Looking for more to fill your musical bucket?

Explore these exciting opportunities.

WORKSHOPS

This workshop is a unique professional development opportunity in Sydney this September, as part of the Canberra Tango Quintet’s national tour SUMMIT: 50 Years of Piazzolla & Mulligan.

This workshop a natural fit for more advanced wind students seeking performance opportunities and repertoire beyond the classical tradition.

Intensive Tango Workshop for Wind Instruments

We are delighted to present a five-day intensive led by Argentine saxophonist and composer Jorge Retamoza, one of South America’s most distinctive voices in contemporary tango and jazz. Jorge will be joined by members of the Canberra Tango Quintet for an ensemble immersion designed specifically for wind instrument players.

Format
5 days · 15 hours total · Monday to Friday, 6:00–9:00 pm

Dates & Venue
14–18 September 2026
Sydney, NSW

Instruments
Saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, and all wind instruments. No prior tango experience required — a strong level on your instrument is sufficient.

Capacity
Maximum 15 musicians. The workshop will not be repeated in this city.

Registration Fee
$300 AUD per participant.
Full-time students receive a 20% discount ($240 AUD) — to access the student rate, please contact us at [email protected] with a valid student ID and we will invoice directly.

About Jorge Retamoza
Jorge Retamoza is an Argentine saxophonist, composer and arranger with nine albums as leader. He is the first Argentine saxophonist to record Piazzolla’s complete Seis Estudios Tanguísticos for solo saxophone, and has premiered major concert works with the Saarbrücken Public Radio Orchestra in Germany. His work bridges tango nuevo, chamber music and jazz improvisation.
Website: www.retamoza.com.ar | Instagram: @jorgeretamoza1

About the Canberra Tango Quintet
Canberra Tango Quintet is a five-piece tango ensemble specialising in the music of Astor Piazzolla and a dynamic range of tango. The ensemble has performed sold-out concerts at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Recital Centre, The Street Theatre, and major festivals across Australia.

Register

YMS 2027 Auditions Now Open

Young Mannheim Symphonists 2027: Beethoven Celebration

Auditions for YMS 2027 are now open! The Young Mannheim Symphonists program is Australia’s national youth orchestra for HIP (historically informed performance) and 2027 is going to be huge.

📯 YMS 2027 National Academy | 30 March – 4 April | Brisbane | BEETHOVEN Symphony No.9 ‘Choral’
🎻 YMS 2027 VIC State Academy | 6-10 July | Melbourne | BEETHOVEN Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’ and Coriolan OvertureInstrumentalists aged 13-23 may audition for one or both programs.

🎵Workshops, side-by-side playing, coaching, rehearsals and triumphant public concerts in Queensland and Victora. Conductors include the eminent Chad Kelly (National Academy) and Rachael Beesley (VIC State Academy), with co-director Nicole van Bruggen and a fantastic line-up of ARCO faculty musicians.

Not to mention making the friendships of a lifetime! Said one YMS participant, “Hands down the best youth orchestra experience I’ve had.”

Know a young musician? Tell them about YMS!
Applications/auditions deadline: midnight Sunday 25 October.

Explore & Apply

SYO Summer Symphony Orchestra

  • January 11 – 16, 2027
  • Santa Sabina College, Strathfield

The SYO Summer Symphony Orchestra will meet for a week of intensive rehearsals, tutorials and workshops at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield, culminating in a showcase concert at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The Summer Symphony Orchestra is our top ensemble at Summer School and the only auditioned group. 

 

Musicians will get to work side-by-side with inspiring mentors from The Sydney Youth Orchestra and Sydney’s best instrumental tutors and educators. 

 

Key Dates:  

Thursday 19 November, 2026 – Summer Symphony Video Auditions Due 
Thursday 26 November, 2026 – Summer Symphony Offers Sent 
Thursday 10 December, 2026 – All Summer School Enrolments close

 

 

If you are planning on attending Summer School 2027 – whether or not you are offered a position in the Summer Symphony – please complete the Summer School enrolment form. You will be asked to express your interest in Summer Symphony when you complete your enrolment. 

 

If you are only interested in attending Summer School as a member of the Summer Symphony, please complete the Summer Symphony Audition Application form. 

 

Video audition instructions will be sent upon application. 

