ANBOC 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to ANBOC 2026!

6:00pm AEST

Cynthia Johnston Turner - Keynote Presentation

Friday October 2, 2026 6:00pm - 6:45pm AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

TBA

Speakers

Cynthia Johnson Turner

Dean of Faculty of Music, Wilfrid Laurier University

Cynthia Johnston Turner is a conductor and clinician in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Europe and Canada. She was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University in July 2021. Previously, she served as Director of Bands on the faculty of the Hugh Hodgson School of... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 6:00pm - 6:45pm AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Keynote

7:00pm AEST

Opening Concert - RAN Band Sydney

Friday October 2, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

Performers

Royal Australian Navy Band Sydney

Royal Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy Band has been serving Australia with honour since 1913 and strives to be an organisation with a worldwide reputation for excellence. The Band is staffed by dedicated professionals delivering quality services to the Navy.

Friday October 2, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Performance

9:00am AEST

Mark Laycock - Keynote Presentation

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

TBA

Speakers

Dr Mark Laycock

Director of Orchestras, Wichita State University

Dr. Mark Laycock is a Professor of Music at Wichita State University, where he holds the Ann Walenta Faculty of Distinction Endowed Professorship. He serves as Director of Orchestras and Coordinator of Strings. He has been recognized with the WSU Excellence in Creative Activity Award... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Keynote

10:00am AEST

Creating Meaningful Rehearsals in Limited Time

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

As we know, every minute of rehearsal counts and is important! This clinic (“Creating Meaningful Rehearsals in Limited Time”) will focus on rehearsal planning, ensemble development strategies, and conducting tips to maximize limited rehearsal time. Dr. Nick will share helpful hints and best practices learned over his decades long career as a music teacher and conductor. The session will...
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Speakers

Dr Nicholas Enrico Williams

Professor of Music/Director of Bands, University of Georgia

Nicholas Enrico Williams is a Professor of Music and serves as the Director of Bands at the University of Georgia, where he coordinates one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive university band programs, conducts the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble, and oversees the... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

10:00am AEST

Get the bo win gsri ght! (Linking rhythm and bow division in junior string ensembles)

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

Recital Hall East

How often do we say to students, “ you learn the violin AND the bow….”?

Come along for a session of warmup exercise exercises and games that get students thinking about the association between speech, rhythm, and bow division.

Speakers

Lisa Grosman

Head of Strings/Lecturer in Viola, Xavier College/University of Melbourne

Lisa was a member of the Irish Chamber Orchestra for 15 years, performing across Europe, America, and Asia. She regularly collaborated with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the RTE Concert Orchestra, and served as the solo violist for Crash Ensemble. Additionally, she directed... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
Recital Hall East Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

10:00am AEST

Rehearsal.exe: Upgrading Your Ensemble Rehearsal with Digital Tools

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

Recital Hall West

Ensemble directors are some of the busiest educators around—constantly balancing programming, preparation, and performance—so finding tools that make rehearsals more efficient and engaging is invaluable. With new technologies emerging every day, we have more opportunities than ever to choose tools that genuinely enhance our teaching and empower our students. But in the ensemble classroom,...
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Speakers

Ryan Parks

Director of Bands/Classroom Music Teacher, Our Lady of Sion College

Ryan Parks is a conductor and music educator based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from the United States, he relocated to Melbourne in 2017 after earning a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Delaware. He currently serves as the Director of Bands and Classroom... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
Recital Hall West Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

global Y

10:00am AEST

The End is Only as Good as the Beginning - Success from the Door to the Downbeat

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST

Music Workshop

In this session, we will explore how repertoire can be used to teach fundamental concepts. How we begin a rehearsal and how we begin a sound have a great deal in common. Using real musical examples, we will reinforce these concepts and experiment with ways to shape the music to fit the goals you have for your students and ensemble.

Speakers

Tyler Arcari

Director of Music Production and Editing, Excelcia Music Publishing LLC, Wingert-jones Publications, Kendor Music Publishing and RBC Publications

Tyler Arcari (b. 1989) is a composer, arranger, author, and clinician whose music is played around the world. He received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in music education from Troy University where he studied with composer Ralph Ford and Euphonium under Dr. Mark J. Walker. As a teacher... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEST
Music Workshop Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

11:00am AEST

Morning Tea

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am AEST

Break

11:30am AEST

Patrick Bowen - Keynote Presentation

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

TBA

Speakers

Patrick Bowen

Jazz Director, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts

Patrick Bowen has served as Director of World Jazz Studies at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts since 2001 and Director of Percussion since 1993. Under his leadership, LVA’s jazz bands have performed at prestigious events including the Midwest Clinic, Monterey Jazz Festival, Reno Jazz... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Keynote, Jazz

