Australian Composers School
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Our Australian Composers School (ACS) School is a national pre-professional training program for experienced orchestral composers. The two-year course is aimed at identifying and preparing composers for a career in orchestral composing and possible commission opportunities from professional orchestras upon graduation.
You’ll work with some of Australia’s leading composers as well as the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra to hone your orchestral writing skills.
Applications for the 2028 – 2029 program will open in 2027.
Matthew Hindson
Matthew Hindson AM is one of the most-performed and most-commissioned composers of his generation. His works have been performed by ensembles and orchestras throughout Australia and internationally. He has been the featured composer at national and international festivals, with orchestras and Musica Viva. Matthew’s music has been used for dance including by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Ballett Schindowski and the Sydney Dance Company.
Matthew’s music often displays influences of popular music styles within a classical music context, and, as a result, directness and immediacy are common features in the much of his music.
2026-2027 Composer Cohort
Leah Curtis
Ben Hoadley
Jessie Leov
Klearhos Murphey
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Successful applicants participate in 3 modules across a 2 year period, with online learning and mentoring sessions throughout the year. All in-person modules take place in Nipaluna / Hobart at the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Studio. Course fees and accommodation costs are covered by the TSO, however composers are required to arrange their own travel to and from Tasmania.
Example Program
- Module 1: Write two orchestra pieces (Year 1)
- Module 2: Develop a composition intended for commercial use e.g. film score (Year 2)
- Module 3. Compose a Concertino for solo instrument and orchestra (Year 2)
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Tertiary degree in composition or the equivalent professional experience
- You have had a piece of your work either workshopped or performed by an orchestra
- Availability to attend all sessions in person
- Australian or NZ citizen or resident
“Australian Composers’ School has been an invaluable experience for my career. The experience of being in the room with an orchestra for a whole week and being immersed in that sound world is something that can’t be replicated in any other way. Learning from mentors and peers throughout the process has been incredible.”
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