All students must enrol in an audition to be considered to join the Rising Stars Program. Auditions are held at the end of each year, with applications opening in September for auditions held in late October. There are no mid-year auditions for entry into the Rising Stars program.

Eligibility:
Students who have been playing their instrument for at least two years and are over the age of 6 are welcome to apply.

Round One: Video recording
Applicants are required to present two contrasting pieces of your own choice showing a range of musical and technical skill; a study and a piece are recommended. The recording should be no longer than 10 minutes and recorded within the last two months. No edits or cuts to the video are permitted, and both pieces should be played consecutively without breaks. The applicant should be visible, and hands clearly displayed throughout the video. Piano accompaniment is not permitted.

Videos are to be uploaded to YouTube as an unlisted video, with the student’s name and age in the title. The works being performed should be listed in the description box, including composer’s name. Please then email your url links to con.openacademy@sydney.edu.au. If the video is not received by the closing date listed, the applicant will not progress further and the fee will not be refunded.

Round Two: Live audition
Students who are successful in Round One will be required to perform at a live audition. Applicants will be informed of the Live audition date and time.

No piano accompaniment is permitted.

Music Skills Diagnostic Assessment:
In addition to the instrumental audition, all successful applicants will be required to sit a Music Skills Diagnostic Assessment. Attendance at this assessment is compulsory for all successful applicants. The assessment is used to determine the appropriate level of Music Skills class for each student. The result of this assessment has no impact on whether or not the student is offered a place.

The Music Skills Assessment Date will be sent to successful applicants