Key Notes from the Courtyard | Issue 1, 2026

By June 3, 2026July 3rd, 2026No Comments

Welcome to our student newsletter

Issue #1

Welcome!

Welcome to our new student newsletter! Whether you are new to the Conservatorium community or have been exploring music with us for many years, we are delighted to connect with you through this newsletter.

At the Conservatorium, music is about more than learning an instrument or developing a skill. It is about creativity, connection, confidence and belonging.

We are proud to support students of all ages and stages as they discover, grow and share their musical journey. We look forward to partnering with you and your family and celebrating the many achievements and memorable musical moments ahead.

Warm regards,

Carl Schmidt
Acting CEO and Artistic Director | Central Coast Conservatorium of Music

What’s On

Student Concert Series 
Saturday 13 June @ 4:30pm & 7:00pm
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE Tuesday 9 June!
A welcoming performance opportunity for students of all ages and abilities in Robert Knox Hall.

Keyboard Club – FREE Trial
Monday 15 June @ 4:00pm & 5:00pm
Curious about learning the keyboard? Join us for a FREE TRIAL and discover how much fun making music can be. Led by expert teachers Hannah Lai and Jude Hulson-Calvert, this engaging small-group session is designed especially for complete beginners.

Recorder Ensemble Concert
Tuesday 16 June @ 6:30pm
Discover the enchanting sound of the recorder in concert with the Central Coast Conservatorium Recorder Ensemble. Directed by Joanne Arnott, this special performance celebrates the beauty of recorder music.

Guitar Department Concert
Thursday 25 June @ 7:00pm
Join us for an evening of guitar music as students of all ages take the stage in the Robert Knox Hall, performing a vibrant mix of styles and genres.

String Ensembles Concert
Saturday 27 June @ 2pm
Students from the Conservatorium Strings Program take to the stage for an intimate and inspiring concert. This concert will include performances from all of our string ensembles.

Jazz Ensemble Concert
Monday 29 June @ 7pm
Join us for an evening of swing, soul, and improvisation as the Central Coast Jazz Ensemble and Intro to Improv students take the stage under the direction of Ashley Turner.

Vocal Department Concert
Tuesday 30 June @ 6:30pm
Experience an unforgettable evening of music as the talented student vocal ensembles and jazz musicians of Central Coast Conservatorium take the stage!

Visit our events page for more information on upcoming concerts from the Conservatorium and from our affiliated community ensembles.

Celebrating Success

Pearl Beach Scholarships 2026
The Pearl Beach Scholarship Concert returned for its 21st year on Saturday 23 May, bringing together some of the Central Coast’s most accomplished young musicians for an afternoon of performance, celebration and community support. Emma Deed was awarded first place in the 2026 Pearl Beach Senior Scholarship, impressing adjudicator and audience alike with her performance. Mathias Way received second place, while Caitlin Swadel was awarded third.

School Band Day Out
What an incredible day of music making! Congratulations to all the amazing young musicians who gathered at Narara Valley Baptist Church on Monday 1 June to learn new music, make new friends and present a roof-lifting concert at the conclusion of the day. Huge thanks to our wonderful school communities, school teachers, instrumental teachers, conductors and parent volunteers. Experiences like this would not be possible without your support.

Award of Excellence from Kodály Australia
We are incredibly excited to announce that our very own Jo McMahon has been awarded an Award for Excellence in Australian Kodály-inspired Music Education by the National Council of Kodály Australia. This award acknowledges Jo’s significant contribution to music education and will be formally presented in June at the Kodály Australia National Conference.
Congratulations Jo!  We are so grateful to work with and learn from you.

NSW Regional Youth Orchestra
Twelve Central Coast Conservatorium students and alumni have successfully auditioned for the NSW Regional Youth Orchestra August 2026 Camp. For this exciting project, RYO partners with the Australian World Orchestra (AWO) to provide participants with unique and inspiring experiences alongside some of Australia’s finest musicians.
Congratulations Harrison Blake (double bass), Josephine Challinor (violin), Krys Cox (cello), Mitchell Frith (horn), Anna McAweaney (bassoon), Alexandra McBride (violin), Anya Sandeman (trombone), Lucas Sequeira (cello), Jacob Smart (horn), Caitlin Swadel (flute), Monika Sydenham (oboe) and Tatiana Wang (violin)!
Register your interest via the RYO website to hear about future opportunities.

Australian Youth Orchestra
We are incredibly proud to see talented musicians from the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music represented among this year’s Australian Youth Orchestra participants, including alumni Elana Sydenham and current students Emma Deed and Anya Sandeman.
Applications for the 2027 Australian Youth Orchestra programs are now open.  Learn more

Student Extension Opportunities

Looking to fill your musical bucket? Explore these exciting opportunities for young musicians.

Gondwana Choirs Tour & National Choral School
Applications close 10am Tuesday 9 June
Audition opportunities for talented young singers.
Register

Talent Development Program
Applications close 26 June
Professional performing arts pathways for Years 9–12 public school students.
Learn more

Advanced Choral Workshop
Friday 14 August
Primary-aged vocalists! Save the date for our Advanced Choral Workshop.
Learn more & register

NSW Regional Youth Orchestra
Register for updates
An audition-based youth orchestra for talented students from NSW regional conservatoriums, offering opportunities to work with leading conductors, orchestras and artists from Australia and around the world.
Register your interest & stay updated

Australian Youth Orchestras
2027 auditions are open
Learn more

Thank you

The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music gratefully acknowledges the support of our generous donors and partners.

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