STRIKE A CHORD
Help us bring Strike A Chord 2026 to life
We learnt as young musicians what it means to rehearse and work hard and refine a piece of music…
— Noah Lawrence, Strike A Chord participant and Cello Fellow, Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Hear from Noah about his experience with Strike A Chord when he spoke to us recently for Giving Day:
This is what your support makes possible.
DONATE NOW
Give a young musician their moment on stage
Performing in front of a live audience is an irreplaceable experience - and a moment that can change a young musician’s life.
For hundreds of young Australians, Strike A Chord is a defining moment in their musical journey. It may be their first time playing in a chamber ensemble, stepping onto a stage, or connecting with like-minded peers from across the country. These experiences don’t just build musical skills – they build confidence, empathy, discipline and memories that last a lifetime.
Since 2020, Strike A Chord has grown into a national movement. In 2025 alone, 675 young musicians across 170 ensembles took part – from string quartets in regional Queensland to wind groups in South Australia. Each discovering what’s possible through music and receiving expert feedback to grow further, regardless of how far they progress.
2026 is set to involve more students than ever before – but we need your support to make it happen.
With your help, we can provide:
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$16,000 in travel subsidies, ensuring geography or circumstance is never a barrier, especially for young musicians in regional and remote communities
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$18,000 to deliver our free in-person coaching program with Musica Viva Australia-affiliated artists, helping students prepare for their Strike A Chord entry and performance
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Over $50,000 in prizes across two key sections:
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Foundation – for developing musicians up to AMEB Grade 4, celebrating creativity, teamwork and the joy of first performances, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd totalling $800
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Championship – for advanced ensembles of AMEB Grade 5 and above, showcasing Australia’s finest young chamber musicians, including 36 category prizes valued at $200 each
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It’s so important to support those teachers in those regional and remote communities… and the coaching program that we have for Strike A Chord allows us to do that.
— Anne Frankenburg, CEO, Musica Viva Australia
Your donation today makes a direct impact – opening doors for young musicians to perform, connect and grow.
Having the excitement around that experience and validation for themselves as players too, will hopefully mean that we have much more longevity in terms of our connection with our instruments and music making together.
— Teacher
Learn more about Strike A Chord.
Help a young musician take the stage for the first time. Donate today.
Gifts towards prizes help support:
Championship Section Prizes
36 prizes of $200 each – with up to four awarded in each category:
- Woodwind: Groups that include at least 50% woodwind instruments
- Brass: Groups that include at least 50% brass instruments
- Percussion: Groups that include at least 50% percussion instruments
- String: Groups that include at least 50% string instruments
- Vocal: Groups that include at least one vocalist
- Keyboard: Groups that include at least one keyboard instrument
- Junior: Groups in which all players are in school grade seven or under
- Mixed Ensemble: Groups not eligible for any other instrumental category
- World Instruments: Groups that include at least one non-western instrument
Foundation Section Prizes
- First Prize: $400
- Second Prize: $250
- Third Prize: $150