Sunday 23 July, various times
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Boundary Road, Ooralea

Local piano, strings and wind students will perform in masterclasses with some of Australia’s finest classical musicians – violinist Doretta Balkizas, pianist Stewart Kelly, bassoonist Matthew Kneale, and cellist Simon Cobcroft. Leading pedagogue and pianist Angela Turner will present a professional development session for local piano teachers.

• 9:00 – 11:00am – Upper Strings Masterclass – violin and viola players, facilitated by Doretta Balkizas
• 9:00 – 11:00am – Lower Strings Masterclass – cello and double bass, facilitated by Simon Cobcroft and Jaan Pallandi
• 9:00 – 10:30am – Piano Teacher Workshop – facilitated by Angela Turner
• 9:00 – 11:00am – Wind Masterclass – facilitated by Matthew Kneale
• 5:00 – 7:00pm - Piano Masterclass - facilitated by Stewart Kelly

If you’d like to develop your skills as a musician and instrumentalist, or prepare for an upcoming Eisteddfod or performance, these masterclasses are the perfect opportunity! Our festival artists are some of the best musicians and educators in the country, and will facilitate masterclasses which will focus on efficiency of playing, technique, musicality, practise techniques and address any issues or questions you might have.

This year, we will hold numerous masterclasses simultaneously: 

• String players will be divided into two separate groups – upper strings (violin and viola) and lower strings (cello and double bass). These masterclasses are open to participants of all ages and standards. The upper strings masterclass will be facilitated by Doretta Balkizas, and the lower strings masterclass will be facilitated by Simon Cobcroft. When booking, please indicate your proposed repertoire, and please ensure you select the appropriate session. 
• Pianists will have their masterclass facilitated by Stewart Kelly. Please note, for logistical reasons this session is at 5pm on the Sunday afternoon, after the festival’s final concert.
• Wind players will work with Bassoonist Matthew Kneale. This is open to all woodwind instrumentalists.
• Piano teachers can participate in a professional development session with Angela Turner.

Please note that preference is given to those that apply early and provide full details, and if your application is unable to be scheduled, it is by no means an indication or reflection of your abilities, but rather due to the complications of scheduling as many participants as possible. For example, higher graded students generally require more time with the facilitator, and therefore the remaining time will be lessened. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, to increase chances of being accepted. Places are strictly limited, and you will be advised if your application is successful in due course.

We will use TryBooking as our application platform, and payment is due at the time of application. When purchasing your ticket, you will be asked to advise your name, instrument, approximate AMEB grade and proposed repertoire. 

If we cannot accommodate your participation, we will contact you to give you the option to refund your application fee in full, place you on a wait list, or give you the option of changing your ticket to an observation ticket, and will refund the difference.

Information for observers and parents

Observation tickets are available, but please note – some sessions are being held concurrently. If you wish to observe different masterclasses, please feel free – the sessions will be held in the same building. Parents of participants can observe their children free of charge, and observation of Masterclasses is included in the festival’s Full Weekend Package.

All masterclasses take place at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Rooms for the masterclasses will be advised on the day, so it is recommended that participants and observers arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the sessions.

Please note, a photographer may be present to document the masterclasses for future publicity. Please inform us on the day if you do not wish to be photographed. 

Registration and Tickets for the masterclasses will go on sale in late May.
We look forward to working with you!