- Student Membership
- Junior Music Festivals
- Student Concerts
- Masterclasses
- Scholarships
- Competitions
- Student Resources
Student Membership
Student membership is available to full-time music students enrolled in a recognised tertiary undergraduate diploma or degree course or teachers who are studying music full-time in a recognised tertiary degree or diploma. Student members receive discounted membership, and can be fully involved in all MTA activities. Student membership may only be held for four years and evidence of student status must be included with the membership application form.
More about Membership, including how to join
Junior Music Festivals
The Junior Music Festivals were introduced in 1995, with the aim of offering young music students the opportunity to perform in a friendly, relaxed and encouraging environment. They are held in various locations throughout Sydney and also Newcastle and Wollongong. They are open to students of both members and non-members of the MTA.
Further information can be found here
Student Concerts
Student concerts provide students with an opportunity to play in front of a friendly audience. They are held in various locations in Sydney, Newcastle and the Illawarra.
The "Work in Progress" performance opportunity is open to all instrumental and vocal students, from beginners to advanced levels and as the title suggests, this is an opportunity for students to show what pieces they have started to learn - perhaps even an incomplete work.
A performance opportunity for senior secondary music students preparing for high-level performance assessments and senior academic milestones. Students will be invited to perform two contrasting pieces of music, not exceeding 10 minutes in total. Students undertaking more advanced coursework may present a third piece if they wish. All participants will receive structured feedback from an experienced and accredited music educator, aimed at supporting their ongoing musical development and preparation for school-based assessment.
Advanced Concerts are for advanced students from Grades 7, 8 and Certificate and Associate and Licentiate to have performance experience. Performers must be aged 25 years or under, be residents of NSW, and be students of teachers who are MTA members. Performers from outside the greater Sydney area may submit a video performance that will be shown on a large screen at the live concert.
For information about upcoming Student Concerts, see the What's Happening page.
Masterclasses
Masterclasses are an opportunity for students and teachers to learn together from great teachers and performers. A masterclasses creates a concentrated and transformative learning experience, where the expertise of seasoned professionals is shared with aspiring students and observing teachers, fostering growth and inspiration for all involved.
For information on future Masterclasses, see the What's Happening page.
Scholarships
The MTA offers various scholarships on a regular basis to encourage performance experience and further study opportunities for aspiring young musicians and vocalists. These scholarships are offered in a variety of instrumental and vocal fields. Some scholarships are offered every year, and some are offered in alternate years.
Further information on all Scholarships can be found here
Competitions
Welcome to the biannual MTANSW Composer Competition! Presented by the Music Teachers' Association of NSW, this competition, that coincides with the MTA Conference, celebrates young musical talent across three age categories (ages 8 to 18) with exciting cash prizes up for grabs. Whether you are submitting a solo piece, a choral work, or an ensemble composition, we invite students of all teachers to share their original music with us.
Before you click through to the submission form, please ensure you have read our full Terms & Conditions regarding eligibility, time limits, and submission formats.
Student Resources
Find A Teacher Online Directory
The MTA runs a comprehensive online teacher directory. Please use the link below to search our database of qualified teachers. https://www.musicnsw.com.au/teacher-search/
The Directory of Accredited Teachers
A resource for the music education sector, the directory provides names and contact details of accredited music teachers across NSW and will help music students find an accredited teacher in their area. This publication will be distributed to primary and secondary government and non-government schools, as well as universities, selected institutions, conservatoriums, retail outlets and Music Teachers’ Associations nationally. https://mtansw.org.au/directory-of-accredited-music-teachers/
Child Safe Standards
The Music Teachers' Association of NSW, like other organisations that work with children, is expected to adhere to the Child Safe Standards, which aim to create environments that prioritise the safety and well-being of children.
The Music Teachers' Association of NSW Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct can be accessed here.