The Maryborough Music Conference is making way for an exciting new event. The Queensland Music Education Conference will be held in Brisbane in July 2025. Check back soon for further information.
2023 conductors
Kate Albury
Performance Choir
Andrew Boysen Jr
Performance Wind Symphony
Sponsored by Kjos
Soon Hee Newbold
Performance String Orchestra
Dean Sorenson
Performance Big Band
Sponsored by Kjos
Paul Holley
Pedagogy Choir
Rachel Howley
Pedagogy Choir
Mark Sullivan
Pedagogy String Orchestra
Greg Spence
Pedagogy Big Band
Sponsored by Yamaha
2023 conference information
Performance and pedagogy ensembles
One of the key components of the MMC program is a suite of
performance ensembles. These provide professionally challenging opportunities for delegates to rehearse with a renowned conductor, play high-level repertoire and perform at the closing concert. Delegates who nominate for performance groups will be selected by the Conference Committee in conjunction with the conductor in creating a balanced ensemble.
Members of performance ensembles will receive music prior to conference and be expected to have sufficiently prepared prior to rehearsal.
For MMC 2023, we are adding in a selection of
pedagogy ensembles, the purpose of which will be for participants to enjoy professional development in conducting and ensemble pedagogy, refine skills on an alternate instrument, and provide additional opportunities for delegates to be involved in the ensembles experience. These ensembles will not be performing at the closing concert but may instead be offered opportunities to perform during a session or be observed by other delegates during a rehearsal.
Each of the ensembles has multiple rehearsal sessions across the conference program.
It is anticipated that some rehearsal sessions will run simultaneously, though it is possible for delegates to nominate for more than one ensemble.
We encourage all delegates to bring instrument/s and get involved in an ensemble throughout the conference.
Access to one on one sessions with conductors
For the first time, Maryborough Music Conference 2023 will offer delegates the option to book a free 20 minute session with selected conductors and presenters at the conference. Spaces will be limited and will be available on a first in basis.
Evening functions program
In addition to the free Trade Launch and Gala Concert, 2023 conference tickets will include the opportunity for delegates to attend one of three different evening functions. Should places be available once registration closes, delegates will be given the opportunity to purchase extra tickets additional functions.
Monday 3 July 2023 - Trade Launch (included in ticket price for all delegates)
All delegates receive a complimentary ticket to the trade delegate launch on the evening of Monday, 3 July 2023. The launch will be held in the Trade Pavilion and is a wonderful opportunity for delegates to browse the trade displays, meet exhibitors and network. Finger food will be served and patrons will be able to access a cash bar during the trade launch.
Music under the stars
Following the trade launch, enjoy a relaxed evening with live music performed on the river-stage (weather permitting) to begin your experience at MMC2023. The evening includes a good hamper and there will be access to a cash bar. It's everything you need for a great night under the stars.
Tuesday 4 July 2023 - Conference Gala Dinner
Come together with presenters, traders and delegates for our formal dinner function. Set this year in the beautiful Brolga Theatre Foyer, you will enjoy a two-course meal with live music, dance floor and access to a cash bar. This is the night to celebrate our wonderful Maryborough Music Conference!
Wednesday 5 July 2023 - The big sing
Tonight is the night to let your hair down and enjoy a good sing! Kate Albury will be taking the stage, along with a live band, bringing together instrumentalists, singers and members of the public together in song. The evening includes your pub food favourites on the menu and access to a cash bar.
Thursday 6 July 2023 - gala concert (Included in ticket price for all delegates)
The MMC2023 Gala Concert will feature performances from all performance strand ensembles – Wind Symphony, Choir, String Orchestra and Big Band. It is a night not to be missed! Free entry is included for all delegates and trade patrons, with additional tickets available for purchase through the Brolga Theatre.
About us
The inaugural Maryborough Music Conference was held in 2001, becoming a biennial event in 2003. The first conference was designed to cater for beginning instrumental music teachers within the local education district, to network with colleagues and undertake professional development. In subsequent years, the Maryborough Music Conference continued to evolve, filling a gap in professional development for music educators and in providing unprecedented access to top national and international music educators, composers, conductors and industry professionals to become the largest music education event in Australia.
The conference covers all aspects of music education, including instrumental and choral conducting, local Curricula, pedagogy, inclusion, indigenous perspectives, technology and includes a trade exhibition that showcases the latest in products and services. The conference regularly brings together over 500 music education delegates, trade delegates and nationally and internationally renowned presenters, providing an unparalleled opportunity for networking of music educators, musicians and the music industry within Australia.
Conference delegates have access to:
- a selection of performance ensembles, with nationally and internationally recognised conductors, including Symphonic Winds, String Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra, Choir or Big Band. Delegates who nominate to be involved in these ensembles perform at the Gala Concert—a highlight of the conference
- over 100 sessions with multiple topic choices
- a trade exhibition showcasing the latest in products and services
- the Maryborough Music Conference App, allowing interactive communication throughout the conference and easy access to conference materials, resources, information and prizes.
Who can attend
The Maryborough Music Conference is ideal for:
- classroom music educators (primary and secondary)
- instrumental Music teachers and instructors (state and private)
- music administrators
- community ensemble directors and conductors
- school ensemble conductors and choral directors
- university students with an interest in music education.