Win Big In 2025
Prizes
More than $60,000 worth of prizes, including cash and professional development, will be awarded.
Strike A Chord
Strike A Chord Returns in 2025!
Established in 2020, Strike A Chord aims to foster a love of chamber music amongst young people and provide an opportunity for students to work hard to achieve a goal with their friends, improve their instrumental/vocal skills and above all, have fun!
There are numerous cash and development prizes available to groups at all levels throughout the competition. All groups that enter will receive written feedback from the judging panel.
Entries open 1 May 2025. Sign up to our e-news to stay up to date.
2025 KEY DATES
- Coaching Program Applications Open: 24 February 2025
- Coaching Program Applications Close: 21 March 2025
- Entries Open: 1 May 2025
- Strike A Chord (all sections) Entries Close: 29 May 2025
- Strike A Chord Championship Section – First Round Prize Winners/ National Finalists Announced and Foundation Section Winners Announced: 20 June 2025
- Strike A Chord Championship Section- National Final: Saturday 30 August 2025
"Performing live on the stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre was an exhilarating and memorable experience. I value the detailed feedback from the judges in the first and grand final rounds." – Student
WHO CAN ENTER
- Full time school students (up to year 12), including homeschoolers.
- Groups with 3-8 members, any instrument and/or voice combination.
- One per part, no conductor and no adult accompanists.
- Repertoire broadly classical in style (no pop, rock, jazz, musical theatre).
STRIKE A CHORD SECTIONS
Strike A Chord encourages participation by performers of all levels. The Foundation Section is for groups in which all performers are AMEB Grade 4 level (or equivalent) or below. Learn more.
The Championship Section is open to groups in which all performers are of a playing standard approximately AMEB Grade 5 and above (or equivalent). Following First Round judging, twelve groups, from at least six states/territories, will be selected to play live at the National Final at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Learn more.
PRIZES
There is a total prize pool of over $60,000 to be own amongst the Foundation and Championship Sections. Prizes include cash, development opportunities and music resources.
COACHING PROGRAM – 24 April to 16 May 2025
Groups intending to enter Strike A Chord (both Foundation and Championship Sections) can apply for one FREE private coaching session with a Musica Viva Australia-affiliated artist. With a limited number of sessions each year, priority is given to regional and low ICSEA groups and groups with at least one First Nations-identifying student.
Applications for the Coaching Program open 24 February 2025.
MONASH STRIKE A CHORD WORKSHOP – 12-13 April 2025
The Monash Strike A Chord Workshop is a dynamic and interactive two-day program for young musicians looking to share the joy of playing chamber music. The intensive weekend of coaching, workshops and peer networking is aimed at more experienced and highly motivated groups (AMEB Grade 6 and above).
Spread the word
Get your friends, students, and community involved in the excitement! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news, behind-the-scenes moments, and fun highlights.
View or download the Strike A Chord poster by pressing this button below 
.
Hang it in your classroom, music room, or community space to help spread the word and inspire others to join in!
What Is Strike A Chord?
Musica Viva Australia's national chamber music competition for Australian school students.
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
For ensembles in the early stages of their musical journey.
Foundation Section
Strike A Chord encourages participation by musicians of all levels. The Foundation Section is for groups in which all players are AMEB Grade 4 level (or equivalent) or below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Can we write or arrange our own music? How old do students need to be to enter? Does our school have to enter our group? And more.
2020–2022
Past Winners
See who took out prizes in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Strike A Chord competitions.
LEARN ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC
What is Chamber Music?
Traditionally, chamber music was written for a small group of musicians playing in a modest and intimate setting such as a home.
TIPS FOR RECORDING YOUR ENTRY VIDEOS
Recording Your Videos
Watch our webinar with ABC Classic's Digital Producer, Matthew Lorenzon for some tips and tricks.
FINDING A PIECE TO PLAY
Finding Repertoire
Read our guide on finding repertoire to help you choose the right piece to play and where to find sheet music.
Partners:
Strike A Chord would like to thank our many supporters. Visit our partners page to see the full list of those who help to make this competition possible.
Strike a Chord