12:30pm AEST

Lunch

Saturday October 3, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm AEST

Break

1:30pm AEST

Lunchtime Concert - CHS Chamber Orchestra

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST

Music Workshop

Performers

Chatswood HS Chamber Orchestra

Chatswood High School

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST
Music Workshop Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Performance, Strings

1:30pm AEST

Lunchtime Concert - North West Wind Ensemble

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

The Castle Hill RSL North West Wind Ensemble (NWWE) was born in 2003 and has grown to become one of Australia’s finest and most reputable wind orchestras.With performance credentials of 15 NSW State and 9 Australian National Championship title performances, previous International CD release of ‘Wild Nights’ in 2008, and subsequent professional CD release of ‘No String’s Attached – A...
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Performers

North West Wind Ensemble

Castle Hill RSL

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Performance, Wind Band

2:30pm AEST

Community Music with Professionalism, Purpose, Passion & Longevity: An insight into the Castle Hill RSL Wind Orchestras

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

Both the Castle Hill RSL Youth Wind Orchestra (YWO) and North West Wind Ensemble share a proud tradition of being regarded as two of Australia’s finest and most successful symphonic wind bands, united under the one umbrella organisation, the Castle Hill RSL Wind Orchestras, with a combined membership of 140 members.With a shared vision, ethos and objective of providing local musicians with...
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Speakers

James Brice OAM

Musical & Artistic Director, Castle Hill RSL Wind Orchestras

With 36 years extensive professional teaching, conducting, performing, examining, strategic and personnel management, together with Regional, State and National adjudicating experience, James has is currently employed at the Knox Grammar School as the Head of the Knox Academy of Performing... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Culture

2:30pm AEST

Elevate Your Rehearsal: Rehearse for Success

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST

Education Room

This presentation explores ensemble direction and rehearsal technique with a central focus on the psychological component of group music-making. Drawing on years of practical experience, it aims to equip educators and conductors with strategies to foster cohesive ensemble culture, draw out individual student strengths, and — most importantly — ensure that every rehearsal is...
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Speakers

Angela Cassar

Head of Strings, Meriden School

Angela is an accomplished conductor and violinist who has held the position of Head of Strings (K-12) at Meriden School in Sydney since 2015.
In this role she works with students of all ages and has built and refined the program. Angela is able to establish meaningful rapport with those in her ensembles, which along with hard work, has led to its current thriving success. Meriden is now recognised as having one of the top... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST
Education Room

Clinic, Strings

global Y

2:30pm AEST

Understanding Composition Basics - If you can't understand it, you can't conduct it!

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST

Recital Hall West

Fundamental in understanding composition is for the conductor to understand the compositional process themselves – to some degree. "Understanding Composition Basics" will address what you, the conductor, need to know so you can then set about passing that knowledge on to your students in rehearsal. What’s more important, the melody or the counter melody? How complex is form or is it just an...
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Speakers

Dr Ralph Hultgren AM

Composer, Brolga Music Publishing Company

Ralph Hultgren is currently the Artistic Director of the Australian International Music Festival – Sydney. He is a freelance teacher, composer and conductor having held tenured positions at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and the Queensland University of Technology... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST
Recital Hall West Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Composition

global Y

2:30pm AEST

“The other March King” - the original marches of Kenneth J. Alford

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST

Recital Hall East

The aim of this presentation is to explore the original marches of the celebrated British March King, Kenneth J. Alford. This interactive presentation will:give an overview of Alford’s original marches,demonstrate ways conductors can vary the common ‘two’ pattern,offer practical rehearsal techniques, andsuggest possible performance applications.This presentation will be of interest to...
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Speakers

Major Greg Peterson

Officer Commanding / Music Director - Australian Army Band Sydney, Australian Army Band

Major Greg Peterson – Officer Commanding and Music Director of the Australian Army Band Sydney, is approaching his 25th year of continuous service in the Australian Army. In his career as a flute player and conductor, Greg has performed to countless audiences across domestic tasking... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST
Recital Hall East Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Wind Band

2:30pm AEST

New Australian Music for School and Community Orchestras: An orchestral reading session

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST

Music Workshop

The Australian Music Centre (AMC) is the national service organisation dedicated to the promotion and support of art music in Australia. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to the representation, advocacy, promotion and support of Australian creators and their music. In 2025 the Australian Music Centre celebrated its 50th year and a key part of the celebrations was an opportunity for...
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Speakers

