FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Can we write or arrange our own music? How old do students need to be to enter? Does our school have to enter our group? And more.
STRIKE A CHORD 2024
2022 Strike A Chord Winners JPMS Ensemble Volante
Strike A Chord returns in 2024!
Entries open in May 2024
Strike A Chord is Musica Viva Australia's national chamber music competition for Australian school students. Established in 2020, we aim to foster a love of chamber music amongst young people and provide an opportunity for students to work hard to achieve a goal with their friends, improve their instrumental/vocal skills and all in all, have fun!
12 groups, from at least 6 states/territories, will be selected to play live at the Grand Final at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There are numerous cash and development prizes available to groups at all levels throughout the competition and all groups receive feedback from the judging panel.
WHO CAN ENTER
- Full-time school students (up to Grade 12), including homeschoolers.
- Groups with 3-8 members, any instrument and/or voice combination
- One player/singer per part, no conductor and no adult accompanists
- Repertoire broadly classical in style (no pop, rock, jazz, musical theatre)
KEY DATES
- Coaching Program Applications Open | 23 February 2024
- Coaching Program Applications Close | 22 March 2024
- Strike A Chord/Novice Section Entries Open | 1 May 2024
- Strike A Chord/Novice Section Entries Close | 30 May 2024
- Strike A Chord Finalists/First Round and Novice Section Winners Announced | 21 June 2024
- Strike A Chord Grand Final | 31 August 2024
Make sure you join our e-mailing lists or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest information.
MORE INFORMATION
Please email strikeachord@musicaviva.com.au if you have any enquiries.
The following resources are available to download to spread the word:
COACHING PROGRAM – 22 April-17 May 2024
Groups intending to enter Strike A Chord (including the Novice Section) can apply for one FREE private coaching session with a Musica Viva Australia-affiliated artist. Due to the limited number of sessions available each year and priority is given to regional and low ICSEA groups, and groups with at least one First Nations-identifying student.
STRIKE A CHORD NOVICE SECTION
Strike A Chord encourages participation by musicians of all levels. The Novice Section is for groups in which all players are AMEB Grade 4 level (or equivalent) or below.
TESTIMONIALS
"It's an absolutely fabulous opportunity for students to learn and enjoy by playing together. Feedback from jurors is absolutely a great way to learn and expand knowledge and, of course, viewing other chamber groups........just to see what else is out there!" - Teacher
"Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity for young musicians." - Parent
"Performing live on the stage at the Melbourne Recital Hall was an exhilarating and memorable experience. I value the detailed feedback from the judges in the first and grand final rounds." - Student
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
FINDING A PIECE TO PLAY
Finding Repertoire
Read our guide on finding repertoire to help you choose the right piece to play and where to find sheet music.
LEARN ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC
What is Chamber Music?
Traditionally, chamber music was written for a small group of musicians playing in a modest and intimate setting such as a home.
Partners:
Strike A Chord would like to thank our many supporters. Visit our partners page to see the full list of those who help to make this competition possible.
Strike a Chord
