Australia’s Musical Canvas In-School Workshop Program for HSC StudentsIn the HSC and VCE music classrooms, students are required to:
Yet these three elements are often taught separately. Students rarely see composition, performance, and analysis working together in real time, demonstrated live, and explained by the composer and performers themselves. Australia’s Musical Canvas exists to bridge that gap. |
Watch above video to see Vov Dylan and Margaret Brandman introduce highlights from the suite "La Vida Apasionada"
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What this program does for your class
Through live performance of contemporary Australian works, guided discussion, and direct interaction with a composer and performers, students experience:
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How compositional ideas translate into performance decisions
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multitudes of specific and detailed information required for Question 4 analysis
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How to apply these ideas directly to their own Core Performance and Composition works
This is not a concert, nor is it a talk.
This is a practical and interactive HSC teaching tool delivered in your classroom.
Workshop Features at a Glance
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How This Supports Your Teaching ProgramThese workshops are built around three core outcomes that matter to teachers:
Students see, hear, and analyse works being performed in front of them, then explore how those works connect to their own performance and composition studies. |
Workshop Format (Flexible to Suit Your School)Schools may choose:
Please note: This program includes all teachers (including accompanist), and work materials. Performance Masterclasses note: Not every school has multiple students doing music 2 core Australian Music performance. To allow for full benefit, we invite students from the broader school community who are performing Australian works as part of their other studies (eg. many list D pieces from the AMEB exams feature Australian works). |
What Students ExperienceDuring the workshop, students:
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What’s Included for Schools
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'The work of Margaret Brandman, Vov Dylan and John Martin is invaluable in the promotion and performance of Australian art music. They are dedicated musicians who in their advocacy of Australian music demonstrate leading expertise in their practice.' - Dr Joanna Drimatis (Music Education Specialist, Australian Music Centre) |
Educational Impact Drawn from Proven Teaching PracticeAlthough Australia’s Musical Canvas is a newly combined workshop format, the educational approaches within it are drawn from decades of demonstrated results by the presenters in schools, examination systems, and performance education. Across their individual work with students and teachers, the presenters have seen:
A Collaboration Grounded in Real Australian Music PracticeAustralia’s Musical Canvas has been brought together not only from long educational experience, but from a decade of active collaboration between the presenters in performing, recording, analysing, and publishing contemporary Australian music. Across the past ten years, Vov Dylan, John Martin, and Dr Margaret Brandman have collectively recorded and performed nearly 100 new Australian works. These works have not remained on the concert stage alone — they have become teaching tools, examination repertoire, and study material for students and teachers. The collaboration between Vov and Margaret in particular led to the publication of the sheet music for La Vida Apasionada, accompanied by detailed performance insight and teaching analysis drawn from Vov’s studio and performance experience. This has allowed the work to be used not only as repertoire, but as a resource for understanding interpretation, structure, and compositional intent. Beyond the classroom, this advocacy for Australian music has also contributed to the creation of new eisteddfod categories specifically focused on Australian repertoire, encouraging students to engage with contemporary works as part of their competitive and performance development. |
Faculty Vov Dylan – Violinist | Recording Artist | TeacherARIA-charting artist and leading interpreter of Australian music. With over 15 albums released and nearly 50 world premieres to his name, Vov is a passionate educator and performer, experienced in public and private education sectors and at university level. Kismet: Vignettes for Violin and Piano was the highest-selling Australian classical album of 2022. Dr Margaret Brandman – Composer and Educator Internationally recognised for her compositions and music education resources, Dr Brandman brings expertise in composition, harmony, and pedagogy. Her published works appear in exam syllabuses around the world, and she has decades of experience leading composition workshops for young musicians. John Martin – Pianist and Australian Music Specialist Celebrated for his contribution to Australian music through recordings, performances, and education. A regular on ABC and the Wirripang label, John brings a wealth of experience in mentoring HSC candidates and interpreting Australian repertoire at the highest level. Together they bring performance, composition, and pedagogy into one practical experience. |
Only 5-10 schools accepted per year due to touring and recording commitments. Early enquiries are strongly recommended to secure your place. |
For More information please fill in our enquiry form here or contact our team via: info@vovdylan.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
How exactly does this help me teach HSC Question 4 analysis?
Dr Margaret Brandman has developed detailed analysis worksheets based on her work Jucaro Rhumba D'amor, covering chordal structure, compositional development, musical devices, stylistic influences, and all elements required for Question 4.
