Yamaha partners with Musica Viva Australia’s National Chamber Music Championship: Strike A Chord.

Yamaha Music Australia is excited to announce the partnership with Musica Viva Australia’s National Chamber Music Championship: Strike A Chord. The annual championship, which began in 2020 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Musica Viva Australia, gives secondary school students from all over Australia the opportunity to experience the joy of making chamber music.

At the core of the Championship is the aspect of broad participation and inclusion: Ensembles of any configuration are encouraged to apply, including one-to-a-part vocal groups, ensuring opportunities for those without access to instruments and specialist teachers.

Strike A Chord Yamaha Novice Section

With this theme in mind, the Championship have incorporated a new section into the competition in 2021: Strike A Chord Yamaha Novice Section. This is open to groups in which all members are playing at a maximum of AMEB Grade 4 level (or equivalent). While most rules remain the same as Strike A Chord, ensembles can play a shorter piece or pieces of music between 1 and 5 minutes long, and entry is free of charge. As in the main section of Strike A Chord, ensembles will receive constructive feedback on their entry from the adjudication panel.

Nathan Rippon, from Yamaha Music Australia comments ‘Providing opportunities for students to be engaged in music making is at the core of Yamaha’s DNA. What excites us about this initiative is the support and resources that are not only offered to students but to teachers as well. The Novice section helps to further extend this reach, giving more opportunities for students and teachers to showcase their craft and experience everything to do with chamber music.’

Wilma Smith, Artistic Director of Strike A Chord, adds ‘We know that the rewards and special responsibilities of making music in small groups, unconducted, can be beneficial at any stage of a young musician’s development. We are delighted that Yamaha Music Australia shares our passion for encouraging students at the start of their musical journey to explore the special joy of making music with their friends.’

A national teachers’ conference running alongside the finals weekend will focus on inspiring and relevant ways to support music in teaching practice. Attendees will gain a stronger sense of how to support chamber music and other music programs in their schools, with guest speakers and opportunities to develop and practice skills.

For more information
https://musicaviva.com.au/strikeachord/