Volunteer Classical Guitarists Wanted – Join the Brand-New Australis Guitar Ensemble
Location: The Plucked String, Unit 201/370 St Kilda Road, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC
The Australis Guitar Ensemble is a brand-new classical guitar ensemble based in Southbank, Melbourne, seeking enthusiastic volunteer classical guitarists to help establish an exciting new musical venture dedicated to performing and recording original Australian classical guitar music.
The ensemble includes past and current students of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and aims to perform at a high artistic standard in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Our first recording project will be North Country, an original suite for guitar ensemble composed by Damien McCluskey, inspired by the rainforests, bushland, and landscapes of North Queensland. The ensemble's primary focus is on producing high-quality recordings of original works, while also taking on selected performance opportunities as they arise.
This ensemble will be a 10-piece guitar ensemble, and we are currently seeking 5 additional members to complete the group.
This is a unique opportunity to become a founding member of a new ensemble and help shape its artistic direction from the very beginning.
About the Role
- Attend 2-hour rehearsals at The Plucked String, Unit 201/370 St Kilda Road, Southbank. Rehearsals will be held weekly or fortnightly, depending on the group's preference, with scheduling kept as flexible as possible.
- Prepare and rehearse original classical guitar ensemble repertoire.
- Participate in studio recording sessions.
- Take part in concert performances and other performance opportunities as they arise.
- Contribute to a creative, supportive, and collaborative musical environment.
Who We're Looking For
- Classical guitarists with music reading skills of approximately AMEB Grade 6 or above.
- Players who enjoy ensemble music-making and collaborative rehearsals.
- Reliable musicians able to commit to regular rehearsals.
- While the ensemble includes past and current Melbourne Conservatorium of Music students, applications from players of a similar standard are warmly welcomed.
What You'll Gain
- The opportunity to become a founding member of the Australis Guitar Ensemble.
- Experience recording original classical guitar compositions.
- Valuable ensemble performance and studio recording experience.
- The chance to premiere and promote new Australian works.
- A welcoming, flexible, and inspiring musical environment with dedicated classical guitarists.
This is a volunteer position, ideal for musicians who are passionate about classical guitar, enjoy collaborative music-making, and would like to be involved in recording and promoting new Australian repertoire.
How to Apply
Please email [email protected] with a brief introduction about yourself, your classical guitar experience, and any relevant performance background.
Applicants may either:
- Submit a video audition, or
- Arrange an in-person audition at The Plucked String.
We look forward to welcoming new members to the Australis Guitar Ensemble.
Work Location: In person
