Queensland Symphony Orchestra Academy
Helping to shape Australia's next generation of musicians
"I believe the QSO academy is one of our greatest achievements: it allows us to connect the entire musical scene in Queensland, creating a pathway for young musicians to experience what a professional orchestra does.
Music shows how a perfect society should be: enhancing the abilities, diversities and personalities of many to come together and work towards a common outcome. For me this common outcome must involve the new generations, their ideas and their dreams. In this way our art form will have its future champions."
Umberto Clerici, Chief Conductor
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra Academy Program lays the groundwork for aspiring pre-professional musicians to step into an orchestral career. They are supported through intense preparation and training including masterclasses and lessons with globally renowned artists. Academy students receive mentorship from Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians, and the opportunity to play in chamber and orchestral performances, including mainstage, opera and ballet productions and regional programs.
This Program will further develop the technical skills already present from high-level tertiary study, as well as provide insights into career management and preparation for auditions – helping to develop sustainable and rewarding careers.
QSO recognises its essential role in the professional development of the next generation of young musicians, especially where the participants can grow into the future permanent musicians of an orchestra. The QSO Academy is an essential program to ensure the sustainability and calibre of home-grown, emerging professional musicians.
To help ensure the success and sustainability of this Program, please contact development@qso.com.au or telephone (07) 3833 5027, or donate now.
#Meet our QSO Academy Musicians 2025
#QSO Academy Musicians will perform in:
Our Academists will also be playing in the Swan Lake season with Ballet Preljocaj (31/5-7/6) and Gladstone concerts (26 and 27/6)
>Links to come soon
#In partnership with
Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium
#Supported by
John and Bonnie Bauld
Elene Carides
Dr Ralph and Susan Cobcroft
Terry and Jane Daubney
Ian and Cass George
Dr Ian and Ruth Gough
Peggy Allen Hayes
Gayle Horn
John and Julienne McKenna
Marion McLeod
Parascos Eagles Family
Anand Shah
Dr Simon and Alice Siu
John Story AO and Georgina Story
Anonymous (4)
Rehearsals, Performance and Concerts
At the Orchestra Academy, students develop essential technical and interpretative abilities. They will gain confidence in collaboration within the orchestra, deepen their understanding of various musical styles and periods, and learn to adapt to different performance settings. Each member will be a valued part of rehearsals with opportunities to perform and participate in concerts.
Whether your dream is to become principal trumpet, or one day be further involved in chamber music groups, our Orchestra Academy program excels at creating confident musicians who are prepared to perform!
Sign up below to keep informed about Queensland Symphony Orchestra Academy audition dates and more.