Music Teachers' Association of NSW

What an incredible afternoon of music!

We are still buzzing from our Masterclass with the brilliant Dr Kara Huber on March 29th. It was a privilege to watch our students step up for their one-on-one performances and receive such personalized attention.

The highlight of the session was Kara’s focus on the "how-to." Rather than just fixing notes, she provided each student with concrete practice strategies and tailored tips to take home. Our students walked away with a clear roadmap on how to refine their technique and elevate their pieces during their daily practice sessions.

A huge thank you to Kara for sharing her expertise and giving our students the tools to become more intentional, effective musicians. We can’t wait to hear how these new strategies transform your playing!

Students, what was the most helpful practice tip you took away from your session with Kara? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Elevate Your Piano Artistry with a GRAMMY® Nominee!

Is your student preparing for a major exam, audition, or recital? Give them the edge they need with a world-class perspective.

We are thrilled to host Dr. Kara Huber—Chair of Piano at the world-renowned Interlochen Arts Academy—for an exclusive Masterclass and "Technique Triage" Workshop!

Kara is known for her "flawless" technique and modern charisma. This isn't just a lecture; it’s a hands-on transformation for:

✅ Students: Master performance anxiety and refine musical expression.
✅ Teachers: Learn creative technical games to keep teens engaged.
✅ Auditors: Gain a new lens for listening and learning.

📍 Where: Master Music Studio Glebe
🗓️ When: March 29, 2026
🎟️ Tickets: https://mtansw.org.au/whats-happening/

Hurry—Book today!

Kara Huber (Interlochen Centre for the Arts) leads a two-hour Student Masterclass and a one-hour teacher “Teen Technique Triage" workshop, March 29, 2026

Students, book your place today for the Piano Masterclass with GRAMMY® Nominee Kara Huber here https://mtansw.org.au/events/piano-masterclass-with-grammy-nominee-kara-huber/

Teachers, book your place today for the Kara Huber Workshop – Teen Technique Triage here https://mtansw.org.au/events/kara-huber-workshop-teen-technique-triage/

Don't miss out on your only Sydney visit!

Hi MTA Members

In order to support more teachers entering the profession, TopMusic has just announced New Teacher Scholarships for TopMusicLive in April.

If you, or a young teacher you know, is keen to attend but is having trouble getting the registration fee together, please consider applying for our scholarship program.

TopMusicLive Scholarships are open to any music teacher with:
• Fewer than 2 years of teaching experience
• No formal teaching qualifications
Successful applicants will receive a 50% discount on the current registration rate for TopMusicLive attendance. Pay just $199.50 for the two-day event, including full access and catering.

If you’re a new teacher (or you know one) looking for:

⭐ Validation you’re doing things right
⭐ Practical advice for pedagogy AND business
⭐ Networking opportunities with supportive teachers
⭐ A friendly community

TopMusicLive is for you!

How to Apply:
• Please read the guidelines and selection criteria here
• Complete the application process (in the link above)
TML Scholarship applications close on 15 March - so don’t wait!

I can’t wait to see you in Sydney!
Tim Topham

Supported by TopMusic

We couldn't be more excited about the AMEB Series 19 Professional Development Event this Sunday in North Sydney.

TODAY (Thursday) is the final day to book tickets including lunch. Use promo code FINALCALL10 for a last-minute 10% discount.

Join Series editor Angela Turner for an inspiring day exploring brand new repertoire from Preliminary to Grade 8, with practical insights you can take straight into your teaching studio.

A fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and get across the newest AMEB Piano series.

Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DIGFF

Proudly supported by AMEB, Kawai Pianos Australia, BlitzBooks, Music Teachers' Association NSW and United Music Teachers

🎹 AMEB Piano Series 19 NSW Official Launch

A new AMEB Piano syllabus only comes around once every five years – and next Sunday is your chance to get the inside information from the people who know it best. It is a well curated, repertoire rich series, full of numerous gems from the repertoire. Guarantee to excite you and your students.

📅 Sunday 15 February – North Sydney

This full-day professional development event is designed especially for piano teachers new and experienced alike:

You’ll hear directly from:
⭐ Angela Turner – AMEB Piano Consultant
⭐ Senior AMEB examiners
⭐ Samantha Coates in a special session on Sight Reading

What the day will give you:
• Clear guidance on the new repertoire
• Practical insights into syllabus expectations
• Live demonstrations and masterclasses
• Time to ask your own questions
• Confidence to start teaching Series 19 straight away

If you’re planning to teach AMEB Piano in 2026 and beyond, this is the fastest and most practical way to get fully up to speed.

Tickets are still available! 👉 www.trybooking.com/DIGFF

Hope to see lots of NSW teachers there – it’s going to be a fantastic day for our piano teaching community.

