02 6621 2266
admin@nrcac.edu.au

Northern Rivers Conservatorium

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02 6621 2266
admin@nrcac.edu.au

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium held its Annual General Meeting on 23 September, it was a time to reflect on an extraordinary year of music, strength, and renewal. The AGM is always a chance to take stock of where we’ve been, celebrate achievements, and set our sights on the future.

This year’s meeting also marked a significant change for the Conservatorium Board. After seven years of dedicated service, Jenny Dowell has stepped down from the Board. Jenny has been a guiding presence at the Con, bringing kindness, wisdom, and fortitude through some of the most challenging years in the Con’s history. As Chair for a number of those years, she provided steady leadership that helped steer the Conservatorium through the impacts of floods, recovery, and preparing for the most ambitious building works program in our history. Jenny will be deeply missed, and we are profoundly grateful for her vision and unwavering commitment to music and the arts in the Northern Rivers.

The AGM also confirmed the election of a new Board who will guide the Conservatorium into its next chapter. The 2025–26 Board is led by Chair Chris Leach, supported by Deputy Chair Donna Kildea, Treasurer Peter Hughes, and Secretary Matt Sorenson, with Directors Georgina Bruinsma and Mykaela Baillie continuing their service. We are also delighted to welcome our two newest members, Rohan Langford and Suzanne Roberts, who bring fresh perspectives and valuable expertise to the team. Together, this Board combines continuity with renewal, ensuring the Conservatorium remains strong and forward-looking.

NRC Chair, Chris Leach, said:
“The AGM is always a moment to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we’re heading. This year, we honour Jenny Dowell’s extraordinary contribution while also welcoming a strong new Board who will help guide us into the future. With over 1,300 students and audiences of more than 20,000, the NRC is thriving as a vital cultural and educational hub for our region.”

The Annual Report, released alongside the AGM, tells the story of a vibrant organisation that continues to go from strength to strength. Some key highlights from the 2024–25 year include:

  • 1,321 students engaged across all programs, from early childhood through to adult learners.
  • 49 performances, reaching audiences of more than 20,492 people across the Northern Rivers, and 7 workshops and masterclasses, offering opportunities for intensive learning and professional development.
  • 26 preschools and schools partnering with NRC to deliver quality music education.

Beyond the numbers, the Report captures the heart of the Con. The students discovering their musical voice, the ensembles that bring people together, and the teachers who inspire growth and creativity every day. It also acknowledges the strength of our community and the partnerships that continue to make the Con a cornerstone of cultural life in the region.

A special highlight of the year was the launch the Conservatorium’s new First Nations program led by Blake Rhodes. The program offers Aboriginal youth aged 14–21 the chance to explore songwriting, music production, and storytelling through hands-on workshops. These sessions not only develop musical skills but also empower young people to share their experiences, blend culture with contemporary sounds, and strengthen connections to community. The program embodies the Con’s commitment to creating space for First Nations voices and celebrating music as a vehicle for cultural expression and renewal.

As we look ahead, the Conservatorium is committed to building on this foundation, strengthening programs, expanding access, and celebrating the transformative power of music. With a renewed Board, a clear vision, and the support of our community, always and only, for the love of music.

The Annual Report is available to view in full here.

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Conditions of Enrolment

Enrolment
  • An enrolment becomes valid and lessons can commence upon confirmation of lesson placement by the Northern Rivers Conservatorium (NRC) Administration.
  • Enrolment is continuing for the whole calendar year until notice of withdrawal (see Student Withdrawal).
  • Term dates for Community Music are as published by the NSW Department of Education, with Music in Schools term dates advised by your participating school.
  • Music in School schedules of lessons are available online at our website and it is the responsibility of parents, carers, and students to ensure that they have the latest timetable.
Fees
  • A registration fee is payable once a year by every student enrolled.
  • An invoice for fees will be raised at the beginning of each term for all enrolled students.
  • Fees are on a term basis and payable within seven days of the date of invoice, unless NRC has agreed to a regular payment arrangement.
  • In the event of financial hardship, please contact the office to discuss payment plans and/or apply for fee assistance through our bursary programme.
  • Any student with outstanding fees from a previous term will be automatically withdrawn. Students may only re-enrol if accounts are paid in full or an approved payment schedule implemented; in this case it may not be possible to provide the student with the same lesson time, day or teacher.
Delivery of Lessons
  • Lessons begin and end promptly at the designated time.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to attend their lessons on time. For Music In Schools students, our families are asked to check the schedules prior to their child’s day and remind their child prior to leaving home.
Missed Lessons / Refunds
  • NRC must be informed of all absences, with 24 hours’ notice where possible, by phone (6621 2266), SMS (0448 026 211), or email admin@nrcac.edu.au
  • Credits or refunds are not given for missed lessons, unless due to tutor absence.
Make-up Lessons
  • Make-up lessons are only available to Community Music students, with a maximum of one make-up lesson per term.
  • Tutors can deliver make-up lessons only if they have available time and have received more than 24 hours’ notice of the absence.
  • In the event that a make-up lesson is not available, one of the following options may be chosen instead: one free attendance to one of the holiday make-up workshops offered each year that is equivalent to two hours’ music education activity, OR one free ticket to an NRC visiting artist’s concert/workshop event.
Change of Teacher
  • NRC reserves the right to supply a substitute tutor if the original tutor is unavailable.
Student Withdrawal
  • Two weeks’ notification is required for any withdrawal and must be given in writing to the NRC office.
Disclaimer
  • NRC reserves the right to review and implement changes to fees at any time.
  • Our tutors reserve the right to discontinue lessons where student behaviour is deemed inappropriate.

 

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