Masterclasses & Specialist Violin Coaching
Advanced guidance for HSC, diploma and senior students
Masterclasses are offered at selected times throughout the year between performing and touring commitments.
These sessions are intended for students who are already working seriously at their instrument and are seeking thoughtful, specialist input beyond the scope of their regular weekly lessons.These sessions provide focused expert insight designed to unlock technical ease, refined interpretation, and performance readiness in a short, concentrated timeframe.
Masterclasses with Vov Dylan are particularly suited to:
-
HSC Music students preparing Australian repertoire
-
Diploma and advanced AMEB candidates
-
Students refining interpretation and performance presentation
-
Teachers wishing to provide their students with an additional specialist perspective
-
Regional and interstate students seeking expert guidance online
Sessions are available face-to-face, online, and within schools or private studios.
The nature of a masterclass
A masterclass differs from a regular lesson. Rather than guiding repertoire selection and weekly development, it provides an alternative perspective aimed at unlocking technical ease, musical understanding, and interpretative clarity.
These sessions focus on:
-
Careful diagnosis of technical habits affecting ease of playing
-
Musical thinking and interpretative decision-making
-
Specialist understanding of Australian violin repertoire for HSC performance
-
Performance preparation and presentation
-
Practical guidance on how to practise effectively
Students leave with clear, practical direction and renewed understanding of their work.
Specialist understanding of Australian repertoire for HSC
Through the development of the Australia’s Musical Canvas program and long-standing collaboration with Australian composers, Vov Dylan has developed extensive familiarity with contemporary Australian violin works aligned with NSW syllabus requirements.
His writing on violin pedagogy and Australian repertoire has been published in Stringendo, the journal of the AUSTA.
Vov has worked closely with composers such as Ann Carr-Boyd, Margaret Brandman, Elena Kats-Chernin and Stuart Greenbaum, and has extensive performing experience with works by Peter Sculthorpe, Wilfred Lehmann, Ross Edwards and many others found on HSC and AMEB syllabuses.
This experience allows practical insight into how this repertoire can be shaped musically and presented with confidence.
For teachers and schools
Masterclasses can be arranged for:
-
Individual students
-
Small groups within a private studio
-
Senior music classes within schools
-
In-school masterclass days for HSC students
Studios and schools regularly arrange masterclass days where several students work consecutively. This format allows these sessions to integrate naturally into existing preparation programs.
Session formats
-
One-on-one 60–90 minute masterclass
-
Online review sessions for regional and interstate students
-
Small group studio masterclasses
-
In-school masterclass days
Recommended structure for Sydney-based students
For students attending in person, a short series of sessions is often more beneficial than a single visit.
A block of three 60–90 minute sessions allows for:
-
Careful analysis and initial guidance
-
Development and application of new ideas
-
Consolidation and refinement, often with accompanist
Teachers, family members and fellow students are welcome to attend and observe.
Preparation for online and regional students
Students attending online are encouraged to submit a video recording of their full piece prior to the first session. This allows the session to begin immediately with meaningful refinement.
Recordings may be made with or without accompanist.
Availability beyond Sydney
Due to regular touring throughout Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, masterclasses can often be arranged in other locations to coincide with performance schedules.
Who these sessions suit best
-
HSC Music students working on Australian repertoire
-
Diploma and advanced AMEB candidates
-
Students seeking fresh insight into well-prepared repertoire
-
Teachers seeking additional specialist input for their students
-
Students wanting focused refinement beyond regular lessons
These sessions are most effective when repertoire is performance-ready (approximately 80–90% prepared) rather than at early learning stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a masterclass and a regular lesson?
A masterclass offers a different perspective aimed at refining technique and musical understanding. It complements, rather than replaces, regular tuition.
My child already has a teacher. Is this appropriate?
Yes. Teachers are welcome to attend and contribute. These sessions support the primary teacher’s work.
How can this help an HSC student?
These sessions focus particularly on interpretation, musical storytelling, and stylistic understanding in Australian repertoire.
What level should a student be?
Students should know their repertoire thoroughly and be close to performance standard.
How long is a session?
Typically 60–90 minutes.
Can sessions be online?
Yes, with suitable audio and video setup.
Can an accompanist be included?
Yes, particularly in later sessions.
Can observers attend?
Yes, space permitting.
Do you offer masterclasses in schools or studios?
Yes.
Can masterclasses be arranged outside Sydney?
Yes, often alongside touring schedules.
Why are masterclasses more intensive than regular lessons?
The repertoire often spans many syllabuses and requires careful preparation beforehand so that the session can be immediately focused and effective.
Can students return later in the year?
Yes. Many students return before major exams and performances.
Enquiries
Enquiries from parents, students, teachers and schools are welcome via the contact page to discuss arrangements.
