Australian Composers School

The TSO Australian Composers School (ACS) is a unique opportunity to develop orchestral composition skills with one of Australia’s foremost symphony orchestras.

This exciting program is an integral part of the TSO’s Australian Music Program. TSO provide a two-year course aimed at identifying and preparing composers on the cusp of their professional careers as orchestral composers suitable for possible commission opportunities from professional orchestras upon graduation.

The ACS Director for 2024–2025 is Australian composer Matthew Hindson. Joining him as tutors are Maria Grenfell and Jessica Wells.

Naomi Dodd, Joseph Franklin, Fiona Hill and Ben Robinson are the 2024–2025 Australian Composers School (ACS) participants.

Naomi Dodd

Naomi Dodd

Joseph Franklin

Joseph Franklin

Fiona Hill

Fiona Hill

Ben Robinson

Ben Robinson

Participants work with Matthew Hindson and ACS staff over a two-year period, spending a few days in Tasmania each year to attend workshops with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and composition tutors.

The 2024 module required their writing 2 works which explored the timbral qualities of a symphony orchestra.  

In 2025 modules include writing an original score to a film by Tasmanian documentary film maker, Brad Harris, and a mini concerto for a soloist from the TSO and orchestra. Graduates are later commissioned to create music for TSO projects, have their work shared with the state orchestras, and the opportunity to be published by TSO Publishing.

2025 ARTISTS INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT:

Jessica Wells (film module lead), Thomas Rimes (conductor film module), Matthew Hindson (concertino module lead), Simon Read (conductor concertino module), Jennifer Owen (Violin solo), Matthew McGrath (Double Bass solo), Eloise Fisher (Basset horn solo), Greg Stephens (French Horn solo) and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Get TSO News

Be the first to hear about news, concerts and more! Join our mailing list today.

Sign Up