Play at the Con
Play at the Con
Play at the Con brings the Conservatorium’s expertise to the community through personalised one-to-one music lessons with experienced teachers.
Lessons are available across a wide range of instruments, as well as music theory and composition, and are tailored to your experience and goals. The program is open to all ages, with no auditions required.
Whether you are starting out, returning to music, or enrolling your child, Play at the Con is here to support your musical journey.
TEACHERS
Browse through our list of TEACHERS and click through to read their biographies.
LESSONS
TERM DATES – 2026
Play at the Con terms are all 8 weeks long, with the following dates for 2026 (including GST):
Term 1: Mon 2 February – Sat 28 March
Term 2: Mon 4 May – Sat 27 June
Term 3: Mon 27 July – Sat 19 September
Term 4: Mon 12 October – Sat 5 December
Lesson Fees – 2026
Lessons may be taken in 30, 45 or 60 minute sessions in 8-week blocks each term.
Play at the Con terms are all 8 weeks long, with the following fees for 2026 (including GST):
30 minute lessons: $592 per term
45 minute lessons: $760 per term
60 minute lessons: $1000 per term
Fees are payable in advance for the term, and are payable to the Open Academy (not the teacher), through the Open Academy website. You will be sent a link to enrol once the office has been advised by your teacher that you will be commencing lessons. Lessons may only commence once payment has been received.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit an EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form, and we will match you with a teacher. Once you have been matched, the teacher will contact you to answer any questions and arrange a time for your lessons. Once you have agreed on a lesson plan, you will receive an enrolment link to enrol and pay for the agreed sessions. Lessons can only begin once payment has been received.
More information
Please contact the Open Academy office on (02) 9351 1400 or e-mail us at con.openacademy@sydney.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
How do I enrol?
After you submit an EXPRESSION OF INTEREST, you will be matched with a teacher. Once you have agreed on a lesson plan and your teacher has confirmed this with the office, you will receive an enrolment link for the agreed sessions. Lessons can only begin once payment has been received.
Can I select my own teacher?
Yes, you will find a short biography for each teacher on the Teacher Information pages.
When will lessons be?
Lessons are at a mutually agreed time between the student and the teacher, limited to:
Monday to Friday 4pm to 8pm, and
Saturday 9am to 5pm.
Are there age restrictions for Play at the Con?
Children and adults can enrol in Play at the Con. If you are a child you must be enrolled at school or homeschool equivalent. We do not accept children in preschool.
Will I be required to sit an audition?
There are no auditions required, all students are welcome regardless of previous experience.
Are group lessons available?
All Play at the Con lessons are one to one. If you are interested in group classes, see our Short Courses for people aged 16 years and over. Non-instrument-specific children’s courses are also available through the Kids at the Con program.
Will you provide instruments?
Other than pianos for the lesson, no. Students will be required to acquire their own instruments to bring to lessons and for home practice.
Do you provide an instrument rental service?
No, students will be required to acquire their own instruments to bring to lessons and for home practice.
Will the teacher come to my home?
All lessons must take place at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
How do I get to the Conservatorium?
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music is located on Macquarie Street (at the top of Bridge Street), Sydney. It is a short walk from Circular Quay where bus, train and ferry transport is available. There is no parking on site. For transport options please click here.
Will I be required to sit an exam at the end of the term?
No, however you may like to discuss with your teacher the possibility of completing external exams such as AMEB, Trinity College London or ABRSM.
What happens if I can’t attend a lesson?
Please contact your teacher as soon as possible. You are required to give your teacher 24 hours' notice of lesson cancellation. Where this notice is given, a new time will be arranged with the teacher. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, the lesson will be forfeited. Find the full Terms & Conditions here.
Can I cancel my enrolment?
Once a term has started your enrolment may only be cancelled for medical reasons where a Medical Certificate is provided. Where the request is approved, a credit will be issued and held for 12 months from the date the request is approved. Please see the Terms and Conditions for full details.