Congratulations on advancing to the live audition! All the hard work you put into the pre-screen audition will serve you well, but it's important to be even more prepared for the next round. Remember that the panel wants you to succeed, so show them what you've got!
To prepare for the live audition, practice as much as possible. Muscle memory can help combat nerves, so challenge yourself to perform in different situations. Invite family and friends to watch and give feedback.
Choose the right people to support you on audition day. Pick someone who makes you feel relaxed and confident.
Make sure to get enough rest before the audition. Establish a consistent sleep routine leading up to the audition so you can get a good night's sleep.
Expect the unexpected and try to keep as much in your control as possible. If you're traveling, pack your outfit in a carry-on and avoid checking your instrument. Arrive at the audition location early to avoid rushing or being late.
Be polite to everyone you meet, as you never know who you're interacting with. Greet the panelists with eye contact and speak clearly to project confidence. Always thank your accompanist when you finish.
After the audition, send thank you notes to any professors or department staff you met. This shows dedication and maturity, which are qualities that any program would appreciate in its students.
Music is one of the best gifts you can give your child. It builds confidence, creativity, and discipline — and it’s heaps of fun. But if you’re wondering what’s the easiest instrument for kids to learn, you’re not alone. Parents all over Australia ask the same question.
While every child is unique, there are a few instruments that are easier for beginners thanks to their size, simplicity, and playability. Here are some of the best options.
The ukulele is often the number one choice for kids. Why?
It’s light and easy to hold.
Only four strings, with simple chord shapes.
Soft nylon strings that are gentle on little fingers.
With just a few basic chords, kids can quickly play familiar songs. It’s affordable, portable, and a great stepping stone to the guitar later on.
The piano is one of the most popular instruments for children. Its layout is simple: each key matches a specific note, which helps kids understand pitch and melody.
Beginner tunes often use just a few keys, and modern keyboards sometimes come with:
Light-up keys
Labeled notes
Built-in tutorials
These features make learning piano even more accessible for young players.
If you grew up in Australia, you probably played the recorder at school. It’s still one of the easiest and cheapest instruments for kids to learn.
Lightweight and portable
Simple fingering patterns
Teaches breath control and coordination
The soprano recorder is the most common beginner size. Within weeks, kids can play simple tunes they recognise.
Got a child who’s always tapping on tables? Drums might be the answer. They’re a fantastic outlet for energy while teaching rhythm and timing.
Kids can start with bongos or small hand drums before moving to a full kit. Along the way, they’ll develop:
Coordination
Concentration
Motor skills
Drums are noisy — but they’re also incredibly rewarding.
These percussion instruments are bright, engaging, and easy for little ones.
Colour-coded keys help with note recognition.
Kids play melodies by striking bars with mallets.
Durable design makes them perfect for younger learners.
They’re a great introduction to melody without overwhelming complexity.
When picking an instrument, think about your child’s:
Interests — do they love rhythm, melody, or singing?
Personality — patient and focused, or energetic and active?
Physical comfort — the instrument should suit their size and strength.
And don’t forget: the right teacher makes all the difference. A supportive music teacher will keep lessons fun and engaging.
The easiest instrument for kids to learn depends on their personality and preferences. But ukulele, piano, recorder, drums, and xylophone are often the best starting points.
No matter what you choose, music lessons will give your child skills that last a lifetime — from confidence and creativity to discipline and joy.
There is something magical about watching a local artist perform live at your local bar. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd is vibrant, and the music is one-of-a-kind. It's an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life. In this article, we'll explore why you should watch local artists at your local bar.
First and foremost, watching local artists at your local bar is a great way to support your community. These artists are often struggling to make ends meet and rely on their local community to support them. By attending their shows, you're not only helping them financially, but you're also showing them that their hard work and dedication is appreciated.
Additionally, local artists often bring a unique and fresh perspective to music. They aren't bound by the same restrictions as major label artists, and they have the freedom to experiment with new sounds and styles. This can lead to some truly incredible performances that you won't find anywhere else.
Local artists are also incredibly talented. They may not have the same level of recognition as major label artists, but that doesn't mean they're any less skilled. In fact, many local artists are just as talented (if not more so) than their mainstream counterparts. By watching them perform live, you'll get to witness their incredible talent up close and personal.
