At the Mackay Chamber Music Festival, we believe that music education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or location. Over the festival’s history, our education programs have had a positive impact on hundreds of students, providing regional musicians with access to world-class training. Through masterclasses, workshops, and side-by-side performance opportunities, young musicians work closely with professional artists, gaining mentorship, inspiration, and artistic growth.
In 2026, the festival expands its scholarship program to include the Winchester Foundation Scholarships, supporting students and teachers from geographically remote communities to travel to Mackay and participate in the festival, alongside the Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship, which honours a passionate local educator and supports the next generation of pianists. Whether through workshops, individual coaching, or performing alongside professionals, MCMF fosters a thriving musical community—connecting local and regional musicians with exceptional learning experiences.
The Mackay Chamber Music Festival is proud to partner with the John & Beryl Neilsen Winchester Foundation to present the Winchester Foundation Scholarships as part of the 2026 festival.
The Winchester Foundation has a long and respected history of supporting rural and regional communities, with a particular focus on ensuring that young people and educators have access to the same opportunities as their metropolitan counterparts. Through targeted financial assistance and a deep commitment to educational equity, the Foundation works to reduce the barriers created by distance and circumstance, enabling meaningful participation in high-quality learning experiences.
In 2026, this partnership supports both students and instrumental music teachers from geographically remote areas to attend and engage with the Mackay Chamber Music Festival. These scholarships provide financial assistance to help recipients travel to Mackay and take part in a rich program of concerts, workshops, masterclasses, and collaborative musical experiences.
For teachers, the scholarships offer a valuable opportunity for professional development, connection with leading Australian musicians, and engagement with peers from across regional Queensland. For students, they open the door to immersive musical experiences that support artistic growth, confidence, and aspiration.
By supporting participation in the festival, the Winchester Foundation Scholarships play an important role in bridging geographic disadvantage—ensuring that regional musicians and educators can access the same level of artistic and educational opportunity found in major centres.
Anne Thompson Memorial Scholarship: APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
The Mackay Chamber Music Festival, together with the family of the late Anne Thompson, is proud to present this scholarship, now in its third year.
A proud and passionate local educator, Anne Thompson lived a life dedicated to music, and passed on this love of music to countless students over many years, as well as through her piano playing in numerous community groups and church settings.
The scholarship is intended to both honour the memory of Anne Thompson, her love of music and life-long learning, as well as provide opportunities and encouragement for a young, local piano student.
Valued at over $500, the successful scholarship recipient will receive:
Sunday 19 July, 9:00 -11:00 am
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Boundary Road, Ooralea
Local piano, strings and guitar students will perform in masterclasses with some of Australia’s finest classical musicians – violinist Doretta Balkizas, pianists Angela Turner and Daniel De Borah, clarinettist Paul Dean, and cellist Simon Cobcroft.
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.