Program:  

  • Monday 11 – Friday 15 January, 2027
  • 9am – 3pm 

Concert Day: 

  • Saturday 16 January, 2027
  • Time TBC

Program: 

Santa Sabina College, 90 The Boulevarde, Strathfield, NSW 

Concert Day:  

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music 

https://syo.com.au/syo-summer-orchestra/

LETTER TO NSW REGIONAL CONSERVATORIUMS

String Orchestra Studio – a new course for string players at Camp Creative 11-15 January 2027 in Bellingen NSW.

Dear Central Coast Conservatorium of Music,

I am a Vienna-trained concert violinist coming to NSW to run a new course at Camp Creative 11-15 January 2027, which takes place each year in Bellingen NSW.

The course (String Orchestra Studio) is five days of string playing with string orchestra, chamber music groups, workshops in many aspects of string playing, classes in healing stage-fright, and creative music sessions.

I would love to invite all and any of your string students who attend your Regional Conservatorium to participate in this fun and informative week of string music. (String teaching staff are also invited and very welcome, as the course caters for up to advanced playing standard).

The course is aimed at players 14 years and above, who are of an intermediate to advanced standard, and runs from 9am-4pm daily from 11th-15th January 2027 (5 full days).

Attached is the course flier as a PDF document which you are welcome to circulate electronically and/or print off in hard copy.

I hope this may be of interest to your Regional Conservatorium community. All enrolment details for Camp Creative are here on the official Camp website https://www.campcreative.com.au/2027-course-program/p/string-orchestra-studio

Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to meeting some of your string playing community in January at the course!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the course content. Otherwise for questions regarding Camp Creative enrolment etc please see contact on the official Camp Creative website page in the text above.

Very best wishes,

Rupert Guenther

—
Rupert Guenther
International Concert Artist, Composer, Teacher,
Wellbeing and Self-Esteem Coach, Advocate for Humanistic Values & Policy
e: [email protected]
w: www.rupertguenther.com
T: +61-0466279087

HSC Summer School

  • January 11 – 15, 2027
  • Santa Sabina College, Strathfield

Presented by highly experienced music educators and HSC markers, the HSC Summer School program is specifically designed to assist students in Years 10, 11 & 12 (in 2027) to prepare for and polish their understanding of HSC Music 2 & Music Extension in a focused, supportive and engaging environment. The program is available both in person and online, making it accessible to students wherever they’re based.

 

HSC Summer School will specifically focus on HSC Composition and Musicology requirements, giving students the opportunity to develop their understanding of these two core syllabus areas. 

 

Students will also have the option to sign up for a one-on-one consultation with an established Australian composer to workshop their original HSC compositions.  

 

Why not consolidate your learning further by attending the HSC Winter School too? HSC Winter School will focus on HSC Performance, Past Examination Papers and Sight Singing. Enrolments for HSC Winter School will open early 2027. 

  • Monday 11 – Friday 15 January, 2027
  • 3:30pm – 6:00pm

Santa Sabina College, 90 The Boulevarde, Strathfield, NSW

SYO HSC Summer School is specifically designed to assist students in Years 10, 11 & 12 (in 2027) to prepare for and polish their understanding of HSC Music 2 & Music Extension in a focused, supportive and engaging environment. 

Students must be studying or preparing to study HSC Music 2 or Music Extension in Years 10, 11 or 12 in 2027.

More information & Enrol

2027 SYO Summer School

  • January 11 – 16, 2027
  • Santa Sabina College, Strathfield

Join SYO for five fun and intensive days of rehearsals and tutorials with Sydney’s best educators, culminating in a concert at Sydney Conservatorium of Music to showcase your week of work. 

Transform Your Musical Journey This Summer

Join 400 of Australia’s most talented young musicians for an intensive, inspiring experience that will elevate your artistry to new heights. SYO Summer School 2027 offers unparalleled musical education, and the opportunity to perform alongside extraordinary peers. 

SYO Summer School is suitable for any student in primary or high school who plays an orchestral instrument; from those in their first year of playing through to AMEB Grade 7 or equivalent.  

Musicians will receive expert guidance from tutors and conductors who will challenge and support their orchestral skills. Students will be placed in ensembles suited to their experience level, helping them build confidence while learning alongside their peers. 

SYO Summer School is open to all – you don’t need to submit an audition or be enrolled in SYO’s weekly program to attend! 

Program:

  • Monday 11 – Friday 15 January, 2027
  • 9am – 3pm

Concert Day:

  • Saturday 16 January, 2027
  • Times TBC
More information & Enrol

2027 SYO Orchestral Explorers

  • January 13 – 16, 2027
  • Santa Sabina College, Strathfield

Discover the world of the Orchestra and explore your passion for music with our engaging 4 day program designed for students who have not yet started instrumental lessons.