AMEB Piano Series 19 Professional Development Day ABOUT Join leading pianist, pedagogue and AMEB Piano Consultant, Angela Turner, for a full-day professional development workshop introducing and...

Coming up in Sydney:

AMEB Piano Series 19: Explained, Demonstrated, and Demystified with series editor, Angela Turner

📍 Independent Theatre, North Sydney
🗓 Sunday 15 February
🕘 All-day, in-depth professional development with Angela Turner

If you teach or examine AMEB Piano, this is a must-attend workshop.

This practical, repertoire-focused day will unpack exactly what examiners are listening and looking for in Series 19 — across musical, technical, and stylistic expectations, from early grades through to advanced levels.

✔️ Live performances of Series 19 repertoire
✔️ Examiner-level insights into assessment standards
✔️ Teacher Q&A — get your questions answered
✔️ Student masterclasses (limited places)
✔️ Clear guidance you can take straight back to your studio

Early Bird tickets are strictly limited to the first 50 teachers

Secure your place now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1515727?&track=FBAusPianoTeachers

AMEB Piano Series 19 Professional Development Day ABOUT Join leading pianist, pedagogue and AMEB Piano Consultant, Angela Turner, for a full-day professional development workshop introducing and...

Sydney Eisteddfod is at a critical juncture in its renewal. As it shapes its 2026–2028 direction, it is seeking candid feedback from the teaching community that has supported generations of young performers.
Your insights will directly inform Board deliberations next week, helping to guide major decisions about participation, program design, professional learning, partnerships and the ways SE can better support your ongoing work.
📣 We would be enormously grateful if you could complete this short survey by this Friday.
Every response genuinely matters.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KTVVNV8
Your voice is essential as SE works to deliver greater public benefit, strengthen its support for teachers, and build an even more vibrant platform for young artists across New South Wales and beyond.

2025 feedback survey for industry contacts Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

THAT'S A WRAP!

The 2025 Junior Music Festival Series is officially a wrap! Huge congratulations and thank you to the 321 incredible performers who shared their music across all five of our vibrant events from June 25th to November 2nd.

A Note of Gratitude
This series would not have been possible without the amazing support we received.

A huge THANK YOU to our dedicated Volunteers! Your time, energy, and enthusiasm in managing every aspect of the events—from ushering to setup—made each day run seamlessly.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful venues that hosted us and provided inspiring settings for our young musicians - Fitzroy Hall, Chippen Street Theatre, Inala School, Wollongong Conservatorium and Adamstown Uniting Church. Your partnership is invaluable!

A massive shout-out also goes to our 5 dedicated adjudicators who provided invaluable feedback and encouragement to every participant.

Looking Ahead to 2026
Whether you performed, attended, taught, or volunteered, you helped make the 2025 JMFS a resounding success. The future of music is bright! 🌟

And the exciting news is... the 2026 JMFS dates will be announced soon! Keep an eye on our page so you don't miss the details!

Register your students today for the final Junior Music Festival of the Year!

The Junior Music Festival Wollongong offers young music students a supportive, non-competitive environment to develop their performance skills and receive valuable feedback.

We are also offering the prestigious Mark Matthews Australian Composer Award for Piano & Flute. Encourage your eligible students to participate in this special section to celebrate and perform works by an Australian composer.

For full details visit https://mtansw.org.au/events/2025-junior-music-festival-wollongong/

Date: Sunday, November 2
Venue: Wollongong Conservatorium Auditorium, Murphys Ave, Keiraville
Time: 12.30pm to 4.30pm

Register here https://www.trybooking.com/CYJPL

Registration closing date is Tuesday, 28 October 2025

🎉 Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 MTA NSW Award Recipients! 🎉

The Music Teachers’ Association of NSW is incredibly proud to announce the deserving recipients of the 2025 MTA NSW Excellence in Teaching Awards!

This prestigious award celebrates NSW music teachers who demonstrate unparalleled commitment, passion, and innovation in music education. These educators profoundly impact their students and the wider music community, and we are delighted to honor them:

🏆 The NSW Most Outstanding Teacher Award Winner: Meryl Jackson-Kew
🏆 Country Teacher Award Winner: Sandra Lowe
🏆 Community Engagement Award Winner: Justin McKee

Congratulations to Meryl, Sandra, and Justin on this truly well-deserved recognition! Your hard work is the cornerstone of quality music education in NSW.

A Note of Gratitude to Our Independent Reviewers
We extend our profound gratitude to our panel of Independent Reviewers for their crucial role in determining the winners of our inaugural Excellence in Teaching Award. The integrity of this process was paramount. Thank you for your commitment to conducting a rigorous review, meticulously judging the validity and significance of each submission, and maintaining absolute confidentiality. It is because of your dedication and professionalism that we can proudly celebrate this year's deserving recipients.