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
Strike A Chord is Musica Viva Australia's national chamber music competition for Australian school students. Established in 2020, we aim to foster a love of chamber music among young people and provide an opportunity for students to work hard to achieve a goal with their friends, improve their instrumental/vocal skills and, most importantly, have fun.
Twelve groups, from at least six states/territories, will be selected to play live at the Grand Final at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There are numerous cash and development prizes available to groups at all levels throughout the competition, and all groups receive feedback from the judging panel.
2025 KEY DATES
- Coaching Program Applications Open: 24 February 2025
- Coaching Program Applications Close: 21 March 2025
- Entries Open: 1 May 2025
- Entries Close: 29 May 2025
- Finalists/First Round and Novice Section Winners Announced: 20 June 2025
- Grand Final: 30 August 2025, Melbourne Recital Centre
Entries open in May 2025. Sign up to our e-news to stay up to date.
"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 Grade 12), including home schoolers
- Groups with 3-8 members, any instrument and/or voice combination
- One player/singer per part, no conductor, and no adult accompanists
- Repertoire broadly classical in style (no pop, rock, jazz, or musical theatre)
STRIKE A CHORD NOVICE SECTION
Strike A Chord encourages participation by musicians of all levels. The Novice Section is for groups in which all members are AMEB Grade 4 level (or equivalent) or below. More information about the Novice Section will be made available when entries open.
COACHING PROGRAM – 24 April to 16 May 2025
Groups intending to enter Strike A Chord (including the Novice Section) 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.
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.
Novice Section
Strike A Chord encourages participation by musicians of all levels. The Novice 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.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
Rules and Regulations
Read the rules before you apply.
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
