2025 Coaching Program

Nurturing talent, nationwide

The 2025 Coaching Program brought tailored mentorship to chamber groups across Australia, offering free, one-hour sessions with Musica Viva Australia affiliated artists. Running from 24 April to 16 May 2025, the program gave school-age musicians the chance to refine their ensemble skills and prepare for Strike A Chord entries under professional guidance.

Over the course of the season, 75 sessions were delivered nationwide, led by 28 professional musicians, including Strike A Chord alumni returning as tutors for the first time. Coaches travelled to schools and communities across all states and territories, with sessions held in person wherever possible and online when travel was not feasible.

Teachers and parents described the program as transformative for students’ confidence and ensemble playing, particularly in regional and remote schools. The initiative prioritised access for regional and low-ICSEA groups, and for ensembles with at least one First Nations identifying student, ensuring that support reached those who benefit most from professional mentoring.

Participating groups rehearsed in venues ranging from school music rooms and community halls to conservatorium spaces. Each was paired with an expert tutor from Musica Viva Australia’s extensive network of professional chamber musicians, receiving individualised feedback and guidance on technique, ensemble communication and interpretation.

In 2025, the Coaching Program reached schools and communities across the country, including:

• The Cathedral College (Rockhampton, QLD) – coached by Christa Powell
•  Churchlands Senior High School (WA) – Mikajlo Trio coached by Semra Lee-Smith
•  Canberra Girls Grammar School (ACT) – Trio coached by Kiri Sollis
• Seymour College (SA) – Woodwind ensembles coached by Kathryn Moorhead and Lloyd Van’t Hoff
•  Coffs Harbour (NSW) – regional quartet coached by alumnus Beatrice Colombis
• Mansfield Steiner School (Mansfield, VIC) - violin quartet coached by John Noble
• The Friends School (TAS) - string trios coached by Katie Yap and Jonathan Bekes

The Coaching Program continues to be a vital part of the Strike A Chord journey, inspiring connection, strengthening musicianship and helping young performers across Australia prepare to share their music with confidence.