Workshop Participation Requirements

Chamber music for the purpose of the Monash Strike A Chord Workshop is defined as an ensemble consisting of 3-8 players (instruments/voice), one player per part, with no conductor or adult accompanist. Musicians must apply as a pre-formed ensemble (trio, quartet, quintet, etc.). 

Repertoire should be broadly classical in style (no jazz, rock, pop, etc). If you unsure of the eligibility of your ensemble’s music please contact Strike A Chord management: strikeachord@musicaviva.com.au 

The Monash Strike A Chord Workshop is open to chamber ensembles from anywhere in Australia, whose members are enrolled in a full-time Australian school program (i.e. primary school, high school, homeschool, distance education, etc), and in which all players are a minimum of AMEB Grade 6 level (or equivalent) as at 6 March 2026.  

Adults are not permitted to accompany the ensemble on piano or any other instrument. 

Students may apply as a member of one ensemble only. 

If the ensemble wishes to play the piano in any unconventional manner (including touching the strings), they may do so on their own instruments in their application video. Musica Viva Australia will confirm whether this option will be possible during the Monash Strike A Chord Workshop. Any additional hire fee, tuning or repair of any damage incurred to the piano is at the cost of the ensemble. 

One online application form per group must be submitted by someone over the age of 18 on behalf of the participants. The form must be fully completed and submitted by 5.00pm AEST Friday 6 March 2026. It is free to apply.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday 13 March.

Once selected, the participation fee is $150 per person. This includes all activities across the 2 days as well as lunch and afternoon tea on both days.

One online application form per ensemble must be submitted by someone over the age of 18 on behalf of the participants. The form must be fully completed and submitted by 5.00pm AEST Friday 6 March 2026.   

If your ensemble entered Strike A Chord 2025 you do not need to submit a video recording to apply – your Strike A Chord entry videos will be used for this purpose. 

If your ensemble did not enter Strike A Chord 2025 your application WILL need to include a video recording of your ensemble performing. The video should preferably have been recorded after June 2025 and should be a maximum of 12 minutes’ duration. Preferred formats are .mp4 or .mov (video files from an iPhone are in .mov format), and the video should be uploaded to a Dropbox or Google Drive.   

By applying for this program, you agree that Musica Viva Australia may use your name, photographs or any video footage for any purpose. All rights, including copyright in such media shall vest in and be owned by Musica Viva Australia in perpetuity.  

A maximum of 10 ensembles will be selected to participate in the Monash Strike A Chord Workshop in Melbourne, 11-12 April 2026.  

Participants will be responsible for organising and funding their travel and accommodation; a limited number of partial travel subsidies will be available to selected participants requiring extra assistance in attending the program – information on eligibility and how to apply will be provided in due course. 

Ensembles from outside Melbourne must nominate at least one adult to travel with them to the program. Any subsidies offered will only assist with travel and accommodation for the ensemble plus one adult. Other adults or family members may travel with the ensemble at their own expense. 

All selected students must behave with kindness, courtesy and respect for all staff, teachers, volunteers, and other participants at all times.