The Sydney Conservatorium of Music will host its first Music Tech Day on Monday 21 July 2025, offering a full day of sonic exploration for high school students who are curious about the creative possibilities of music technology.
Whether students are already well-versed in what technology has to offer or are just starting to dip their toes into the world of electronic music, the day is designed to be welcoming and accessible for all skill levels.
This free ticketed event invites participants to dive into the world of digital sound design and electronic music through interactive workshops, live electronic performances and a Q&A panel featuring experts in music tech. A degree incorporating music technology can set students up for careers in electronic music production, sound design, film and TV composition, games, theatre, dance, and so much more.
Students work with music technology in a variety of ways at the Con, with plenty of opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other. Pictured are students Eideweiss and Cara.
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LinkFrom sampling and synthesis to mixing and media composition, Music Tech Day is designed to showcase the breadth and excitement of this rapidly evolving field.
“Music Tech Day is all about sparking curiosity,” says Alexis Weaver, Associate Lecturer in Composition and Music Technology. “We want students to see that music technology isn’t just about gear. It’s about creativity, exploration and finding your own voice through sound.
“One of the most exciting things about events like this is watching students realise how accessible and expressive music technology can be. You don’t need a full studio setup to start making music. You mostly just need a a phone or a laptop and a bit of imagination.”
Weaver, an Associate Lecturer in music technology, is excited to welcome high school students to the Con for Music Tech Day. Photo: Jordan Munns
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LinkDoors open at 9:30am, and the fun kicks off at 10am with a performance and Welcome session, followed by rotating workshops led by staff and students.
Highlights include:
- Recording in the Wild with Alexis Weaver
- Modular Synthesis with Dr Benjamin Carey
- Exploring Microtonal Music with Digital Music and Media student Phil Joseph and Dr Amanda Cole
- Marketing Magic with Dr Alison Cole
At 12.30pm, a panel of staff, students and alumni will discuss the diverse career pathways available in music technology, from sound design and production to composition for games, film and emerging media.
“We’re seeing more and more students come to the Con with an interest in digital music, sound design and media composition,” Weaver explained. “Music Tech Day is a chance for them to get hands-on experience, meet our staff and see how these skills can lead to exciting and unexpected career paths.”
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Digital Music Composition program is tailored for creatives who want to push the boundaries of sound. Students
develop skills in music production, synthesis, spatialisation and critical listening while exploring music’s role in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Music Tech Day also reflects the Conservatorium’s commitment to making music technology more inclusive and welcoming. The event is part of a broader effort to increase access to digital music skills and encourage greater diversity in areas like the Digital Composition degree, which is traditionally male dominated.
Whether you’re a high school student, a music educator or simply passionate about sound, Music Tech Day is an invitation to explore, create and connect.
Just bring your curiosity. We’ll provide the rest.
Presenters and events
Alexis Weaver is an artist, composer and educator working at the intersection of music and science. She lectures in composition and music technology at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is currently completing a PhD in science communication. Her work spans podcast soundtracks, live performance and interdisciplinary research.
Learn more: How I found my rhythm as a digital composer
Dr Benjamin Carey is a Senior Lecturer in Composition and Music Technology. His artistic practice explores modular synthesis, interactive music software, and audiovisual composition. He has held residencies at institutions like the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio and is known for his work at the intersection of human and machine creativity.
Learn more: Benjamin Carey named MESS artist-in-residence
Dr Amanda Cole is an Associate Lecturer in Composition whose research focuses on microtonality, tuning systems and experimental music. She is joined by Phil Joseph, a current student whose creative work explores alternative pitch systems and sonic textures.
Dr Alison Cole is a Lecturer in Composition for Creative Industries. She teaches screen composition and music production and has worked extensively as a composer and sound designer in Australia's film and TV industry. Her compositions are played and broadcast worldwide and across Australia. Dr Cole has also performed in ARIA award-winning/nominated electronic dance bands Severed Heads and Boxcar, touring Australia and worldwide for over 15 years.
Learn more: How the Blade Runner soundtrack uses electronic music to explore humanity
Pathways in Music Tech: Panel with current staff and students
One of the highlights of the day will be a Q&A panel with current staff and students at the Conservatorium, who all use music technology in completely different ways in their day-to-day life. Panel members will share their music and their stories of finding their way with music technology, before taking any questions from the audience.
The panel will begin with an electrifying live performance from Cara Christie, a fourth-year student in the Digital Music and Media degree. Cara will join the panel and share her experiences of music technology, including her unique pathway into everything digital.
The Con’s dedication to accessibility isn’t limited to Music Tech Day. The Composition Department have already engaged in multiple outreach events which take music technology to high schools – with more planned. Teachers should get in touch if they want to enhance their existing music curriculum, and workshops can be tailored to suit students in mid-high school, Music 1 or Music 2 HSC subjects.
Get in touch: please direct your enquiries about further workshops to John Benson, john.benson@sydney.edu.au
Cara Christie, a current fourth-year in the Digital Music and Media program, will perform and share her story at Music Tech Day.
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