity to perform concerto movements, accompanied by their colleagues.

Musica da Camera is a Canberra-based string chamber orchestra that consists of professional musicians, music educators and talented instrumental enthusiasts. Musica da Camera was formed in Canberra in 1979 as a small baroque ensemble. Over the years and under successive musical directors it has grown in size and its repertoire has expanded to embrace chamber music of all styles and periods.  In recent years it has given Australian Premiers of a number of contemporary works for string orchestra. Musica da Camera is a not-for-profit association comprising the players as members.  It has an elected governing committee whose responsibilities include engaging conductors and…

The Maruki Community Orchestra (MCO)is an innovative community symphony orchestra devoted to all musicians in the Canberra region – regardless of age, experience and skill level, who have strong interests in playing classical musical instruments in an orchestral environment and who wish to develop their skills and express their musicality. MCO enables its players to achieve successes not otherwise possible in a positive, encouraging environment. Above all we are a community of enthusiastic musicians who not only enjoy exploring beautiful music, but also each other’s company. To this end our rehearsal afternoon teas and musical soirées are legendary! MCO is…

A performance enrichment program for enthusiastic string players aged 8-13. The Kingsland Strings is an is an exciting opportunity for Canberra’s youngest string players aged 8 and above to rehearse and perform alongside CSO String players. This unconducted ensemble gives string players a challenging and supportive program to develop their skills and passion for classical music. All participants receive specialized training and mentorship in solo and ensemble playing. The Kingsland Strings welcomes musicians looking to gain confidence and ensemble experience.

The Brindabella Orchestra (formerly known as the U3A Orchestra) is an activity of the University of the Third Age, ACT.  The Orchestra was established to provide a musical outlet for orchestral musicians in a relaxed and friendly environment.  The Orchestra aims to present three public concerts a year, generally in May, August and November. Orchestra members come from many backgrounds: people returning to their instruments after a long break, enthusiastic late starters, good amateurs, music students and retired musicians, all sharing a love of orchestral performance. We welcome new members, in particular players aged fifty and above as these are…

CARES Junior Strings will rehearse on Mondays 4.15-5.15pm. CARES Senior Strings will rehearse on Mondays 4.15-6.15pm. CARES Senior Strings will rehearse with CARES Junior Strings with a more challenging part, then have a quick break while CARES Junior Strings are packing up (5 minutes) and then continue till 6.15pm with more challenging music. Rehearsals are held at St Ninian’s Church hall,150 Brigalow St, Lyneham ACT 2602.

IWSO is a new community orchestra based in Melbourne’s Inner West. Directed by Andrew Leach, members range in age and ability levels. We are all about inclusivity, connections and making live orchestral performances accessible to residents of the Inner West and beyond. We rehearse on Monday evenings in Footscray. IWSO debuted in the Williamstown Town Hall on April 21st and are preparing for two more concerts in their 2024 season. Please see our website for more details or Instagram: iwsymphonyorchestra.

Mackay City Strings is an established string ensemble in Mackay, Queensland. We are welcoming of students and community musicians. We perform regularly throughout the year at formal and informal events including the Mackay Eisteddfod, Mt Pleasant Markets, Riverfest Markets, etc. We recently had Concert Master Glenn Christensen come and rehearse with us as part of the Mackay Chamber Music Festival. Participants should be of a standard no less than Grade 4 AMEB. We are currently rehearsing Wednesdays from 4:15-5:45pm.

At the Australian Children’s Orchestra, we believe that music is an essential part of life. Our mission is to inspire and educate students of all ages and backgrounds to develop their musical talents and achieve their goals. With a wide range of programs and classes, we offer a dynamic and engaging learning environment that fosters creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Join us today and experience the joy of making music! Our Orchestras are for students who have made a high-level of commitment to developing their musical skills. They are eager to embrace challenging new opportunities. ​ They focus on developing…

GCYO – 6 ensembles – Youth Symphony, GCYO2, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, Big Band and Concert Band

AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA & CHORUS Our Orchestra & Chorus Training Program is designed for students who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to developing their musical skills. Suitable for students aged 7–18, the program supports young musicians who are eager to embrace new musical opportunities, ensemble training, and performance challenges in a professional orchestra environment. Students focus on developing higher-level instrumental techniques, accurate part-playing, ensemble awareness, and a deeper understanding of musical concepts. Training also includes singing as a chorus to strengthen aural skills, rhythm, and musical confidence, while learning how to work effectively as part of a team….

