Developing Musicians Program Information

About

The Developing Musicians Program caters to ACT residents between the age of 12 and 21. Non-ACT students may apply for the Developing Musicians Program, however placement preference is given to ACT students.

The program offers the opportunity for students to join a Classical Chamber or Jazz ensemble, or to undertake Music Theory and Aural skill studies. These run for one hour per week during term time.

All students, regardless of ability or previous experience can be admitted to these programs, however enrolment is subject to the availability of an appropriate class.

We enrol our main round of students at the start of the year, but the application form is available all year round. If you apply after the main round of streaming interviews prior to Semester 1, you will likely be placed on a waiting list for consideration when a place becomes available or for the next main round of streaming interviews (for our 2024 programs). See below for more information about each of the Developing Musicians Programs streams and how to apply.

Classical Chamber Ensembles + Vocal Fry (Choir)

Students in our Classical Chamber Ensemble program rehearse for 1 hour per week in small ensembles of their peers (string quartets, piano trios, piano 4-hands, brass quintet, flute ensemble, etc.).

Students perform in their ensembles at our end of semester concerts, as well as performances at Embassies and other cultural centres around the ACT.

This program also includes our Vocal Fry chamber choirs, run by renowned choral director, Tobias Cole.

» Find out more about applying to the DMP Classical Chamber Ensemble + Vocal Fry

Jazz Ensembles

The DMP Jazz program provides ensemble experience for the aspiring jazz musician.

Directed by our qualified tutors, student participating in the DMP Jazz program rehearse for 1 hour per week in jazz combos with their peers.

These ensembles cater for rhythm section players, vocalists and wind players, and provide students with the opportunity to learn how to play in group setting with an emphasis on learning ensemble skills, repertoire and improvisation.

Students will learn jazz standards, recent compositions, and are encouraged to work on their own arrangements. Our jazz students perform at end of semester concerts, other events as available, and are encouraged to attend regular School of Music jazz jam sessions on campus.

» Find out more about applying to the DMP Jazz Ensembles

Music Theory and Aural Skills

Students in the DMP Music Theory and Aural Skills classes will spend 1 hour per week with one of our classical faculty learning theory and aural skills concepts and techniques, including listening and dictation exercises, singing melodies and scales, and melodic and harmonic analysis. Our material is loosely based on the AMEB curricula.

Open to all students, placement in an appropriate class is dependent on the completion of a short streaming questionnaire.

» Find out more about applying to the DMP Music Theory + Aural Skills classes