Most Australian music educators will never see a US school band program in person. Never sit in the audience at the Midwest Clinic. Never spend an evening talking about conducting with people who do it at the highest level in the world.
This trip exists to change that.
Over twelve days you'll visit schools, attend four full days of the 80th Midwest Clinic International Band, and join private sessions with Yamaha USA Master Educators.
This is not a study tour.
It is not a holiday.
It is twelve days of concentrated, high-quality professional development that will change how you think about what's possible in your own program.
The cost per person (~$8,500) includes:
- Return flights, Australia to USA
- 11 nights accommodation throughout the tour
- Midwest Clinic registration
- All ground transport - vans, shuttles, transfers
- Hosted events and sessions
Final pricing will be confirmed closer to travel dates.
Additional costs (such as meals, travel insurance, and incidentals) are at your own cost.
Yamaha Music Australia with support from World Projects Australia are organising this tour on a cost-recovery basis, with no additional administrative fee or margin added, ensuring educators pay only for the direct costs incurred for flights, accommodation, Midwest Clinic registration, and ground transport.
WED 9 DEC – SAT 12 DEC | TEXAS
SUN 13 DEC | FLY TO CHICAGO
MON 14 DEC – SATURDAY 19 DEC | CHICAGO
SUN 20 DEC | LOS ANGELES
This tour is designed for band directors and instrumental music teachers who want to see world-class wind band education in person and come home with a global peer network. There are no prerequisites beyond a passion for music education and the ability to be available in December 2026.
Seeing the results of a great music program is not the same as being in the room where it happens. This tour gives you the chance to observe exceptional teaching, rehearsal culture, ensemble leadership and program design up close, and to learn directly from some of the world's leading music educators. You'll return with new ideas, fresh perspective and professional connections you can apply in your own context.
Practical requirements
- Available December 9- 20, 2026
- Australian passport valid through June 2027
- Able to hold comprehensive travel insurance
- Able to self-fund participation (or secure employer / organisation support)
Places are strictly limited to 12. Register your interest now!
Register your interest below. This is not a commitment - it puts you in the queue for when places formally open and ensures you're first to receive final pricing and next steps.
What does the price include?
Return flights from Australia, 11 nights accommodation, Midwest Clinic registration, all group ground transport throughout the tour, and all hosted events and sessions. are your own cost.
What is not included in the tour price?
Meals, travel insurance, passport or visa/ESTA costs, excess baggage, hotel incidentals, and personal spending are not included.
How many places are available?
The group is capped at 17 travelers in total. Twelve places are open to self-funded educators. Registering your interest early is strongly recommended.
Can my school or employer fund my place?
Yes – a number of participants may seek support from their school or organisation. We can provide a letter of support for funding applications on request
What happens after I register?
Leigh Olsson from Yamaha Music Australia will contact you directly with final pricing, payment terms, and how to secure your place. Registering your interest is not a commitment.
Is Yamaha Music Australia making a profit from the tour?
No. Yamaha Music Australia is organising the tour on a cost-recovery basis, with no administrative fee or
profit margin added. The price reflects the direct costs of participation, including flights, accommodation,
Midwest Clinic registration and ground transport.
Yamaha’s planning, coordination, professional
connections
and additional hosted opportunities are not being charged as added services; they are part of the value we
are able to contribute through our global education network.
Can I join only part of the tour?
Potentially. The tour has been designed as a complete professional learning experience, but we understand some educators may already have Midwest Clinic travel plans. Register your interest and note your circumstances so we can discuss what may be possible.
Will there be free time?
Some limited free time may be included, but this is a professional learning tour rather than a holiday. The itinerary is designed around school visits, Midwest Clinic sessions, educator connections and hosted professional development opportunities.
Who will lead the tour?
The tour will be hosted by Yamaha Music Australia, with connections to Yamaha USA Master Educators and other leading music education professionals throughout the itinerary.