Our fearless Orchestral Explorers will experience:

Meet the Orchestra sessions:

Learn about the instruments that make up an orchestra, with hands-on sessions led by our senior ensembles. 

Fun Musical Games:

Practice the basics of music theory including note reading, listening, rhythm, and keeping the beat through engaging games and activities. 

Conductor for a Day:

Explore the role of a Conductor and experience leading one of our senior ensembles yourself. 

Find Your Perfect Instrument:

Our skilled facilitators will help your child identify their natural strengths and find the instrument that suits them best.

Live Concert Experience:

Enjoy a performance by our Summer ensembles and watch how music comes to life.

Information Session for Parents/Carers:

Receive tips and support to continue your child’s musical journey at home.

Perform on Stage at The Conservatorium of Sydney:

Perform in a real concert on the Saturday after 3 days of learning.

Program:

  • Wednesday 13 – Friday 15 January, 2027
  • 9am – 3pm

Concert Day:

  • Saturday 16 January, 2027
  • Time TBC
More information & Enrol

Playerlink brings together talented students from across New South Wales for intensive musical experiences led by Sydney Symphony musicians and Fellows.

Whether joining us in Sydney, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga or Coffs Harbour, students develop skills alongside other passionate young musicians from across the state.

At every Playerlink Hub, participants engage in full ensemble rehearsals, instrument-specific sectionals, workshops and masterclasses, culminating in an informal performance for family and friends.

Dates by Playerlink Hub
Wagga Wagga: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 April 2027
Wollongong: Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 May 2027
Coffs Harbour: Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2027
Sydney: Wednesday 29 September to Friday 1 October 2027

More information & Apply

Playerlink brings together talented students from across New South Wales for intensive musical experiences led by Sydney Symphony musicians and Fellows.

Whether joining us in Sydney, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga or Coffs Harbour, students develop skills alongside other passionate young musicians from across the state.

At every Playerlink Hub, participants engage in full ensemble rehearsals, instrument-specific sectionals, workshops and masterclasses, culminating in an informal performance for family and friends.

Dates by Playerlink Hub
Wagga Wagga: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 April 2027
Wollongong: Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 May 2027
Coffs Harbour: Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2027
Sydney: Wednesday 29 September to Friday 1 October 2027

More information & Apply

Playerlink brings together talented students from across New South Wales for intensive musical experiences led by Sydney Symphony musicians and Fellows.

Whether joining us in Sydney, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga or Coffs Harbour, students develop skills alongside other passionate young musicians from across the state.

At every Playerlink Hub, participants engage in full ensemble rehearsals, instrument-specific sectionals, workshops and masterclasses, culminating in an informal performance for family and friends.

Dates by Playerlink Hub
Wagga Wagga: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 April 2027
Wollongong: Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 May 2027
Coffs Harbour: Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2027
Sydney: Wednesday 29 September to Friday 1 October 2027

More information & Apply

Playerlink brings together talented students from across New South Wales for intensive musical experiences led by Sydney Symphony musicians and Fellows.

Whether joining us in Sydney, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga or Coffs Harbour, students develop skills alongside other passionate young musicians from across the state.

At every Playerlink Hub, participants engage in full ensemble rehearsals, instrument-specific sectionals, workshops and masterclasses, culminating in an informal performance for family and friends.

Dates by Playerlink Hub
Wagga Wagga: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 April 2027
Wollongong: Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 May 2027
Coffs Harbour: Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2027
Sydney: Wednesday 29 September to Friday 1 October 2027

More information & Apply

COMPETITIONS

2MBS Young Virtuoso Award

Applications are closing soon for 2MBS Fine Music Sydney’s Young Virtuoso Award.

With an alumni boasting household names including Tamara-Anna Cislowska, Nicholas Parle, Natalie Chee and Anna da Silva Chen, the 2MBS Young Virtuoso Award (YVA) has, for over thirty years, provided significant prizes and performance opportunities to aspiring young musicians.

This year’s competition offers a first prize of $3,000 and a performance opportunity with the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The winner of the state final will also represent 2MBS in the National Fine Music Network Young Virtuoso Award.

Other prizes include $1,000 for the runner-up and a $500 Adjudicator Encouragement Award.

Don’t miss this opportunity to end the year on a perfect note!

