Open Academy

Inspiring and challenging music lovers of all ages and levels
Open Academy at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music opens its doors to the community with an accessible range of learning programs for music lovers.

The Open Academy offers a wide program of leisure music classes and courses catering to musicians of all ages and skill levels; whether you are just starting on your musical journey or wanting to further polish your skills. Lessons can be taken individually or as part of a group and cover an extensive range of topics and genres. 

Browse through the programs below to find the right music course for you and start your journey of musical discovery.

Our programs

Kids at the Con is designed to introduce children between ages 3 and 10 to the exciting world of music. Structured classes are presented in a fun group environment to encourage the development of artistic expression and creativity. Learn more.

Rising Stars is a dynamic performance-based music education program for school-age students. The program provides gifted young musicians with specialist tuition and support to nurture their musical and artistic skills. Learn more.

Play at the Con offers one-to-one lessons to musicians of all ages and skill levels. Tuition from qualified teachers is available across a wide variety of instruments, as well as voice, theory and composition. Learn more.

Short Courses are available for adults of all skill levels from beginner to experienced musician. Pursue your musical curiosity and find a new creative outlet in a collaborative group learning environment. Learn more.

Our range of workshops and festivals are designed to deepen your musical knowledge and enhance your artistic practice. Gain insights and guidance from our expert teachers over single or multi-day intensives. Learn more.

Barayagal is an intercultural collective of singers that gathers to sing songs of culture and stories. Directed by Gamilaraay songwriter Nardi Simpson, we sing to the place we are in and to the places we all come from. All current University staff and students are invited to join whatever your previous singing experience. Learn more.

Our NESA-accredited workshops are facilitated by The Con’s Music Education experts. Programs are available for secondary teachers across HSC Music 1, HSC Music 2, and music composition for Stage 4/5. Learn more.

The Sydney Con Jazz Festival is a boutique jazz festival with a line-up of artists drawn from the cream of Australian jazz alongside international guests and the jazz stars of tomorrow.  Held on a single day the festival presents over 30 concerts with more than 50 artists performing in all 5 of the Conservatorium’s world class venues.  Learn more.