Program Overview

Introduction to the Conservatorium Open Academy

The Conservatorium Open Academy offers a range of programs for students of all ages and skill levels. One of the flagship programs is the Rising Stars at the Con, a dynamic performance-based music education program.

Rising Stars at the Con

The Rising Stars at the Con program provides gifted school-age students with specialist tuition in a supportive environment that helps develop their musical and artistic skills. The program is based on proven values of quality instrumental teaching, structured academic development, regular performance, and the benefits of a strong and supportive musical peer group.

Program Structure

The Rising Stars program operates on three levels: Foundation Stars, Emerging Stars, and Premier Stars, providing a development pathway for musical talent. The program runs on Saturdays in two semesters of 14 weeks each, and entry is by audition only.

Program Components

The Rising Stars program has three essential elements:

1. Instrumental lessons: Each student receives 60-minute weekly individual lessons from a Sydney Conservatorium of Music teacher. Tuition is available on a range of instruments, including strings, woodwind, brass, keyboard, and composition.
2. Performances: Premier and Emerging Rising Stars students present weekly Performance Platform concerts on Saturdays during the semester. Foundation Rising Stars have the opportunity to perform in a Gala concert at the end of each semester.
3. Music skills: In small weekly group lessons, Rising Stars students acquire a knowledge of music theory and history, aural, sight singing, and analysis – all essential for academic and musical development.

Rising Star Levels

• Premier Stars: Receive weekly individual lessons, attend Music Skills classes, and are expected to perform in at least one concert per semester.
• Emerging Stars: Receive weekly individual lessons, attend Music Skills classes, and are expected to perform in at least one concert per semester.
• Foundation Stars: Receive weekly individual lessons, attend Music Skills classes, and are expected to perform in the Gala concert each semester.

All students wishing to join the program are auditioned and will be placed in an appropriate level by the audition panel. At the end of each year, all students will sit a performance examination, and Foundation and Emerging Stars can progress to higher levels on the decision of the examination panel.