Rising Stars Audition - Strings

Instruments welcome to apply: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Classical Guitar.

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 August/September with video submissions due in mid-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 pieces of different styles, showing a range of musical and technical skill in one continuous video without editing or cuts to the video. Both pieces should be performed consecutively. The recording should be no longer than 10 minutes total with pieces performed one after the other, and recorded within the last two months. The applicant should be visible, and hands clearly displayed throughout the video. In the interest of fairness and consistency, 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, and the timing at which each piece starts. 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.

Students should play two contrasting works; a study and a piece are recommended. Students can reuse the pieces from Round One.

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

Rising Stars Student Testimonials

Jasmine, violin
Rising Stars gives students the opportunity to develop their music skills in a warm, nurturing environment. Each student is cared for individually and receives constant inspiration from fellow musicians and mentors.

Stephanie, violin
My time here has been one of the best experiences – which has only been made possible by the teacher’s hard work and dedication... thank you Rising Stars.

Read more

Rising Stars Audition - Strings

Mon 12 Oct
5pm - 5:10pm (UTC+11:00)
1 session, 0.2 hours total

Virtual Sydney Conservatorium of Music

1. Video submissions close on Monday 12th October at 5pm. No applications will be accepted after this date. Videos must be submitted via a link to an unlisted video uploaded to Youtube. The video must be one continuous video with the student performing both pieces consecutively without any video cuts or editing. No accompaniment is permitted.
2. Successful applicants will be notified in writing to attend a second round Live Audition, held at a later date in late October to mid-November.
3. Students who are successful in auditioning for the Rising Stars program are required to participate in the Music Skills Diagnostic Test. Dates and times will be confirmed at a later date.

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Mon 12 Oct 2026	5pm - 5:10pm (UTC+11:00)	ONLINE - Virtual Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Sessions

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Mon 12 Oct 2026	5pm - 5:10pm (UTC+11:00)	ONLINE - Virtual Sydney Conservatorium of Music