Play On: Young Musicians Mentor Program
No young artist's aspirations should ever be compromised by their background or their education......
Play On honours the legacy of Jan Grant as founder of Cygnet Recitals and her deep connection to and empathy with young musicians. It is a symbol of her dedication and commitment in building a supportive community around young musicians and creating a pathway that allows them to be their "best selves".
Overview and Rationale
Play On is a dynamic outreach initiative offering workshops for classical music students (piano, strings, woodwind) from low socio-economic, rural, Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds. Designed for students completing Year 10 through Year 12, the program supports the development of audition-ready repertoire for both online and in-person applications. It encourages pathways into tertiary music education, as well as participation in youth and community orchestras. At its core, Play On fosters a deeper understanding of the performing arts as a viable professional career.
Play On has been developed in collaboration with established professional musicians as both an Outreach and Artistic Preparation initiative. Its mission is to mentor students as they refine their audition skills and meet entry requirements, while also broadening their aspirations. Play On encourages young musicians to view tertiary music education as an achievable, meaningful, and professional pathway.
Professional musicians providing mentorship include Laurence Matheson (piano), Josephine Vains (cello), Justin Beere (clarinet), Brigid Coleridge (violin), Jenny Khafagi (viola) and Caroline Henbest (viola)
Aims and Outcomes
A key aim of this pilot is to build sustainable relationships between Cygnet Recitals (an established recital series presenting world class musicians in regional and metropolitan spaces) and a select group of schools and students. Facilitated workshops with professional musicians, held in music studios, will foster engagement and a sense of belonging in students—particularly those who may not have otherwise considered tertiary institutions such as the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Monash University, or Melbourne Youth Orchestra Ensemble Program and local Community Orchestras as realistic post-secondary options.
These workshops will also support students in refining their musical skills and developing confidence through work aligned with their individual school solo projects.
Two fully funded places are available in the current program which will cover the 2025 auditions cycle for entry to tertiary study and orchestra placements.
Key Elements and Structure
“How can we best support and encourage students in continuing their music journey through tertiary study or orchestral placement?”
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Mentoring for students in audition preparation (i.e recording, online and live audition)
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Cohorts from low SES, indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds and from rural areas
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Assisting students in strenghtening their application for study in a tertiary institution or community orchestra
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Potential for course entry to Undergraduate music programs (eg. MCM, Monash University) or orchestral positions (eg. MYO Ensemble Program and Community Orchestras)
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Applicant Form
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Up to four x 45-60 minute sessions plus an introduction to assess student requirements and agree on a workable schedule
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Facilitated music studio spaces: House of Pianos (Sth Melbourne) and Tempo Piano Room (Brunswick)
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Report on progress and outcomes to Sponsor