Australia’s Musical Canvas

A Three-Day Immersive Workshop for Stage 6 Music Students

Australia’s Musical Canvas is a unique, syllabus-aligned education initiative designed to support senior secondary music students as they engage with the Core topic Australian Music of the Last 25 Years. This three-day workshop deepens students’ understanding of contemporary Australian music through practical composition, performance, and ensemble work, delivered by three of Australia’s leading music professionals: Vov Dylan, Dr Margaret Brandman, and John Martin.

The program is tailored for students undertaking Music 2 and Extension Music for the HSC. Students not preparing an Australian composition for the HSC may participate by selecting a suitable AMEB-listed Australian work. With a capped intake of 20 students per workshop, individual attention and meaningful feedback are prioritised.

Workshop Features at a Glance

• Three-day structure covering composition, performance, ensemble, and analysis
• Licensed resources provided in advance, including scores, analysis guides, and rehearsal parts
• Live performance opportunities with professional musicians
• Targeted feedback from experienced artists and educators
• Concludes with a public concert, featuring all participants
• Flexible format: Available for in-school delivery or at an external venue

What Sets This Program Apart?

Unlike traditional single-session workshops or incursions, Australia’s Musical Canvas is a multi-day academic and artistic intensive, structured to produce measurable learning outcomes in line with NESA expectations.

Key Differentiators:

• A complete HSC syllabus-aligned structure covering Outcomes H1–H12 and Extension Outcomes 1–6

• Incorporation of AMEB-aligned repertoire and techniques

• Real-time composition feedback from a published, syllabus-contributing composer

• Performance masterclasses led by touring professional musicians

• A fully realised ensemble rehearsal and public concert

• Licensing, analysis resources, accompanist support, and all printed materials included

Workshop Breakdown 

Day 1: Composition & Musicology

• Open composition masterclass with Dr Margaret Brandman

• Individual student draft work critiqued in a group setting

• Score analysis of “Jucaro Rhumba d’Amor” (licensed)

• Group activities supporting H3–H7, Extension 1–4

• Development of skills in notation, expressive devices, and structural understanding

Requirements: Recently tuned grand piano, microphone/PA setup if hosted in school facilities

Day 2: Performance Masterclasses

• Solo and ensemble performance feedback with Vov Dylan and John Martin

• Emphasis on stylistic interpretation, tone, and stagecraft

• Peer observation to support critical listening and musicological discussion

• Aligns with H1, H6, H10, Extension 2, 4, 6

Day 3: Ensemble Rehearsals & Public Concert

• Sectionals and full rehearsal of ensemble work (Jucaro Rhumba d’Amor)

• Students introduce and perform Australian works publicly

• Professional concert setting encourages artistic ownership and presentation

• Supports H7, H10–12, Extension 5

Concert ticketing managed by our team. If an external venue is required, additional hire costs may apply.

Curriculum & Learning Outcomes

• Develops interpretive depth, creative confidence, and analytical thinking

• Supports students preparing for HSC composition, performance, and viva voce

• Suitable for both classroom and AMEB assessment preparation

• Includes coverage of the six concepts of music: duration, pitch, tone colour, texture, structure, and expressive techniques

'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)

Faculty 

Vov Dylan – Violinist | Recording Artist | Teacher

ARIA-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. 

What’s Included for Schools

• Access to licensed Australian works and full analysis guides

• Composition feedback and open forum workshops

• Student-specific printed parts and rehearsal materials

• Full concert production and promotional resources

• Certificate of participation for student portfolios

• Optional PD recognition for attending staff

• All musical, academic, and performance content aligned to HSC and AMEB

Only 5-10 schools accepted per year due to touring and recording commitments.
Early enquiries are strongly recommended to secure your place.

How to Register 

To express interest / inquire about fees / confirm your school’s participation, contact:
info@vovdylan.com or call 0412 670 187

Upon confirmation, your school will receive:

• Full licensed score and analysis of “Jucaro Rhumba d’Amor”
• Student part allocations
• Composition submission instructions
• Masterclass preparation guidelines

We look forward to helping your students discover, explore, and perform the music of Australia’s composers.

Australia’s Musical Canvas – where learning meets performance.