Category Archives: NEWS

Congratulations Daniel Mo (cello) on winning The Armidale School Creative Arts Music Scholarship!

Congratulations Raymond Wang 11 yrs, on winning the AUSTA Concerto Competition Grade 4 – 6 division playing Komarovsky’s I. Allegro giocoso!
From the adjudicator Naira Yusufova’s report: ‘A very expressive performance today! You have captured the character of this great piece very well! Great sound production, beautiful vibrato, dynamic contrast, great posture, and left-hand technique! Continue your musical journey together with your teacher!

Warmest congratulations to Andrew Clark on a Cello AMusA AWARD WITH DISTINCTION
From the  report: ‘The award of this Diploma with Distinction is well-deserved.’ Fabulous result Andrew, and thank you Donna for your tireless support behind the scenes.

Warmest congratulations to Andrew Clark (cello) and Jennifer Sung (violin) on first round offers to the  Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp 2025! Successful applicants in the highly competitive auditions for the AYO National Music Camp, will be inspired by tutors, artists and conductors of international standing, and experience music-making at an elite national level as part of a superb symphony or chamber orchestra. Heart Strings Academy alumna Chiyo Brown was also offered a place at this year’s AYO National Music Camp. Bravo Andrew, Jennifer and Chiyo!

Michi and Oscar, the two Heart Strings Academy students who sat HSC Music 2 and Extension this year, have both received an HSC Music Encore nomination. Warmest congratulations to you both!

Congratulations Arlie and Jay on your outstanding AMEB exam results!
Arlie Bragg Cello Grade 7 A+
Jay Gates Cello Grade 8 A+
Both students began, and have continued their cello-learning journey all the way through with Heart Strings Academy. It is an honour and delight to watch them grow in skills and confidence. Bravo Arlie and Jay, and thank you parents for your wonderful support!

Tamworth Conservatorium of Music Shield for the Most Promising Instrumentalist – Andrew Clark, cello
1^st place, Open Mixed Instrumental Championship – Open Age
1^st place, Senior Mixed Instrumental Championship – 16 years and under
1^st place, Orchestral String Solo – Open Age
1^st place Orchestral String Solo  – 15 years and under
1^st place, Baroque Orchestral String Solo – Open Age/ Diploma Standard
1^st place, Romantic Orchestral String Solo – Open Age/ Diploma Standard
1^st place, Romantic Orchestral String Solo – Grade 7 & 8
1^st place, 20^th and 21^st Century Orchestral String Solo (Open Age/ Diploma)
1^st place, Orchestral String Duet, Trio or Quartet  – 18 years and under

Violin/ Viola – Junior Years K – 6   Raymond Wang
Violin/ Viola – Senior Years 7 – 12 Michi Takayama
Cello/ Double Bass Years K – 6 Phila Wang
Cello/ Double Bass Years 7 – 12 Arlie Bragg

FIRST PLACE awarded to Heart Strings Academy students in TWENTY-ONE OUT OF THE TOTAL TWENTY-FIVE competitive events entered:

1st place, NE String Championship AMEB Grade 4 or Equivalent
1st place, NE String Championship AMEB Grade 7-8 or Equivalent
1st place, NE String Championship Open, Perpetual Shield in Memory of Errol Russell
1st place,  Music Groups – Chamber Ensemble Years 9 – 12, Professor John Burton Memorial Shield

1st place,  Violin or Viola Solo, Open
1st place, Violin or Viola Solo, AMEB Grades 7-8 or Equivalent
1st place, Violin or Viola Solo, AMEB Grades 5-6 or Equivalent
1st place, Violin or Viola Solo, AMEB Grades 3-4 or Equivalent

1st place,  Cello or Double Bass Solo, AMEB Grades 7-8 or Equivalent
1st place,  Cello or Double Bass Solo, AMEB Grades 5-6 or Equivalent
1st place,  Cello or Double Bass Solo, AMEB Grades 3-4 or Equivalent
1st place, Cello or Double Bass Solo, AMEB Grade 2 & Under or Equivalent

1st place,  String Solo, Baroque or Classical AMEB Grades 7-8 or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, Baroque or Classical AMEB Grades 5-6 & Under or Equivalent
1st place, String Solo, Baroque or Classical AMEB Grade 2 & Under or Equivalent

1st place,  String Solo, Romantic Open
1st place,  String Solo, Romantic AMEB Grades 3-4 & or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, Romantic AMEB Grades 7–8 or Equivalent

1st place,  String Solo, 20^th/ 21^st Century AMEB Grades 7-8 or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, 20^th/ 21^st Century AMEB Grades 3-4 or Equivalent

1st place, Duet on any Stringed Instruments Years K-6

Congratulations ALL Heart Strings Academy student entrants. I’m so proud of the consistency of quality and maturity shown across all performances from our studio!