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Introduction
As avid music educators and artists, everyone involved in the ASA value and see the need of raising the standards of string playing and opportunities in Australia.
ASA's founder is Professor Peter Zhang, who moved to Sydney in 1995 after more than 40 years as the most famous and sought-after violin teacher from China.
His dream for many years has been to establish a special string academy in which he can impart his extensive knowledge to as many young violinists as possible.
By joining forces with other important teachers and artists from Australia and abroad, a wide scope of world-class education will become available to young Australians and students from around the world.
The Honorary Artistic Director is Charmian Gadd, who is also the Artistic Advisor. The ASA concept was that of an Academy, not just a Summer School or Music Camp and there are plans to expand with exciting new programs during the year.The Australian String Academy programs are open to students from around the world and especially from Australia.
For 15 days, the summer school allows advanced string students playing violin, viola, cello, and double bass, to participate in private 1-hour lessons with world-class pedagogues.
The daily program includes an advanced program of chamber music, new Australian commissioned works, master classes, concerts, solo performance opportunities and a dedicated private practice schedule of at least 3 hours per day.
The inaugural Summer School (2005) established a regular cultural exchange between Australia and China.
It was the foundation year where many students and teachers traveled from various parts of Asia to Sydney, NSW, Australia. The Academy is constantly expanding, adding more tutors to the distinguished faculty and exciting new programs.
The quality of the
faculty with their diverse backgrounds and their passion for their
"art" has linked the Academy with past virtuosi and icons of string
pedagogy. The Academy was constantly reminded of the basic
requirements of the "Art of String Playing" while also having some
of the world's most experienced interpreters of chamber music
available for the most advanced groups. Our thanks and
congratulations should go to everyone dedicated to the vision of
developing our wealth of string playing; talent here in Australia
and linking them to our like-minded students and colleagues
worldwide.
Supported by the Australian Government, the Australian String Academy is establishing itself as an important part of our nation's culture, but if we are to continue giving this unique
opportunity to Australian students and survive as an organisation,
we need additional funding. Please visit OUR SUPPORTERS to see who's already assisted us and JOIN OUR SUPPORTERS for how you can support us.
Rationales
To provide an opportunity for music students in Australia, China and around the world to greatly enhance their skills in an intensive environment of learning and expertise.
To provide students from all around Australia, including regional areas, access to world-class teachers and artists.
To establish cultural links between Australia and China.
To advocate Australian stringed instruments and makers.
To make known Australian contemporary music internationally.
To raise the status of Australian string/ensemble playing.
To establish and subsidise musical/cultural exchanges between Australia and Asia.
To establish a scholarship fund to reward outstanding string students, giving them encouragement, support, incentives and opportunities to make valuable contacts for their future professional careers.
To provide an opportunity for a unique cultural experience for all Australian string students.
We would like to give dedicated music students the opportunity to be exposed to superior music education and performance experiences.
How those involved in ASA benefit
Most students do not have access to intensive periods of training, which music academies such as this provide.
A highlight of the Academy's Summer School is to provide the opportunity for students to have private one-to-one lessons with world-class tutors.
They can get professional help and advice on all of their technical problems from someone other than their regular teacher.
Many students do not have the opportunity to play in ensemble groups such as string quartets due to geographical isolation and the shortage of musical academies that provide these experiences.
The Australian String Academy places a great emphasis on the importance of ensemble work, stipulating in the application a proper proportion of the various instruments needed for such to take place. Having a prestigious international event like this will help to raise Australia's image and prestige while benefiting our country's musical and social communities.
The public will be able to attend concerts, master classes, and workshops provided by The Australian String Academys participants and faculty, enriching the musical life of Australia.
Also, the unique cultural opportunity available through the Academy will allow high-profile masters of the violin, viola, cello and double bass share musical knowledge with Australian and international students.
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