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Northern Rivers Conservatorium

Over two days, young players will immerse themselves in the roots and rhythms of bluegrass, ragtime and old-time string band traditions. Expect to learn tunes such as Cluck Ol’ Hen and Billy in the Lowground, and discover how to add your own creative flair through improvisation.

String band music is steeped in history. From the Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes carried across generations, to the legendary playing of Doc Watson, Flatt & Scruggs, Tony Rice and Béla Fleck, right through to modern stars like Alison Krauss, The Punch Brothers and The Dead South — this tradition continues to inspire and evolve.

The workshop is led by two outstanding local musicians:

Mat Lydon – Violinist/guitarist and experienced music educator, currently performing with Way Out West
Neil McCann – Multi-instrumentalist, long-time performer at local and national festivals, and tutor at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium

Workshop details:
8 & 9 October
Northern Rivers Conservatorium
Juniors (School Years 4–6) & Seniors (School Years 7–12)
Instruments: Violin, cello, acoustic guitar, mandolin & bass
Day 1: 10am–3pm (Juniors arrive 1pm)

Day 2: 10am–5:30pm (Juniors arrive 1pm) | Concert: Day 2, 4:30pm
Recommended: 2+ years playing experience

Cost:

Seniors: $110

Juniors: $75

Arrangements will be provided in both notation and tablature, catering to all levels from beginner-friendly through to more advanced.

BYO lunch and snacks. New and returning students welcome.

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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.