Australian Music Day Success

Earlier this month, MLC School was thrilled to welcome some of Australia’s leading musicians and composers to share their expertise with our Year 9 – Year 11 Elective Music students and over 150 guest students from across NSW.

Program 1, for Music 1 students, featured eight-time ARIA winner Josh Pyke, who offered his unique perspective on songwriting and gave feedback on student work, alongside screen composer Cassie To, who introduced students to the world of film composition.

Program 2, tailored for IB Music and Music 2 students, focused on chamber music. Jack Symonds, Artistic Director of Sydney Chamber Opera, and Australian music stalwart Dr Paul Stanhope (former MLC School teacher and now Associate Professor at Sydney Conservatorium) presented new works for Ensemble Offspring, who also performed and workshopped student compositions.

Students further developed their skills in writing for strings with composer/performer Emma Greenhill, known for her work on Masterchef Australia and commercials for Ampol, and Connoisseur Ice Cream.

It was an action-packed two days full of inspiration, collaboration, and live performance. Our guest presenters and I agreed that the future of Australian music is in excellent hands.

– Alice Chance
Head of Composition