Answers to the most commonly asked questions about MYO’s Summer School:

SUMMER SCHOOL FEES

How much does Summer School cost?

The 2025 enrolment fee is $825 per participant.

Please note we are unable to provide concession or sibling discounts for the 2024 Summer School.

Are there scholarships available for this program?
MYO believes no young musician should miss out on the opportunity to experience our programs. Whilst there is no dedicated scholarship initiative for this program, we encourage any families who are experiencing significant financial difficulties and hold current government concessions to get in touch with our team via email to discuss other options.

APPLICATION FORM

When do applications open and close for the 2024 program?
Applications will open on Friday 19 July at 5pm. Applications will close 6 September 2024, unless positions are filled earlier. MYO reserves the right to close applications early should the program reach capacity for a particular instrument. We recommend getting in your applications early to avoid disappointment!

Do I have to audition?
Entry is by application only, there is no need to audition!

I made a mistake on my application form. What do I do?
Send us an email as soon as possible and we will amend your application form for you (myo@myo.org.au).

I’ve missed the application closing date, can I still apply?
Yes, we do accept late applications via a waitlist form. However, positions are strictly limited and assessed based on ensemble needs. The MYO team will be in contact via email if a position becomes available. If you have any enquiries about the Summer School waitlist, please email the MYO office (myo@myo.org.au).

I didn’t receive my application confirmation or allocation email, what should I do?
This could be because:
1) The email may have made it into your junk mail – check there first.
2) Your email address may have been entered with an error.
If you cannot locate your confirmation email, please email the MYO office (myo@myo.org.au).

When do I need to pay the Summer School fee by?
Payment is required upon application.

CHOOSING ENSEMBLES AND ALLOCATIONS

What is a ensemble stream?
An ensemble stream refers to the type of ensemble you are applying for. These streams includes Symphony Orchestras, Symphonic Bands, String Orchestras and Jazz Orchestras. By applying to a stream you will be consider for all ensembles within that stream and will be allocated to a particular group based on the instrumental level information you provide in the application which is taken into consideration with the rest of the applicant cohort.

What do I put on the application form if I want my second stream preference to be for a different instrument?
Please make a note of your preference in the ‘Ensemble Experience’ field in the application form, indicate that you want to apply for a second instrument and include this instrument in the ‘Instrument 2’ field.

I don’t have any jazz experience; can I still apply for the Jazz Ensemble stream?
While having some knowledge of jazz chords and style can be an advantage, we do accept all participants with varying degrees of jazz experience. Our jazz program is designed to challenge all levels of experience.

Can I play in more than one ensemble?
Summer School is designed so that all ensembles run concurrently, so it’s not possible to participate in more than one ensemble.

I don’t know what AMEB grade I am, what should I put on my application form?

When you apply, we ask for music examination results and current levels in the most common systems in Australia. If you are not currently undertaking music examinations, or have completed grades in a system not listed on the application form, please consult with your instrumental teacher as they will know what equivalent standard you are. If you are still unsure, please contact the MYO office.

How are applicants allocated to ensembles?

The MYO team allocate applicants based on numerous factors, including;

  • Age
  • Years of experience on the instrument
  • Previous ensemble experience
  • Current examination level (AMEB or equivalent)
  • Auxiliary instrument experience

All this information is collected as part of the application process. Our expert team will use this information to allocate students to the ensemble best suited to their abilities.

All MYO programs are designed to bring students together to enjoy the experience of ensemble playing and our Summer School is no different. While musical ability is considered, it is important that students are also allocated to ensure that their social needs are met during the course of the program.

Can I be allocated into the same ensemble as my friend or sibling?
We understand that you may wish to experience Summer School with a friend or sibling, however due to the complex nature of allocations including skill levels, instrumentation and ages we are unable to accommodate this request.

CONCERTS

When are the concerts?
All string orchestra, symphonic band and symphony orchestra concerts will be held on Saturday 11th January at Hamer Hall. The jazz orchestra concerts will take place on Friday 10th January at Iwaki Auditorium.

How do I get tickets to the concerts?
Tickets will be made available for purchase online through our website. Tickets will be available closer to the commencement of Summer School.

Can I bring friends and family to the concert?
Yes! Please bring all your friends and family to celebrate your achievements. Further information regarding ticketing will be provided closer to the event.

What do I need to wear for my concert?
Information regarding concert dress code will be released closer to the concert day in January as dress code will depend on the ensemble.

MISCELLANEOUS

What time does each day start and end?
The first session of each day starts at 9:00am, we recommend that students arrive by 8:40am so that they can locate their ensemble room and unpack. Students are dismissed at 3:30pm each day with supervision from MYO staff concluding at 4:00pm. Participants will have a 30 minute recess break and 1 one hour lunch break each day. Participants who have permission from a parent or guardian will be permitted to leave campus during break.

Where is Summer School located?
The 2025 Summer School is located at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne Southbank Campus. Some ensembles may also be located in Iwaki Auditorium which is within close walking distance of the University.

How old does a Summer School participant need to be?
All participants must be between the ages of 7 – 25 as of the 1st of January 2025. MYO is unable to facilitate positions for applicants outside of this age range.

What can I wear to Summer School?
Casual clothes is perfectly fine, and it is highly preferable to wear closed-toe shoes for comfort. A 2025 Summer School t-shirt will also be available for purchase later in the year.

Do I have to bring my own instrument?
Yes, although we do have some of the rarer and auxiliary instruments available for hire. If you are allocated an instrument that you do not own, the MYO team will be in touch with you via email to organise an instrument loan. Percussion and piano are the only exception, however percussion require to bring their own sticks and mallets; please see below for details.

Harpists will need to bring their own harp to Summer School.

I play percussion. What do I need to bring?
All percussion instruments are supplied; however, percussion participants are expected to bring a stick bag containing at least one pair each of drumsticks, soft mallets for suspended cymbal (and/or vibraphone and marimba), xylophone mallets, glockenspiel mallets and timpani mallets.

Drummers participating in the Jazz Orchestra stream will need to bring their own clutch, cymbals and drum sticks.

I play piano. What can I apply for?
Yes, you can apply in the Jazz Orchestras stream. A piano position may be available in the orchestral stream (dependent on repertoire selection).

Will lunch be provided?
No, however there is a cafe onsite at the University of Melbourne Southbank Campus where participants can purchase food and drinks. We do recommend you bring your own bottle of water and some refreshments for the day. Participants who have permission to leave campus during breaks may purchase foods from local vendors.

I’m not from Victoria, can I still apply for Summer School?
Yes you can – our Summer School is open to interstate and international participants. Students aged 12 to 17 are eligible to apply for our 2025 Summer School Residential Camp. More information on Residential Camp can be found here.

Will I get the music before Summer School starts?
Due to the dynamic nature of our ensembles, all groups will be reading a vast array of material. All String Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Jazz participants will receive music on the first day of Summer School. Participants are not expected to practice any music prior to the first day.