Melbourne Conservatorium Young Artists Academy

String Quartets and Piano Trios will be formed by the MCYAA staff following the auditions. Repertoire for each individual group will be selected and emailed to students. It is essential that parts are learned prior to the first rehearsal.

The chamber music groups will be assigned some of the most demanding pieces of the repertoire. In rehearsals, students will share their musical opinion and develop rehearsal and listening techniques.

Each group will be coached by a highly experienced teacher and performer who has a passion for chamber music and loves to work with young musicians, and will have the opportunity to work with our masterclass guests.

The repertoire covered in this program offers students a comprehensive performing experience through various periods and genres.

The string ensemble will work on two separate programs, each over the course of four weeks, with a final concert at the end of each phase.

Tutors:
Program 1: Fintan Murphy
Program 2: Odette Creanga-Kurth

The Cello Ensemble will rehearse and perform music from the Renaissance, Baroque and the Romantic period, moving into Jazz, Tangoes and other contemporary styles. Students are encouraged to participate actively and collaboratively in the rehearsal process.

Tutors:
Program 1: Svetlana Bogosavljevic and Edith Salzmann
Program 2 : Josephine Vains

A piano extravaganza, with repertoire for four-hand, eight-hand piano or more.

Tutor: Glenn Riddle

The Saxophone Quartets will give students the opportunity to perform in an ensemble devoted to the instruments of the entire saxophone family. The repertoire will include exciting new works by Australian composers, original works for saxophone quartet and transcriptions by major composers. Students will enjoy an energetic and fun approach to making music.

These quartets are for saxophonists of intermediate and advanced levels.

Tutor: Nessyah Gallagher
Masterclasses: Joseph Lallo

Our teachers are committed educators who are passionate about teaching the next generation of young brass players!

Ensemble experience is an integral part in becoming a well-rounded brass student. It is very exciting and empowering for a brass player to be part of an ensemble such as those being offered through this program.

MCYAA brass includes a variety of ensembles, such as Junior and Senior Brass Ensemble as well as smaller quartets and quintets. Young brass players will be given the opportunity to work on a variety of repertoire including works by Gabriele, Dukas, Bernstein, Ewald, Plog and Grainger.

MCYAA promotes high levels of musicianship, with the aim to enhance brass playing technique, develop listening skills, encourage emotional expression and address interpersonal and performance issues. These fun, energizing ensembles are open by audition to students aged 14 - studying age.

Tutor: Katrina Fillipi

The MCYAA Wind Octet is one of the Academy’s new elite ensembles. With entrance only by audition, the ensemble is made up of Melbourne’s top young wind students. The octet explores music of the classical period and beyond.

Tutor: Justin Beere

Our masterclass program, designed for students in year 11 and 12 who are seriously considering to study music at University, will add the depth and the expertise of our Faculty to the instruction you are receiving from your private teacher.

Prospective students for the Masterclass Program must be fully enrolled in MCYAA, and prepare a separate audition and interview.

The Masterclass program will provide students with four individual lessons per semester.  A unique feature of the program is that it includes the opportunity to passively participate in University Performance classes, such as instrumental classes and chamber music classes, which gives every student valuable experience and feedback from a variety of teachers.

The Concerto Competition is open to current members of the MCYAA. The finalists will perform their chosen movement with the Academy Orchestra on Sunday 23 October 2022 to a public audience.

Competition Dates:
First Round Sunday 11 September (with piano accompaniment provided by MCYAA)
Final Round: Sunday 23 October (with the Academy Orchestra)

Repertoire:
You should choose a concerto movement of a baroque, classical romantic or contemporary concerto that can be accompanied by our Academy Orchestra (string orchestra plus a max of 2ob/2vlar/2bns/2horns). Applicants must be prepared to perform the entire movement. Concerto entries will only be accepted if the relevant orchestra material is easily obtainable (either at University of Melbourne Libraries or on IMSLP).