September 18 -‘Hearts in Harmony’ – a ‘fun’tastic community music day for all ages at ACU in Fitzroy, presented by the School of Education, Australian Catholic University (ACU) on Sunday Sept 18 2011. This day is open to all ages, backgrounds and abilities – no musical experience is required. For more info and to book in for the early bird price contact janie@welcometomusic.net and ask for a flier.

ECCPA -21-22 August. 15th Early Childhood Conference of Performing Arts (ECCPA) in Melbourne

At Genazzano FCJ College, Cotham Rd, Kew, Melbourne with special guest presenter Tanya Batt (NZ). The theme is Once Upon A Story ….. A Musical Journey.

In 2011 Tanya Batt (drama specialist) is the Key Presenter. We will also be workshopping our new resource 'AlphabetZ' which should be a lot of fun. In addition there are over 30 other experts presenting a wide range of ‘hands on’ workshops throughout the weekend. This conference is for pre-school teachers, primary school teachers, caregivers, family day care workers, therapists, parents and anyone interested in working creatively with young children (0-8yrs). More information at www.vosa.org

August 4 -Practical Teacher Music workshop, Bingara NSW.

Phil will be presenting a full day workshop for Preschool and Primary teachers 'Music made easy, Music made fun!' Click here for more info.

June - Welcome to Music PLAYshops with Susie and Phil- in Brisbane Monday June 6 and Sydney Friday June 10 -presented by IJAM Music. Final registrations due by May 16 so register now to ensure your place.

Click for Brisbane or Sydney registration and info

Susie and Phil are presenting a MusiKeynote and 2 PLAYshops at the Gladstone Teacher's conference in Queensland on Sat June 4

They are also doing a choral/AIS day at Meriden Girl's school in Sydney June 7 followed by 2 days at the Central coast choral festival.

For more information on these events please contact us

May -‘Hearts in Harmony’ – a ‘fun’tastic community music day for all ages on Sunday May 1st at ACU in Fitzroy,Melbourne, presented by the School of Education, Australian Catholic University (ACU)

This day is open to all ages, backgrounds and abilities – no musical experience is required. Join Jon Madin, Geelong’s local teacher/composer/instrument inventor and play some of his wonderful and wacky instruments such as marimbas, echo cellos, shaker rings and musical bikes.

Fabulous drum circle facilitator Steve Durbin will involve all ages in drumming and percussion; Emma Hart from Mini Maestros will present a music session for littlies; Audrey Fine will share some of her wonderful folk dance repertoire with us and Susie and Phil (Susie Davies-Splitter & Phil Splitter) will have you singing your heart out with songs from all corners of the world.

With performances at lunchtime with Indigenous and hip hop acts from Cultural Infusion, Mini Maestros childrens choir, Ashwood special school choir, ‘Hearts in Harmony’ community choir this event should not be missed. Children under 12 are free, full time secondary and tertiary students and concession holders are just $5 and for the rest of us it’s only $20 early bird rate for the full day! For more info and to book in for the early bird price contact janie@welcometomusic.net for a flier

May - LMD - Living Music and Dance on 27th and 28th May 2011 in Melbourne

At Darebin Arts Centre, Preston, Melbourne with special guest presenter Lenka Pospisilova (Czech Republic)

More information at www.vosa.org

Jan - Orff Level 1 course in Melbourne

For those of you looking to take your teaching to the next level (pardon the pun) and/or looking for something worthwhile to do over the summer holidays, we are pleased to announce a Level 1 Orff Schulwerk Course in Melbourne from 17-22 January 2011.

This 36 hour intensive course will take place at ACU (Australian Catholic University, Melbourne), Victoria Parade, Fitzroy with presenters Susie Davies-Splitter and Sarah Brooke.

This course is accredited through ANCOS (Australian National Council of Orff Schulwerk) and successful completion of this course will enable participants to gain credit at ACU towards a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies* with the possibility of continuing into the Masters of Education course *Approval pending. No musical experience or knowledge is necessary, however it is expected that participants will familiarise themselves with some basic music theory and concepts prior to the course.

This course is for Early childhood and Primary and Secondary pre-service and practicing teachers, music and performing arts specialists and anyone who loves music or uses music in their workplace with children or adults. The course focus is on ‘learning by doing’, helping teachers share their music through practical music making and by creating enjoyable experiences for their students.

Feb - Back To School Professional Development Day in Melbourne

Presenters have now been confirmed. Again in 2011 this workshop is being presented jointly by VOSA and KMEIA on Saturday 26 February at Kilvington Girls’ Grammar School in Ormond, from 9am to 1pm. Susie Davies-Splitter, Julia Piggin and Mark O’Leary are presenting. This workshop is also suitable for teachers who are new to the music classroom. Mark the date in your new diary now! Early bird registrations are to be booked and paid for by 11 February.

Click here to download the brochure.

You can also register using this link http://tinyurl.com/2cotetr

April - Orff level courses in Melbourne.

Australian Orff Level courses accredited through ANCOS (Australian National Council of Orff Schulwerk)

Subjects include Movement and Dance, Orchestration and Analysis, Technique and Improvisation, Recorder, Vocal Studies and Pedagogy.

Each course is 36 hours. There are 4 levels in total - below are a list of level 1 and 2 courses being offered early in 2011

LEVEL 1 COURSE 17th to 22nd Jan at Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy Melbourne with presenters Sarah Brooke and susie Davies-Splitter

LEVEL 1 & 2 COURSES 11th to 16th April at Burwood Uniting Church in Glen Iris, Melbourne with presenters Melissa Dods, Christoph Maubach, Susie Davies-Splitter & Carolyn Royal

More information at www.vosa.org or click here for the flyer and registration form