Watching local artists at your local bar is also a great way to discover new music. You never know when you'll stumble upon your new favorite artist. By attending local shows, you'll be exposed to a wide range of musical styles and genres that you may not have discovered otherwise.
Finally, watching local artists at your local bar is just plain fun. There's nothing quite like the energy of a live show, and local artists have a way of getting the crowd pumped up and engaged. Whether you're dancing, singing along, or just enjoying the music, you're sure to have a great time.
In conclusion, watching local artists at your local bar is an experience that everyone should have. It's a great way to support your community, discover new music, and have a great time. So next time you're looking for something to do on a Friday night, skip the big stadium concert and head to your local bar to watch some talented local artists perform live.
Going to a concert isn’t just another night out — it’s an experience that stays with you long after the final song. Whether you’re in a massive arena or a small local venue, live music has a way of lifting your spirits and creating memories that last.
And while concerts can sometimes cost a bit, the benefits far outweigh the price. Here’s why you should make it a goal to attend at least one concert every year.
Live music does more than entertain. Research shows concerts can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Boost your mood and overall well-being
Even give your immune system a lift
There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who share your love of music. That sense of community and connection can leave you feeling lighter, happier, and more energised.
We all get stuck in the grind — work, school, commitments. A concert is the perfect escape.
It’s a chance to:
Switch off from your daily stresses
Immerse yourself in the music
Let loose and have fun
For a few hours, nothing else matters but the rhythm, the energy, and the crowd around you.
Streaming is great, but nothing compares to seeing your favourite artists perform live. The atmosphere, the raw sound, the shared emotion — it hits differently.
Hearing a song you love in person creates a connection you simply can’t get from headphones. It can deepen your appreciation for the artist and turn a good night into a life-changing one.
Concerts aren’t just about the headliners. Opening acts and festival line-ups are a goldmine for discovering new talent.
Even if you don’t recognise the name, give the support acts a go — you might walk away with a new favourite artist. Many Aussies first discover incredible local bands this way.
Every ticket you buy supports more than just the performer. You’re helping keep venues open, staff employed, and the live music scene alive.
Australia has a proud tradition of live music, from iconic pubs to world-class festivals. By showing up, you’re playing a part in keeping that culture strong for future generations.
Attending concerts is more than entertainment. It’s good for your mental health, gives you a break from routine, helps you connect with your favourite artists, introduces you to new music, and supports the live music community.
So, if you haven’t been to a gig in a while, make this the year you go. Whether it’s a big stadium show or a local band at the pub, you’ll walk away with memories you won’t forget.
Learning the trumpet is exciting, but it can also be challenging for kids starting out. With the right guidance and support, they’ll not only improve faster but also enjoy the process a lot more. As a parent, you play a big role in helping your child succeed.
Here are some practical trumpet practice tips for young beginners.
Just like sport, playing the trumpet uses muscles that need warming up. A quick warm-up helps prevent strain and gets lips, tongue, and facial muscles ready. Encourage your child to:
Buzz gently through the mouthpiece
Play long, steady notes
Do simple breathing exercises
A few minutes of warming up makes a huge difference.
Consistency is key. Short daily practice sessions are far more effective than one long, rushed session each week. Help your child:
Pick a regular practice time (after school works well)
Keep sessions short at first (10–15 minutes)
Slowly increase practice time as they improve
Routine helps practice become a natural part of the day.
The trumpet’s power lies in its sound. Teach your child to focus on:
Proper embouchure (lip and mouth shape)
Deep, controlled breathing
Smooth phrasing when playing tunes
A clean, confident tone makes even simple pieces sound impressive.
Good rhythm is essential. A metronome helps kids stay in time and develop strong rhythm skills. Start slow with easy scales or exercises, then gradually increase the tempo as they gain confidence.
Scales and arpeggios are the building blocks of music. They build technique, range, and confidence. Begin with simple major scales, then move on to more complex patterns once your child is comfortable.