Key Dates:

• Friday 25 September: Applications close (5pm AEST)

• Sunday 18 October: The 2026 YVA State Finals at the 2MBS studios

• Saturday 28 November: The 2026 YVA National Finals in Canberra

More information & Apply

National Youth Music Arranging Competition – 2026

Overview

This year, the Music Arrangers Guild of Australia’s National Youth Music Arranging Competition will feature arrangements for String Quartet and Percussion . The winning entry will receive $AU2,500 prize money.

  • 1st place – $2,500
  • 2nd place – $1,000
  • 3rd place – $500

Each place getter will also receive a Dorico Pro license.

The Competition opens on Monday 1st June 2026, and will close Wed 30th Sept 2026 10:00pm (Sydney Time).

Learn More & Apply

Information below is also available on the ACMF website here: National Songwriting Competition – ACMF

Entries for the 2026 ACMF National Songwriting Competition are now open! The competition closes at midnight on Monday September 21.

You can enter through the form at this link – https://acmf.com.au/national-songwriting-competition-entry-form/

Please read the terms and conditions at https://acmf.com.au/terms-and-conditions/ before entering.

Thank you so much to all who entered last year – the standard of writing was amazing, and everybody who entered a song deserves respect for making the effort to be creative and original. In an era where AI generated music is becoming commonplace, it’s important to remember that the creative process of songwriting feeds the soul of the writer as much as it does the listener – which you will never achieve with AI!

Categories and prizes for the 2026 competition are listed here National Songwriting Competition – ACMF

About

Each year, the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music supports its students through both competitive and non-competitive scholarship programs. These opportunities are made possible through the incredible generosity of our donors, supporters, and community partners who believe in the power of music education.

Our Competitive Scholarships are awarded to support students with excellent potential and talent as well as to encourage further study and achievement at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music.

There are various scholarships available to students based on their chosen instrument and age.If you are awarded a scholarship, you are identified through the competitive audition process as a student with noteworthy potential and become an ambassador for the Conservatorium. We wish all students the best in their preparation and audition.

Check Your Eligibility

Before starting your application, please review the scholarship criteria for your age group, instrument/voice, and study area. This ensures you apply for the scholarship that best fits your abilities and experience.

More information & Apply

The 2026 Lyrical Flute International Championship is open now!
Click the button below to explore and learn more.

More information & Apply

INTRODUCTION

The Symphony Central Coast Concerto Competition is a prestigious biennial classical music event and gives young Central Coast musicians an opportunity to perform part of a concerto with a full orchestra as a step toward a career as a solo performing artist.

 

TAKING PART

Performers play one or several movements of a concerto, up to a time limit of around 15 -20 minutes.

The first stage of the event is a 10 minute audition, with 2 adjudicators. This stage will be held at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. A grand piano is available if required and another is available for the accompanist. All applicants are required to provide their own accompanist. A list of accompanists is available from the Conservatorium of Music if required.

Up to four musicians are then selected to perform at the Prodigies Concert in September. At the Prodigies concert, all performers play the movements of their chosen concertos with Symphony Central Coast and are eligible for an Adjudicator’s Award ($2,000) and/or the People’s Choice (popular) award ($1,000). The winner of the Adjudicator’s Award will also be offered an opportunity to perform their concerto in full or similar work with Symphony Central Coast in the following year.

Applications for the 2027 Concerto Competition will open on 28/02/27 and close on 9/04/27. Please submit application via the button at the bottom of this page.

The Symphony Central Coast Prodigies Concerto Competition will be held on 19/09/27 at the Gosford Regional Library Auditorium.

 

KEY DATES

Applications open: 28/01/27

Applications close: 9/04/27

Auditions:  TBA

Rehearsals with orchestra: TBA

Concert: 19/09/27

More information & Apply

REGISTER WITH THESE GROUPS TO STAY UPDATED

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.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Suitably qualified students who are currently working with the Central Coast Youth Orchestra are invited to express interest in having the opportunity to rehearse and perform with Symphony Central Coast.  If you are interested in understanding more about this as a current or future goal, please connect with your teacher and also the Artistic director to let them know so that they can connect you with the orchestra.

Suitably qualified students who are currently working with the Central Coast Youth Orchestra or the Senior Wind Ensemble are invited to express interest in having the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Central Coast Concert Band.  If you are interested in understanding more about this as a current or future goal, please connect with your teacher and also the Artistic director to let them know so that they can connect you with the concert band.

Schools Concerts, Teacher Workshops and Classroom Resources

Click the link below for more information and to download the SSO Schools 2027 Season – designed to spark curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of music.

Learn More
Loading...