Elder Conservatorium Welcomes New Students at A Day at the Con! 2025
On Saturday 30 August, the Elder Conservatorium of Music opened its doors to the public for A Day at the Con! 2025, welcoming an enthusiastic and talented group of high-school students for a range of workshops, masterclasses, and a variety of ensemble activities across our four disciplines.
Workshops and masterclasses with Lucinda Collins (keyboard); Teddy Tahu Rhodes (classical voice); Dr Elizabeth Layton, Edith Salzmann and Dr Stephen King (strings); Dr Oliver Fartach-Naini (classical guitar); Dr Kathryn Moorhead and Dr Mark Gaydon (woodwind) were held across the Elder Hall and Hartley buildings, providing a strong representation of our Classical Department.
Meanwhile, in the Madley building, our brilliant Jazz staff – James Muller (guitar), Lauren Henderson (voice), Mark Ferguson (piano), Alex Taylor (brass), Timothy Clarkson (saxophone), and Dr Lyndon Gray (bass) were busy hosting workshops and instrument-specific masterclasses, with the day culminating in an interactive performance and Q&A session. A special thanks to all our current students and alumni who supported us across the day, providing invaluable insights into what life and learning is like at the Elder Con.
Over in the Exercise Studio at Union House, prospective Music Theatre students observed a rehearsal for our upcoming production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, watching Head of Music Theatre Erin James direct the students with choreographer Alexander Kermond. Joseph Simons cranked up the energy in an early-afternoon dance class, before George Torbay AM and Peter Johns led a workshop on ensemble singing.
Last but certainly not least, our Creative Practice department welcomed students through our spaces in the Schulz Building, with Associate Professor Luke Harrald giving a tour and Q&A session, before some of our popular music and composition students showcased their works in a short performance. Dr Sebastian Tomczak and Dr Daniel Pitman also gave workshops and demonstrations that showcased our facilities and equipment, with sessions on modular synths, VR, studio recording and Ableton Live.
Heartfelt thanks to all for making the Elder Conservatorium such a vibrant place of music, energy, and enthusiasm over the weekend, and a special thanks to our dedicated team of professional staff, who did so much before – and during – the event to ensure it was a great success.
