Sunday 21 July, 9:00 -11:00 am
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 Jonny Ng, pianist Brett Sturdy, trumpeter Timothy Francis and double bassist Marian Heckenberg. 

• 9:00 – 11:00am – Upper Strings Masterclass – violin and viola players - facilitated by Jonny Ng (Principal 2nd Violin and Education Manager, Camerata)
• 9:00 – 11:00am – Lower Strings Masterclass – cello and double bass - facilitated by Marian Heckenberg (Principal Double Bassist, Camerata)
• 9:00 – 11:00am – Wind and Brass Masterclass – facilitated by Timothy Francis
• 9:00 – 11:00am - Piano Masterclass - facilitated by Brett Sturdy

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 Masterclass facilitators are some of the best musicians and educators in the country, and can guide you through issues such as efficiency of playing, technique, musicality, performance and 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 – violins and violas (upper strings), and cello and double bass (lower strings). These masterclasses are open to participants of all ages and standards, and please note that "upper and lower" does not refer to standard, but rather the size and pitch of the instruments. The upper strings masterclass will be facilitated by Jonny Ng, and the lower strings masterclass will be facilitated by Marian Heckenberg. When booking, please indicate your proposed repertoire, and please ensure you select the appropriate session. 
• Pianists will have their masterclass facilitated by former Mackay local, and Queensland Ballet pianist, Brett Sturdy. 
• Wind and Brass players will work with trumpeter Timothy Francis. This is open to all brass and woodwind instrumentalists.

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.

Ticket types, and information for observers and parents

There are two types of tickets available - performer and observer - please only purchase a performer ticket if you plan on playing your instrument in the masterclass. Otherwise, if you wish to observe and learn, please purchase an observer ticket. 

Because sessions are held concurrently, observers are welcome to go between the different classes, but are requested to do so in a quiet manner. 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 on the 22nd May.
We look forward to working with you!