Launched in 2014, The Academy is a chamber music program for talented students across the Coffs region who have reached the equivalent of Grade 6 or higher in their instrument.
Students come together on Monday afternoons during term time to rehearse for 60 minutes, covering a wide range of skills, music and topics. The Academy performs at least once per term at the Conservatorium and throughout the local region.
Directed by Annabelle Swainston.
When: Mondays 5-6pm
Where: Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium Performance Space
Recommended standard: AMEB Grade 6+ or equivalent.
Cost: $140 per term
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry to the Academy is by audition or invitation only. Don’t let this scare you though! This brilliant ensemble offers incredible learning and performance opportunities to students from AMEB grade 6 and above. We welcome students from all over the region who learn an orchestral instrument (if you learn contemporary or jazz music fear not, we’ve got an ensemble for you as well!) and especially encourage students who aren’t enrolled in the Con to get in touch to discuss any opportunities or entry requirements.
Not only will you benefit from playing glorious chamber music with other musicians at a similar advanced level, at various times during the year, students of The Academy are given first priority to play with touring artists in workshops and masterclasses at no extra charge.
Students of The Academy learn the following skills:
- Musical interpretation
- Listening in an ensemble context
- Performance and how to cope with performance anxiety
- The role of their chosen instrument in various ensembles
- Harmony and the effects achieved through different combinations of instruments
- Historical context of ensemble compositions
- Unusual instrument combinations
- Bringing solo instruments into a team playing environment
- Communicating with an audience
Rehearsals for The Academy’s performances are 60 minutes per week, on a Monday afternoon from 5-6pm.
The Academy is an exceptional opportunity for young musicians to benefit from tutors and performance opportunities you would usually only find in a university or professional musical environment. So, we expect students to do sufficient practice at home and attend all rehearsals in order to maintain their membership.