Hills Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra based in Ellenbrook, Western Australia. We are a group of dedicated amateurs from all walks of life with a passion for music. Founded in 1981, over 40 years on it has become a much-loved part of the Perth Hills & City of Swan community.

Student Soirees are events for school aged children to perform as soloists or small ensembles with in-house accompaniment available. Taking place in a rustic European style restaurant, families are welcome to stay to enjoy a meal afterwards. Coupled with our friendly atmosphere, this makes sure that your child’s first experience with performance is a positive one. Children can perform as a nice one-off, or take advantage of our memberships and monthly soirees for regular goal setting and working on their performance skills.

LET’S AIM HIGH WHILST HAVING FUN !! Join the camaraderie, develop your skills or share your skills by mentoring others. Our Youth(ful) Orchestra runs during school terms and is always open to new members! Contact info@crashendo-eg.org.au for more information and for an enrolment form/link. Our Youth(ful) Orchestra is open to all ages of the community and anyone wishing to play in an orchestral-based ensemble. The orchestra rehearses weekly in Bairnsdale and is led by a professional Conductor and Youth Trainee Conductor alongside our volunteer musical mentors. Youth(ful) Orchestra is an opportunity for all to sharpen their musical skills, engage with…

The Dandenong Ranges Orchestra is a community-based orchestra located in the hills area of Yarra Ranges. DRO’s membership is drawn from local (and wider) professional and amateur musicians of all ages and abilities who enjoy playing the classical repertoire together under the baton of a professional musical director. No auditions required but be prepared to grow as an instrumentalist! We present three concerts per year presenting a varying classical repertoire that regularly includes original compositions by local composers. Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7.30pm at the Community Music Hub in Upwey and are relaxed, friendly as well as challenging…

StringProject was founded from a desire to engage, help and provide a variety of music making opportunities for adult amateur string players. We create, promote, and support recreational string playing and music education activities in regional communities within Australia. Our workshops offer adult string players of all standards the opportunity to share in music making together, and to explore and immerse themselves intensively in the wondrous world of string playing within a friendly, supportive, and social atmosphere. Our workshops feature string orchestra rehearsals, small group rehearsals and tutorials and an informal concert for family and friends. Some workshops may offer…

Melbourne String Ensembles (MSE) is a three-tier string orchestra development program for players aged 7–18, offering high-quality ensemble training, performance, and touring opportunities. Known for expert teaching, small ensemble sizes, and a supportive community, MSE provides a clear progression pathway from junior to advanced levels. Rehearsals are held on Saturday afternoons during school terms in Kew, with enrolments accepted year-round by audition. Melbourne String Ensemble (MSE) – Advanced ensemble focusing on high-level repertoire, chamber skills, and advanced musicianship, with regular masterclasses and international tours. Intermediate Melbourne String Ensemble (IMSE) – A group working on developing strong ensemble skills and technical…

The Western Australian Youth Strings Orchestra (WAYS) provides a wonderful opportunity for children to develop their musical talent by playing in an ensemble. With the orchestra led by an experienced professional conductor, this is the ideal way for young violin, viola, cello and double bass players to get started or continue on their musical journey!WAYS is an independent organisation with more than 30 years of operation. Members are selected through an audition process. Placement is based upon ability rather than age. We accept school aged musicians who have been playing their instrument for 1-2 years, to level 2 AMEB or…

Preston Symphony Orchestra is an adventurous, committed and friendly orchestra based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. It provides the opportunity for musicians and audience members to play and hear orchestral music of a high standard. The orchestra currently has over 60 members. It plays a season of four concerts a year to large audiences, including the highly-regarded Preston Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition. Recent repertoire includes symphonies by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Vaughan Williams, as well as works by Australian composers such as Nigel Westlake and Katy Abbott. The orchestra also participates in community events, with small group performances in libraries and markets….