Sight-reading (playing music they’ve never seen before) is a vital skill. Encourage your child to:
Try new pieces regularly
Focus on rhythm and correct notes
Play slowly at first, without worrying about mistakes
The goal is steady progress, not perfection straight away.
Recording practice sessions is a powerful tool. Kids love hearing how much they’ve improved. Sit down together, listen back, and talk about areas to work on. Celebrate wins along the way.
If your child is serious about trumpet, a teacher can make all the difference. A professional instructor provides:
Personalised feedback
Correct technique from the start
Motivation and structured learning
It’s a worthwhile investment if your child wants to keep progressing.
Learning to play the guitar can be a challenging but rewarding experience. As a beginner, choosing the right guitar can make all the difference in your progress and enjoyment of the instrument. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To help narrow down the search, we’ve compiled a list of the top three recommended guitars for beginners.
The Yamaha FG800 is a popular choice for beginners because of its affordability and quality. It has a solid spruce top and nato/okoume back and sides, giving it a warm and bright tone. The comfortable neck and smooth fretboard make it easy to play, and the guitar stays in tune well. The FG800 also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can trust in the quality of the instrument.
The Fender Player Stratocaster is a versatile guitar that is suitable for a range of playing styles. It has an alder body and maple neck with a 22-fret fingerboard. The three single-coil pickups provide a classic Strat sound that can be used for anything from blues to rock. The guitar also has a comfortable C-shaped neck and a tremolo bridge for added expression. The Fender Player Stratocaster is a great option for beginners looking for an electric guitar that will grow with them as they improve.
The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is a budget-friendly option that still delivers great sound and quality. It has a poplar body and mahogany neck with a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard. The two open-coil humbucker pickups provide a warm and punchy tone that is perfect for rock and blues. The guitar also has a comfortable SlimTaper D-profile neck and a Tune-O-Matic bridge for easy adjustments. The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is a great choice for beginners who want an electric guitar that won’t break the bank.
Choosing the right guitar as a beginner can be a daunting task, but with the Yamaha FG800 Acoustic Guitar, Fender Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar, and Epiphone Les Paul Special VE Electric Guitar, you can’t go wrong. Each of these guitars offers quality and affordability, making them ideal for beginners who are just starting out on their musical journey.
Acoustic guitars are among the most loved instruments in the world. Their warm, resonant tone works across countless styles — from folk and country to blues and rock. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right acoustic guitar can feel overwhelming.
To make things easier, here are three of the best acoustic guitars we recommend for beginners and seasoned players alike.
The Martin D-28 has been a staple for decades. Countless iconic musicians have relied on its powerful, balanced sound.
Body style: Dreadnought – delivers volume, depth, and projection
Tonewoods: Solid Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides
Playability: Comfortable neck with a smooth fingerboard
The D-28’s combination of spruce and rosewood produces a full-bodied, rich tone that shines in everything from bluegrass picking to strummed rock ballads. If you want a guitar with heritage and versatility, this one is hard to beat.
Taylor guitars are known for their precision, and the Taylor 814ce is one of their flagship models.
Body style: Grand Auditorium – bright, articulate, and great for fingerstyle
Tonewoods: Solid Sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides
Electronics: Expression System 2 pickup for natural-sounding amplification
Comfort: Slim, smooth neck for easy playability
This guitar is a favourite for players who perform live. Plugged in or acoustic, the 814ce maintains its crisp, detailed sound without losing warmth.
Nicknamed “The Workhorse,” the Gibson J-45 has been a go-to for singer-songwriters and performers for generations.
Body style: Dreadnought – warm, round, and mellow tone
Tonewoods: Solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides
Playability: Slim taper neck for comfort over long sessions
The J-45 has a distinctive, earthy character. It’s perfect for strumming chords behind vocals but also responds beautifully to fingerpicking. Its timeless look and iconic tone have made it a favourite for decades.
When deciding on the best acoustic guitar, think about:
Style of music – Bright, crisp tones suit fingerstyle, while deeper resonance works well for strumming.
Playability – Neck shape, size, and body style all impact comfort.
Budget – High-end guitars like these are investments, but they’re built to last a lifetime.
