Welcome to our student newsletter
Issue #2
Now going out to ALL members of our Conservatorium community!
What a term!
Sitting here at my computer gazing out into the courtyard from my office (old jail cell in fact!) I find myself developing more of an appreciation for those poor inmates who had to endure the cold winter months without any heating whatsoever.
However, despite the seasonally short days and cold temperatures, the Conservatorium has been abuzz with activity. I think we are all happy that the holidays have finally come about after 11 weeks of teaching, learning and playing.
This week the Robert Knox Hall has seen a steady stream of AMEB candidates giving their best for the first round of music examinations and we wish all our students success with their results.
We welcome two new teachers into the team – Paul Stiles (Brass) and Raphael Marsonet. (Woodwind). We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the expertise and energy they will bring to our programs.
At the start of term 3, we will give parents and carers the opportunity to attend the last 10 minutes of lessons to discuss progress and goals for the remainder of the year. More details of how this will be arranged will be coming soon.
I am also excited to announce the launch of our new ‘Where’s Paddy?!’  Competition. There will be prizes! See details below.
We would also like to launch a new section on our website called ‘The Listening Room’. This page features recordings of our teachers and will be a great way to celebrate the achievements of our musical community and hear some of our finest musicians in action. This week we are highlighting our amazing guitar guru Dr Guy Strazz.
A shout out to Luke Herbert who will be giving a concert at Avoca Beach theatre on July 5th. It will be a celebration of Ringo Starr’s 86th birthday and the premiere of Luke’s new film Every Beatle Beat. A snippet of every Beatles song in chronological order from all UK albums.
Thank you to all our students, families, staff, and supporters for another successful term. We wish everyone a safe, warm, and enjoyable holiday break.
Warm regards,
Carl Schmidt
Acting CEO and Artistic Director | Central Coast Conservatorium of Music
What’s On
Term dates | please mark your diaries!
Term 2 lessons continue up to and including Saturday 4th July30 June | Vocal Department Concert
Experience an unforgettable evening of music as the talented student vocal ensembles and jazz musicians of Central Coast Conservatorium take the stage!
14 August | Advanced Choral Workshop
Advanced Choral WorkshopFriday 14 August @ 9.00am to 3.00pm
29 August | Premier Ensembles Concert
5 September | Central Coast Flute Day | Save the date!
Central Coast Flute Day | Save the date!-
Ensembles
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Trade Show
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Masterclasses with James Kortum and Joanne Arnott
12 September | Student Concert Series | Register Now!
Student Concert Series |Â Term 3, 202615 September | Vocal Department Concert
Vocal Department Concert | Classical17 September | Guitar Department Concert
Guitar Department Concert | Term 3, 2026Where's Paddy Competition!
Put on your detective hat and help us find Paddy, our friendly conductor mascot. Paddy loves to travel all over the Conservatorium.  You might find him behind a pot plant or sitting up on a window ledge. This week’s big clue is that he is hiding somewhere on our website. If you spot him, be sure to click on him to enter your details to be in the draw for a prize!Visit our events page for more information on upcoming concerts from the Conservatorium and from our affiliated community ensembles.
Celebrating Success
Farewell to Ashley Turner
Congratulations Playerlink 2026 Musicians!
Congratulations Playerlink 2026 Musicians!
Trish O’hearn to represent Australia at WMC
Meeting the PremierIn the Spotlight
Celebrating the students, teachers, volunteers and supporters who bring music to life every day
Guy Strazz
Acclaimed Australian guitarist, composer, educator, and long-standing Central Coast Conservatorium staff member Guy Strazz continues to make his mark on the international jazz scene with a sound that fuses modern jazz, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, and Western and Indian classical traditions. Holding a PhD in improvisation and composition, Guy’s career has included studying under the late jazz legend Pat Martino in Philadelphia, recording with fusion icon Mike Stern in New York, and producing the acclaimed album Calcutta Express in India — work supported by an Australia Council Music Fellowship.
Guy’s recorded output spans projects including the duo album 2@1 with pianist Matt McMahon, the African and Indian-influenced Afrotonic, the flamenco-inspired Silk Road Concerto, and Colours, featuring an APRA Award-winning collaboration with guitarist Slava Grigoryan. His full discography is available to stream via Bandcamp.
An APRA Jazz Award winner and author of…
 Read more and head Guy’s music in our new website addition “The Listening Room”
Student Extension Opportunities
Looking for more to fill your musical bucket?
Explore lots of exciting opportunities on our new Student Extension Opportunities page including the below with more being added regularly:
- Talent Development Program
- Brass & Percussion Workshop
- Advanced Choral Workshop
- SSO Young Musicians Workshop
- SSO Junior Strings Workshop
- SongLab: Holiday Songwriting Workshop
- Schools Spectacular | Student Orchestra and Stage Band
- Schools Spectacular | Student Production Team
- NSW Regional Youth Orchestra
- Australian Youth Orchestras
Thank you
The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music gratefully acknowledges the support of our generous donors and partners.
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