Dr Joanna Drimatis

Music Education Specialist, Australian Music Centre

Dr Joanna Drimatis is a highly-respected champion of Australian music and contemporary classical music – contributing comprehensively through her output as a conductor, performer, musical director, researcher and educator. Joanna is currently Music Education Specialist for the... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEST
Music Workshop Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Ensemble Session, Symphony Orchestra

3:30pm AEST

Afternoon Tea

Saturday October 3, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm AEST

Break

4:00pm AEST

Connecting Your Students with Living Composers

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

Music Workshop

Many young performers engage deeply with the notes on the page, yet have limited awareness of the creative forces that brought that music to life. This disconnect diminishes opportunities for artistic growth. As a student, encountering the “story behind the music” during an honour band clinic was transformative: discovering the composer’s intent and hearing their lived experience was the...
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Speakers

Dr Jaclyn Hartenberger

Professor, director of bands, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

Dr. Jaclyn Hartenberger (Fulbright Scholar, 2023–2024) is an internationally
acclaimed conductor known for her dynamic artistry and inspiring leadership.
Currently the conductor of the University of Melbourne Wind Symphony and
principal instructor of conducting for the Australian... Read More →

Dr Catherine Likhuta

composer, Self-employed composer

Catherine Likhuta is a Ukrainian-Australian composer, pianist and recording artist. Her music exhibits high emotional charge, programmatic nature, rhythmic complexity and Ukrainian folk elements. Catherine’s pieces have been played extensively around the world, including highly... Read More →

Dr Nicholas Enrico Williams

Professor of Music/Director of Bands, University of Georgia

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
Music Workshop Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Culture

4:00pm AEST

Middle-Child Syndrome – Taking the ‘Second’ Band or Orchestra

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

Directing the ‘second’ band or orchestra comes with numerous challenges that are different to those associated with taking the beginner or top ensembles. This group can be an eclectic mix of students from a wide range of experiences, abilities, maturity and ages. This presentation will discuss the unique issues facing directors of these ensembles and strategies to address these, including...
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Speakers

Dale Pointon

Coordinator of Ensembles, Instrumental Music School Services, Department of Education WA

Dale Pointon is the Coordinator of Ensembles with Education Department of WA. He also lectures in Music Education at Edith Cowan University. Dale earned his Masters of Music in Conducting from the University of Illinois (USA), a Bachelor of Music Performance (UWA) and a Graduate Diploma... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

4:00pm AEST

Navigating the Band Room with Discipline: Military Principles for Musical Leadership

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

Recital Hall West

When most people think of military discipline, they picture the stereotypical “gung-ho” individual drilled to perform under extreme conditions—a far cry from the band room… or is it? Musicians, like service members, are highly driven individuals who thrive on structure to achieve excellence and artistry. This creates a surprising and powerful nexus between military discipline and ensemble...
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Speakers

David E Coit

Musical Director and Officer in Charge - Royal Australian Navy Band Sydney, Australian Defence Force

Originally from Brisbane, Lieutenant Commander David Coit holds an undergraduate degree in Jazz Performance and two postgraduate qualifications in Music Studies and Education from the Queensland Conservatorium and Griffith University. He is recently a graduate of the Australian Command... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
Recital Hall West Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Culture

4:00pm AEST

The First Notes and The First Year: How to compose music for children to perform

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST

Recital Hall East

Dr Jim Coyle discusses his new book The First Notes and the First Year: How to compose music for children to perform (Routledge, 2026) and the issues it raises for composers, arrangers and ensemble pedagogues.Jim will also be speaking on the idea of 'poly-technicality'; music deliberately created for musicians of differing technical abilities to perform together. This idea has particular relevance...
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Speakers

Dr Jim Coyle

Lecturer, Music Education, Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Jim lectures in Music Education at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and holds a PhD from Sydney University. He is in demand as a leader of professional learning for music teachers, composition masterclasses for students in schools, as a guest conductor of school ensembles and as a director... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEST
Recital Hall East Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

6:45pm AEST

Saturday Evening Performance - Adelaide Wind Orchestra

Saturday October 3, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm AEST

Verbrugghen Hall

TBC

Speakers

Bryan Griffiths

Music Director, SA Police and Adelaide Wind Orchestra

Bryan Griffiths is a conductor and educator, recently appointed Music Director of the Band of the South Australia Police in October 2025. Widely recognised for his work with wind ensembles, he has also conducted orchestral and chamber groups including the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra... Read More →

Performers

Adelaide Wind Orchestra

Established in 2012, AWO was founded by alumni of the Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra who sought to continue and progress the legacy of that ensemble’s distinguished director, the late Robert ‘Bob’ Hower (1953-2019).
Under the initial leadership of clarinettist, condu... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm AEST
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Performance, Wind Band

9:00am AEDT

Mark Laycock - Keynote Presentation

Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am AEDT

Verbrugghen Hall

TBA

Speakers

Dr Mark Laycock

Director of Orchestras, Wichita State University

Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am AEDT
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Keynote, Symphony Orchestra

9:00am AEDT

Patrick Bowen - Keynote Presentation

Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am AEDT

Education Room

TBA

Speakers

Patrick Bowen

Jazz Director, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts

Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am AEDT
Education Room

Keynote

10:00am AEDT

It's Not New, it's Upcycled! Creating twenty-first century band repertoire from the legacy of Australian heritage women composers.

