Young Launceston artists are preparing for a masterclass hosted by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
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On April 14, about 16 masterclasses including flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, percussion, violin, viola, cello and double bass instruments will be held.
The TSO’s education and outreach executive Jenny Compton said the organisation was happy with the response to the classes.
“We’ve had a great response to string players, and a great response from brass players. This is a first time and we’re really thrilled by the response we’ve had so far,” Ms Compton said.
The event is about giving musicians, aged below 25, a chance to learn.
“They’re inspiration events. They’re to engage and excite people, whether they be community musicians or students who are at a stage of considering whether they’ll continue seriously with music or not,” she said.
“Suddenly you have a world-class musician in the room with you and their encouraging can make all the difference of how you actually see yourself as a musician.”
The masterclasses are being held at Scotch Oakburn College’s performing arts centre, and was a brainwave of the school’s head of music Stephen King.
“We had a bit of brain storm and decided together that it would be great to give the opportunity to advanced students in Launceston to take advantage of the skills that TSO musicians can pass onto them,” Ms Compton said.
“The idea of the masterclass is that the students will be more advanced, so that they’re equipped with a skill level and musical development level to actually be able to understand the recommendations.”
The orchestra will be in Launceston after performing at the Albert Hall the night before.
“As the orchestra was going to be in Launceston in the morning, I was able to ask the musicians if they would be willing to stay on and take part in the event in the afternoon,” Ms Compton said.
“It seemed a wonderful opportunity.”
Ms Compton said the support for music in the North was positive.
“It’s amazing how many new people I’m coming across there are many musical organisations up North and it’s really wonderful to be in touch with people at all of them through this masterclass event,” she said.
Interested musicians are asked to complete the application form on the TSO’s website.
“What [the application] does is set out achievements and gives the teachers an idea of where you’re at in your playing,” Ms Compton said.
“I’m asking the best musicians in Australia to teach.”
The applications for the masterclass has been extended until 5pm on Monday, March 19 from 2pm until 3.30pm. Cost for participants is $15, and observers cost $5.