If you’re searching for a reliable, high-quality acoustic guitar, you won’t go wrong with the Martin D-28, Taylor 814ce, or Gibson J-45. Each has its own character and strengths, but all deliver outstanding tone and playability.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, these guitars are built to inspire.
A piano isn’t just a musical instrument — it’s also a statement piece that adds elegance to any home. But like any investment, it needs proper care to last for years and sound its best. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious musician, these piano care tips will help keep your instrument in top condition.
Dust and dirt build-up can affect both the look and function of a piano. To avoid problems:
Wipe the keys and surface regularly with a soft, clean cloth.
Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners — they can damage the finish.
For stubborn marks on keys, lightly dampen the cloth with water and dry straight after.
Pianos are sensitive to changes in humidity. Too much or too little can cause the soundboard to warp and throw off the tuning.
Aim to keep the room at 40–60% humidity.
Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if needed.
Avoid placing the piano against exterior walls where moisture levels can fluctuate.
Even the best pianos go out of tune over time. To keep yours sounding great:
Book a professional tuner at least twice a year.
More frequent tuning may be needed in areas with big seasonal changes.
A qualified tuner can also spot other maintenance issues early.
Direct heat can damage both the wood and internal mechanisms. Protect your piano by:
Keeping it away from heaters, radiators, and vents.
Avoiding direct sunlight, which can fade and crack the finish.
Placing it in a stable, climate-controlled space.
A cover helps keep out dust and dirt. Choose a soft, breathable fabric that allows airflow. Avoid plastic covers, as they trap moisture and can harm the wood.
Pianos are designed to be played. Regular use keeps the action responsive and prevents keys from sticking. Plus, sitting down at the piano is a wonderful way to relax and improve mental wellbeing.
Blog 1: Tips for Practicing Violin
Learning the violin can be a rewarding and exciting journey. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your practice time:
Learning the flute is both fun and rewarding. Its bright, airy tone makes it one of the most popular instruments for beginners and advanced players alike. But to really improve, consistent and mindful practice is key.
Here are some essential flute practice tips to help you make the most of your time and develop strong playing habits.
Warming up helps prepare your lips, fingers, and breathing muscles. Start with:
Long tones (holding notes steadily to improve breath control and tone)
Simple scales or arpeggios
Easy finger exercises
This builds endurance and helps you settle into good sound production.
Consistency matters more than length. Daily practice, even just 10–15 minutes, is more effective than one long weekly session. Over time, you can increase your practice to 30 minutes or more as your stamina improves.
Make it part of your routine — perhaps before homework or after dinner — so it becomes a natural habit.
The flute relies entirely on air, so proper breath support is crucial. Practise:
Breathing deeply from your diaphragm
Using steady airflow for a clean, even tone
Playing long notes to strengthen control
Good breath support not only improves sound but also helps you play for longer without tiring.
Finger placement and coordination are vital for smooth playing. To refine your technique:
Practise scales in different keys
Use slow, precise movements at first
Work on finger exercises that improve agility
Once accuracy is solid, gradually increase your speed.
Keeping a steady tempo is essential for every flautist. A metronome helps develop rhythm and discipline. Start at a slower speed and only increase the tempo when you can play comfortably without mistakes.
Articulation adds variety and character to your playing. Try different techniques such as:
Legato (smooth, connected notes)
Staccato (short, detached notes)
Tonguing exercises to control clarity and attack
Mixing up articulation styles helps you interpret music more expressively.
Listening to great flautists gives you inspiration and a model to follow. Pay attention to:
Tone quality
Phrasing and dynamics
Interpretation of different styles
Hearing how professionals perform pieces you’re learning can guide your practice and help you develop your own style.
Recording yourself is one of the best ways to track progress. Listen back and note areas where your tone, timing, or finger work could improve. It’s also motivating to hear how much better you sound after a few weeks of practice.
Flute playing requires strong breath control and muscle coordination. Don’t push through fatigue — take short breaks to avoid tension in your shoulders, lips, or hands. Relaxed playing always produces the best sound.
While self-practice is valuable, a flute teacher can spot things you might miss. Lessons provide:
Personalised feedback
Correct posture and embouchure guidance
Structured exercises tailored to your level
A good teacher can accelerate your progress and keep practice fun.