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT

Recital Hall West

“What is new finds power in what is old as a base upon which to innovate.Weaving the future means revisiting the past, reinterpreting the fabric of what once was.” - author unknown."Miriam [Hyde]'s legacy is like an exquisitely rare 'lighthouse.' Anytime she and her peers are discussed and celebrated is a comfort and a guide to composers like me." - Sally Greenaway. If we are to continue...
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Speakers

Tracy Videon

PhD Candidate, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

Tracy Videon shares her passion for conducting both as a music educator, and as a PhD researcher at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. She directs ensembles of all levels, including regular guest conducting the University’s Wind Symphony and Concert... Read More →

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT
Recital Hall West Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Composition

10:00am AEDT

More Than Loud and Soft: Helping Students Understand the True Role of Dynamics in Music

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT

Education Room

When young musicians first encounter the concept of dynamics, it’s usually presented in very simple terms: piano means quiet, and forte means loud. While that definition is technically correct, it barely scratches the surface of what dynamics are actually for. If we stop there, we’re missing an opportunity to help students discover one of the most expressive elements in music.Dynamics aren’t...
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Speakers

Dr Fletcher Mitchell

Head of Bands, Canterbury College

Dr Fletcher Mitchell is an International Euphonium Soloist based in Brisbane, Australia. He has travelled the world as a guest soloist, conductor, adjudicator, and educator including the United States, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, Asia, the Pacific, and across Australia & New Zealand... Read More →

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT
Education Room

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

10:00am AEDT

Off to a Great Start - Creative Approaches to Teaching Beginner Band

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT

Music Workshop

Teaching beginner band is one of the most rewarding—and most crucial—parts of building a thriving school music program. This clinic explores innovative, practical, and highly adaptable strategies for engaging young musicians in their first year of ensemble playing. As well as establishing traditional method-book routines, this session also introduces creative approaches that promote musical...
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Speakers

Dr Joanne Heaton

Education Outreach Clinician, Yamaha Music Australia

Dr. Joanne Heaton is an accomplished conductor and music educator with over 30 years of international experience across Australia, the U.S., Asia, and Europe. She holds a DMA in Wind Band Conducting from the Sydney Conservatorium and a Master’s in Conducting from the University... Read More →

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT
Music Workshop Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

10:00am AEDT

Out the Other Side! Maximize Your Program with Flexible and Chamber Music

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT

Recital Hall East

With unpredictable class sizes, less-than-ideal instrumentation, and a rapidly changing physical and digital landscape, the traditional model of full ensemble literature can sometimes work against even the best teachers. In this session, we will explore the many uses and applications of chamber works and flexible ensemble pieces to strengthen your musicians, no matter who is in class.

Speakers

Tyler Arcari

Director of Music Production and Editing, Excelcia Music Publishing LLC, Wingert-jones Publications, Kendor Music Publishing and RBC Publications

Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am AEDT
Recital Hall East Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

11:00am AEDT

Morning Tea

Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am AEDT

Break

11:30am AEDT

Cynthia Johnston Turner - Keynote Presentation

Sunday October 4, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm AEDT

Verbrugghen Hall

TBA

Speakers

Cynthia Johnson Turner

Dean of Faculty of Music, Wilfrid Laurier University

Sunday October 4, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm AEDT
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Keynote, Wind Band

1:00pm AEDT

Lunch

Sunday October 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:30pm AEDT

Break

1:30pm AEDT

Sunday Lunchtime Concert - North Shore Wind Symphony

Sunday October 4, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEDT

Verbrugghen Hall

TBC

Performers

North Shore Wind Symphony

Sunday October 4, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEDT
Verbrugghen Hall Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Performance, Wind Band

2:30pm AEDT

Commissioning Australian Music: the how, the when and the why

Sunday October 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEDT

Music Workshop

The How (Practical Steps): From personal experience, two composers offer an in-depth, step-by-step examination into the logistics required to successfully bring a new work to life. Key topics will include:How to Commission: A clear roadmap from initial concept to final performance.Consortium Building: Best practices for forming and managing a commissioning consortium to share costs...
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Speakers

