String Unit
The Sydney Conservatorium String Unit has one of the most distinguished and diverse string teaching, performance and research programs in Australia. Grounded within the foremost 19th and 20th century teaching and performance traditions (Henri Verbrugghen, Robert Pikler, Richard Goldner), the unit offers students a unique mixture of tradition and innovation.
String teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate programs is focused on achieving excellence in developing technical and musical skills required for professional careers of graduates in the area of solo, chamber music and orchestral performance. Dedicated chamber music and orchestral studies programs for string players enable students to gather valuable expertise for high level professional careers. String players who have studied at the Sydney Conservatorium are successful as soloists and chamber musicians at an international level and have received recognition as prizewinners of national and international competitions. They are regularly successful in gaining positions in all Australian Orchestras and in outstanding international orchestras such as the Concertgebouw Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony, London Symphony and others.
In addition to the performance training offering dedicated individual student support and performance opportunities, the unit teaches a program of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level which supports the development of instrumental teaching and research in the areas of string pedagogy and performance.
Current teaching staff includes leading and experienced Australian and international performers and teachers. The unit offers students a consistently outstanding track record of achievement and a direct insight into relevant professional requirements through the contact with staff that includes jurors at national and international competitions, performers with an extensive international profile and experienced orchestral practitioners.
The String Unit emphasizes the need for students to develop a comprehensive and methodical understanding of their relevant instrumental art. In addition to instrumental lessons (Principal Studies) students have the opportunity to participate in lectures, seminars and performance classes (Strings Performance Class, String Pedagogy, Advanced String Pedagogy, Guitar Pedagogy, Postgraduate teaching, didactic literature and teaching practicum seminars) offered by the unit in which all aspects of string teaching and performance receive dedicated attention. The regular opportunity to perform for the unit’s staff and students in a variety of contexts does not only provide students with a realistic test of their abilities under professional conditions but also with the opportunity to receive interpretative feedback from leading resident and/or guest artists. To support the student’s musical and artistic development the unit participates actively in relevant ensemble areas of study (chamber music, orchestra studies, Cello Ensemble). The unit is actively engaged in the development of professional audition competence in the area of orchestral performance. Undergraduate and postgraduate students have the opportunity to participate in a series of structured orchestral studies classes designed to methodically identify and develop the demanding skills required by the international standard of the current orchestral profession.