Monash Academy Orchestra
Experience extraordinary music first hand
The Monash Academy Orchestra (MAO) stands among Australia’s leading university-based ensembles, inviting musicians from the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance and the wider university community to partake in a shared pursuit of musical excellence.
Under the guidance of distinguished conductors and guest artists, MAO offers players a professional-level experience performing major symphonic works — from Beethoven and Mozart to Stravinsky, Kats-Chernin and Duke Ellington — with passion and precision. Each season the orchestra also premieres a new work by an Australian composer, commissioned by Monash University Performing Arts Centres, highlighting its commitment to local music. These performances come to life in free public concerts at the Clayton campus, which attract large and diverse audiences and create inspiring opportunities for MAO musicians to share their artistry.
In 2026, the Monash Academy Orchestra will present three performances, each offering a rich and engaging program of orchestral music, featuring acclaimed guest artists and conductors.
Your Performances 2026
Auditions 2026
Entry to the orchestra is by audition. All members are required to audition for a position each year. Applicants must submit a video recording of the set orchestral excerpts (listed in the section below).
To apply:
- Complete an audition application form.
- Submit a single-take, unedited video recording (audio-only recordings are not accepted).
- Label all files clearly with your instrument and name.
- Send recordings by email or via a file-sharing link to the orchestra administrator: hannah.trinca@monash.edu
Submission deadline: Friday, 27 February 2026
Performance schedule: download
For further information, contact the orchestra administrator: Hannah Trinca, hannah.trinca@monash.edu
If you are unable to submit your audition by the deadline, please contact the administrator. Late applications may be considered throughout the year, depending on the instrument.
Excerpts 2026
- Flute
- Piccolo
- Oboe
- Cor-anglais
- Clarinet
- Eb Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Contrabassoon
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
- Percussion and Timpani
- Harp
- Concertmaster
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
FAQs
Do I have to be a music student to audition for MAO?
No, any student from any faculty can audition for a position in the orchestra.
I was a member of MAO last year. Do I need to re-audition?
At the start of each year, all positions in the orchestra are declared vacant. Members must re-audition for a position every year.
Do I need an accompanist?
Only those students invited to audition for the concertmaster position need an accompanist.
Will auditions take place in person?
No, auditions will be conducted via ‘blind’ video recordings. Audition recording tips can be found on the Phone Filming Techniques document.
I am unable to submit a recorded audition by the due date. Am I still able to audition?
It may be possible to organise a late audition, depending on your instrument. Please contact the orchestra administrator for further details.
When do rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals are project-based and commence 2-3 weeks before a concert. Rehearsals are held in the evenings and on weekends (to avoid clashes with scheduled classes). This simulates the orchestral rehearsal process in the industry and produces the best performance outcome for all involved.
Where do rehearsals take place?
Full orchestral rehearsals usually take place in the Robert Blackwood Hall on the Clayton campus. Various rooms in the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance and The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts are used for tutorials and sectionals.