Youth Strings Program

The Young Strings Program is a specialised curriculum for young string players, ages 5 to 12, who are passionate about building a strong musical foundation.

This program combines individual lessons, group classes, and supervised practice, following the philosophies of Mimi Zweig, Shinichi Suzuki, and Paul Rolland. With a focus on technical ease, musical sensitivity, concentration, and self-esteem, the Young Strings Academy encourages students to grow both as musicians and individuals.

Parents play an essential role in the early stages, attending lessons and supporting daily practice. This special training results in students playing with technical ease and musical sensitivity.

Overview

• 30 individual lessons
  Students receive individual (one-on-one) lessons with a Young Strings Program coordinator, tailored to their skill level and needs. These 30-minute sessions focus on building core technical skills, musical expression, and confidence.
• 30 assistant lessons
  Students also receive a 30-minute lesson with a Young Strings Program assistant, to provide additional support and guidance. These lessons will reinforce techniques learned in individual lessons and encourage consistent progress.
• 30 group lessons (60 minutes each)
  Conducted by the Young Strings Program coordinator, these group lessons allow students to connect with peers in a collaborative environment, where they practice ensemble skills, explore group repertoire, and benefit from shared learning experiences.
• 2 concert performances
  Students participate in two concerts each year, offering them valuable stage experience and a chance to showcase their progress. These performances celebrate each student’s growth and achievements within the supportive OMA community.
• Parental involvement
  Parents attend all lessons, assisting with daily practice to create a strong routine at home. This involvement is key to building concentration, confidence, and a lasting love for music.

Schedule

Individual, assistant and group lessons

30 lessons starting late February and running through to mid-November.

Instrumental lessons are individual, and so lesson days and times will vary. Once assigned, teachers will contact students / parents directly to organise. Lessons most commonly occur on Saturdays, while some occur during the week after school and on Sundays.

Ensemble times

Classes will occur on all of these dates, however students are not required to attend every session. There will be a vast offering of various ensembles, masterclasses and performance classes from which you will be able to choose following confirmation of enrolment.

Learning outcomes

Technical Foundation and Ease
Develop a strong technical foundation that promotes ease and fluency in playing, enabling steady progress and reducing physical strain. 

Introduction to Music Theory and Musicianship
Build an introductory understanding of music theory and musicianship, providing a solid foundation that complements technical training. 

Focus and Concentration
Build concentration skills during lessons and practice sessions, essential for long-term success and discipline in music. 

Early Ensemble Skills
Gain foundational ensemble skills through group lessons, learning to listen, synchronize, and collaborate effectively with peers. 

Stage Confidence and Performance Experience
Experience performing in supportive concert settings, building confidence and stage presence early in musical development. 

Parent-Child Practice Partnership
Establish productive practice habits with parental involvement, creating a positive learning environment and strengthening family support for musical growth. 

Enrolment and policies

Enrolment process

1. Submit enquiry
   Begin by filling out the Enquire Now form to express interest in the program. 
2. Meeting
   You will be invited to attend a meeting with Conservatorium staff for an informal assessment to help match you with the most suitable program and teacher. 
3. Complete signup
   Following the meeting, you’ll receive a link to the signup form along with payment information to finalise your enrolment. 
4. Teacher assignment
   The informal assessment serves to determine the right program and teacher for each student. You’ll be paired with a teacher, who will then contact you to organise lesson times.

Policies

View our policies.

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships and bursaries

A range of scholarships and bursaries are available through OMA, including merit-based scholarships, bursaries and scholarships for regional students and support for families facing financial hardship. These scholarships are designed to make music education accessible to all young musicians. Parents are encouraged to discuss scholarship options with our staff during the initial meeting to explore available support.

Fees

Included in the cost:

• 30 x 30-minute individual lessons
• 30 x 30-minute assistant lessons
• 30 x 60-minute group lessons
• Participation in 2 concerts

Total cost (per year): $3200 + GST

Discounts are available for sibling enrolment. A maximum discount of 10% is applied to the fees of the second student.