Play at the Con
Play at the Con
Play at the Con opens the Conservatorium’s experience and expertise in instrumental and vocal teaching to everyone through one-to-one lessons.
If you have ever wished you could play an instrument, or stopped learning, but want to start again, or have a child begging you for music lessons, Play at the Con can help you.
Music lessons are available across a wide variety of instruments, as well as lessons in voice, theory and composition. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or looking for a refresher course, all are welcome.
Please read through the Frequently asked Questions below or complete an EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form to start your obligation free discussion about one-to-one lessons.
TEACHERS
All our teachers are degree-qualified and support is available to them from the Sydney Conservatorium faculty. Lessons may be taken in 30 minute or 1 hour sessions in 8 week blocks each term.
Browse through our list of TEACHERS and click through to read their biographies.
GETTING STARTED
Once you have identified a teacher you would like to contact, please complete the EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form and they will contact you within 3 business days for an obligation free discussion.
TERM START DATES 2025
Term 1 – Week commencing: 10 Feb
Term 2 – Week commencing: 5 May
Term 3 – Week commencing: 28 Jul
Term 4 – Week commencing: 13 Oct
Fees
60 minute lessons
$920 (incl GST) per term
45 minute lessons
$672 (incl GST) per term
30 minute lessons
$512 (incl GST) per term
Fees are payable in advance for the term (i.e. 8 weeks). Fees 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.
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 for students
Can I select my own teacher?
Yes, you will find a short biography for each teacher on the Teacher Information pages including their available lesson days.
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.
Are group lessons available?
No, all 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.
Will the teacher come to my home?
No, 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 audition?
No, all students are welcome regardless of previous experience.
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?
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.
Are you an international CET Student wanting to continue music lessons?
If you are completing English Language studies before enrolling in a course at the Conservatorium you can continue your musical training through Play at the Con. For more information please read the attached document below and use the EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form if you would like to apply.