Dr Jodie Blackshaw

Lecturer in Composition, Australian National University

Jodie Blackshaw grew up in the Riverina, NSW and started her journey in music through the public education system. Through her extensive experience in classroom teaching, instrumental music tuition, conducting and composition, Jodie aspires to share her passion for student creativity... Read More →

Dr Catherine Likhuta

composer, Self-employed composer

Sunday October 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEDT
Music Workshop Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Composition

2:30pm AEDT

Finding Your Voice as a Young Composer

Sunday October 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEDT

Education Room

Developing a distinctive musical voice is one of the most exciting—and often the most challenging—parts of being a young composer. Many emerging writers find themselves caught between imitation and originality, unsure how to balance the music they love with the music they want to create. This session explores practical, accessible ways for young composers to discover and shape their individual...
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Speakers

Adele Mitchell

AM ScoreWorks

Adele Mitchell (b. 2007) is an emerging Australian composer known for vivid storytelling through their compositions. Based in Brisbane, they write for wind bands, brass bands, orchestras, and solo brass instruments. Adele's compositions have been performed and recorded all over Australia... Read More →

Sunday October 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEDT
Education Room

Clinic, Composition

2:30pm AEDT

Listening Between the Lines: Using AI Analytics to Strengthen Australian School Music Programs

Sunday October 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEDT

Recital Hall East

School music programs are at the heart of student engagement, creativity, and community. Yet, many educators face persistent challenges: retention drops after Year 7, uneven instrument distribution, and limited time to interpret what students are really telling us. This presentation explores how AI-assisted analytics can help us listen more deeply and act more strategically.Drawing on a real...
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Speakers

Lindsay Ryan

Learning Diversity Teacher, Conducting and French Horn Specialist., Mazenod College/McKinnon Secondary College

Lindsay Ryan is a passionate educator and orchestral conductor with extensive experience across Australia and the United Kingdom. After completing her undergraduate degrees with Honours at the University of Melbourne, she began her career teaching classroom and instrumental music... Read More →

Sunday October 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm AEDT
Recital Hall East Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Culture

3:30pm AEDT

Afternoon Tea

Sunday October 4, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm AEDT

Break

4:00pm AEDT

Early Learners to Emerging Artists:Effective K-12 Approaches in an Educational Context

Sunday October 4, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEDT

Recital Hall West

How do we adapt our teaching strategies to meet students where they are - from beginner string players taking their first steps, to advanced young musicians refining artistic identity and independence?In this practical and reflective workshop, Martyn guides participants through the developmental landscape of K-12 music education, drawing on research in cognitive, social and emotional development,...
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Speakers

Martyn Hentschel

Head of Strings, Cranbrook School

New Zealand-born violinist Martyn Hentschel, completed a BMus(Hons), studying with Polish violinist Jan Tawroszewicz at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, before moving to Sydney in 1999 to complete a GradDip(Perf) and MMus with the renowned Australian teacher Alice Waten... Read More →

Sunday October 4, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEDT
Recital Hall West Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Strings

4:00pm AEDT

Making Sound Decisions: developing auditory understanding for a cohesive ensemble sound

Sunday October 4, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEDT

Recital Hall East

Whether large or small, the sound of an ensemble is the first impression of any listening experience. This presentation outlines intentional and focused strategies to support ensemble members and their directors in developing an auditory understanding of a cohesive ensemble sound. Central to this approach are creative and challenging activities that engage musicians in proactively developing...
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Speakers

Dr Jemima Bunn

Director, Brolga Music Publishing

Dr Jemima Bunn (BEd (Sec Music), University of Melbourne; MMEd, University of Wisconsin–Madison; PhD, Melbourne Graduate School of Education)
Dr Jemima Bunn is a respected music educator, conductor, and curriculum leader known for her commitment to developing rich, inclusive, and student-centred music programs. She has led vibrant instrumental and classroom programs in Victorian government secondary schools, coordinating... Read More →

Sunday October 4, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEDT
Recital Hall East Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

Clinic, Ensemble Pedagogy

4:00pm AEDT

The Composer and Conductor: The Art of Collaboration in Rehearsal

Sunday October 4, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm AEDT

Verbrugghen Hall

To bring a new piece of orchestral music to life is very exciting, but how does this happen? And can a school or community orchestra conductor play as important a role in the creation of new Australian repertoire in the same way as do conductors of world leading professional orchestras? The short answer is YES!It can start as an idea from either the composer or conductor- or both. It is this...
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Speakers