Staff may apply to participate as conductors of major ensembles, as ensemble managers or as tutors. Staff will be selected according to their areas of expertise and the needs of the camp.

Successful staff will be sent notification and all necessary camp paperwork by email shortly after the closing date.

Students from NSW Government schools have been attending State Music Camps for more than 60 years. During the week students rehearse and perform engaging and high-quality repertoire culminating in a concert for families and friends on the final night of the camp.

2025 d​​​​​ates

• Senior State Music Camp (Years 8 to 12) – 29 June to 4 July (Term 2 Week 10)
• Junior State Music Camp (Years 5 to 8) – 20 July to 25 July (Term 3 Week 1)

Venue

• Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen

Staff application requirements

• Acceptance notifications will be sent out by Sunday 18 May.
• All intending staff nominees should be aware that State Music Camps are residential activities and staff are required to be present at all times to assist with the operation of the camp. All staff are required to have completed Department of Education mandatory training and have a WWCC prior to the camp. More information will be forwarded to successful applicants.
• Musical activities at camp include participation in a major ensemble (symphony orchestra, symphonic bands, vocal ensembles and stage band) as well as a number of elective ensembles and activities. Elective activities include brass and woodwind ensembles, jazz improvisation, composition, music technology, music theatre, music and movement.

Further information

The State Music Camps promote excellence in all forms of music making and provides high potential and gifted students with extension opportunities to enhance their learning and broaden their experiences. In addition to this, students and staff have a fantastic time in a unique setting for music education!

Please note that the 2025 State Music Camps will commence under the guidelines from NSW Health and the Department of Education.

Camp dates

• Senior State Music Camp (Years 8 to 12) – 29 June to 4 July (Term 2 Week 10)
• Junior State Music Camp (Years 5 to 8) – 20 July to 25 July (Term 3 Week 1)

Application process

1. Nominees are required to complete and submit the online application form below
2. All communication is via email; please ensure you have entered email addresses correctly. 
3. Your selected music teacher will be contacted to support your application
4. School principal and parent signatures will be obtained as part of the student acceptance package. This will be sent to successful applicants following your letter of offer. 

Further information

• Acceptance notifications will be sent out by Friday 16 May.
• Please ensure that the student's current instrument and standard is completed and accurately reflects the student's ability. This will assist in the selection process.
• As a guide, third grade AMEB or equivalent is the minimum standard required at Junior camp.
• There are limited places at music camps for each instrument type due to the individual requirements of each ensemble. As a result, only a small number of guitarists and pianists can be accepted at each camp.
• We are particularly interested in expanding the vocal and string sections of camp and encourage more vocalists and string players to apply.

Cost

• $750 (including GST) per metro student per camp. 
• Students attending from rural and remotes schools will pay $400 (including GST). This will be confirmed, and further payment information will be issued upon acceptance.
• NSW regional, rural and remote public schools list (DOCX 122.41 KB)

Venue 

Sydney Academy of Sport, Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen (Office of Communities, Sport & Recreation)

Students will be notified of the outcome of their application via email on Friday 18 July 2025.

No audition is required.

Music is sent to students to prepare before the first rehearsal.

The choir meets to rehearse in Sydney before performing on the stage of the Sydney Opera House as part of the Festival of Choral Music.

Rehearsals

• Sunday 3 August 10 am – 4 pm at Lewisham Public School (Arts Unit)
• Monday 4 August 10 am – 5 pm at Sydney Opera House
• Tuesday 5 August 2:30 pm – 5 pm at Sydney Opera House

Performances

• Monday 4 August 7pm at Sydney Opera House
• Tuesday 5 August 7 pm at Sydney Opera House

Fees

• Metropolitan students: $110 
• Non-metropolitan students (and rural and remote students): $82.50

Payment is to be made upon acceptance of a successful application.

Students are not required to audition; all students who apply will be accepted into the choir.

Students are required to have some Auslan experience.

School nominations include:

• massed dance – primary and secondary
• small schools items
• Indigenous items
• support student item
• drama
• choir
• remote schools item (Saturday night show only)
• specialist school performance groups
• combined concert band

Participation fee for all students: $35