During the workshop, students hear multiple Australian works performed live, analyse them in context, and receive scores they can later use as additional repertoire for Question 4 study.
What will my students be able to do after this workshop that they couldn’t do before?
Students gain:
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Greater clarity and confidence in their own compositions
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Stronger tools for recognising and describing musical techniques for Question 4
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Improved stylistic understanding in Core Performance
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Greater confidence performing Australian repertoire
Is this closely aligned to the NSW HSC syllabus?
Yes. The program is built specifically around Core Performance, Required Composition, and Question 4 analysis, and adapts as syllabus requirements evolve.
Is this a concert or a practical classroom session?
This is not a concert. It is an interactive, practical HSC teaching session delivered in your classroom.
Is this practical, or will students just sit and listen?
This is a hands-on workshop involving discussion, analysis, masterclasses, ensemble work, and direct interaction with the composer and performers.
How is this different from inviting a guest performer?
This combines live performance with practical teaching tools, analysis methods, and compositional insight that students can immediately apply.
Can this connect directly to the pieces my students are already studying?
Yes. Performance sessions are based on students’ current repertoire. Additional material is provided as enrichment.
Will weaker students understand this?
Yes. The educational approach is designed to be accessible to all students while still offering depth for stronger performers and composers.
Is this suitable for mixed ability levels?
Yes. Ensemble repertoire is arranged from approximately Grade 4 AMEB equivalent through to diploma level.
How much preparation is required beforehand?
Very little. Distributing the worksheets beforehand is helpful. Students should already be working on their performance pieces. Composition students may submit work in advance for feedback. Light rehearsal of the ensemble piece is the only additional preparation. This program can also be used as a reason for students to have a deadline of when to have their core performance and compositions properly underway.
Will this save me teaching time or add to my workload?
It saves time. Teachers receive worksheets and resources that can be used before and after the workshop as part of normal teaching.
How many students can participate?
Ideal workshop size is approx 13 but runs from 6-20 students
Is this more composition-focused or performance-focused?
It is equally focused on both.
Will this help students write better exam responses?
Yes — when students apply the techniques and understanding gained.
Will this help students perform with greater stylistic awareness?
Yes — through direct performance feedback and demonstration in masterclasses.
Will students actually engage, or will they switch off?
Students remain engaged due to the interactive format, variety of presenters, and practical nature of the sessions.
Is this too advanced for teenagers?
No. It is designed specifically for Year 11 and 12 HSC students.
Are the presenters experienced with school groups?
Yes. All presenters have extensive experience in primary, secondary, and tertiary education across public and private sectors.
Will this disrupt my teaching program?
No. The workshop is designed to enhance your program and is scheduled in consultation with your timetable.
Will the presenters understand classroom dynamics and bell schedules?
Yes. The program is structured in consultation with your music department to suit normal school timings.
Questions School Leadership May Ask
Is this enriching or essential?
It is both. It enriches the student experience while directly supporting required HSC outcomes.
How many students benefit?
All participating students benefit. The open masterclass format also allows observation by other students.
Is this inclusive for the whole class?
Yes. The material and ensemble work are designed so all students can participate at their level.
Does this link to assessment outcomes?
Yes. The workshop directly supports assessment criteria across performance, composition, and analysis.
Is this run by educators with proper experience?
Yes. All presenters have tertiary qualifications, extensive teaching experience, and Working With Children clearances.
Will this enhance our school’s music program reputation?
Yes. The presence of specialist educators who are also active performers brings both educational and artistic value.
Practical Planning Questions
Can this be delivered for Year 11 as well?
Yes. The program is designed for both Year 11 and 12 students plus an invitation for younger advanced students
Can our accompanists be involved?
Yes. School accompanists are welcome to participate alongside John Martin.
Can students perform during the session?
Yes. Performance and participation are central elements.
Can this tie into our assessment schedule?
Yes. Timing can be aligned with your assessment calendar.
Can this be booked annually?
Yes, though it is particularly effective on a two-year cycle for Year 11 and 12 cohorts.
Can the workshop be tailored to our repertoire?
Yes. Discussions and masterclasses are built around what students are already studying.
We don’t have enough students studying Music 2 with an Australian work. How can we fill the masterclass component?
Many younger students in the school will be preparing for AMEB examinations. Many List D pieces in AMEB repertoire includes modern Australian works. Students working on these pieces with their private teachers can participate in the masterclass component focused on their AMEB Australian repertoire.
While not for HSC assessment, this still supports their exam preparation and exposes the senior students to more Australian works which contributes to broader Question 4 understanding.