The Victorian Schools Instrumental Championships (VSIC) is a premier state championship event, celebrating the talents of piano, strings, drums and guitar students from foundation to VCE. Selected students will have an opportunity to compete on their respective instrument, in their respective age category, for the 2024 state title held at Collarts University in October.

Entry into the VSIC requires qualification. Students can qualify for VSIC selection by a students' school or teacher, placing 1st 2nd or 3rd in a Victorian eisteddfod (between 2021-2024), or by submitting an audition directly to the VSIC panel via the website (www.vsic.com.au) or email (admin@vsic.com.au).

The VSIC will run across 2 weekends in October 2024 (October 12th-20th), with all age categories for an instrument taking place on a single day. The schedule for the event is as follows: Saturday October 12th - Piano Sunday October 13th - Strings Saturday October 19th - Drums Sunday October 20th - Guitar For a detailed timeline of each event day, click the 'schedule' tab on the VSIC website.

A limited number of event invitations are accessible to teachers and schools throughout Victoria. Teachers and schools are able to provide an invitation to select students based on their talent and dedication. Out of the 20 spaces available in each age category, invitations are distributed as follows: 1-10 - First round selections (the top 10 teacher and school selected students in the state) 11-15 - Second round selections (a chance for teachers and schools to select students who didn't get a first round invite) 16-20 - Auditions (students who submit an audition online or via email), selected by the VSIC panel. Students who receive an invitation do not need to audition and can complete their registration online.

Prizes and trophies will be awarded to placing students in each age category.

A limited number of event invitations are accessible to teachers and schools throughout Victoria. Teachers and schools are able to provide an invitation to select students whom they believe to meet the event criteria. Students who are unable to obtain a selection invitation are able to submit a audition directly to the VSIC panel by following the 'audition' link on this website, or emailing their audition video to admin@vsic.com.au .

Teachers, schools and the VSIC panel will select students for the event based on the following criteria: 1. Technical skill. (Proficiency in playing the instrument, including accuracy, control and technique). 2. Musicality. (Expression, phrasing and emotional connection to the music). 3. Interpretation. (Creativity and individuality in interpreting the piece). 4. Stage presence. (Confidence, posture and flow of the performance). 5. Tone and articulation. (Quality and consistency of the notes and passages).

Yes! Students can be selected or audition for any or all instrument categories.

Only the top 20 students in each of the 5 age categories will receive an invite to the VSIC.

The VSIC strive to distribute invitations evenly across Victoria to keep the competition fair and competitive. Schools or teachers who have students they would like to select for the competition, but have not received invitations, can reach our via email (admin@vsic.com.au) or encourage students to submit an audition via email or the VSIC website (www.vsic.com.au) .

The VSIC will take place in Melbourne at Collarts University (Wellington Street Campus), located at 208 Wellington Street, Collingwood, Victoria.

All age categories will run in order from youngest to eldest (primary school students in the morning, secondary school students in the afternoon). A confirmed schedule will be emailed to participants 2 weeks in advance.

Any piece within the 4 minute time limit can be performed at the VSIC. For specific information regarding what to perform, refer to your invitation or contact admin@vsic.com.au .

Limited tickets for each event will be available to the public on the day. Pre-sale audience tickets can be purchased by participants when they complete their online registration.

Programs for each event will be available on the day.

Students who receive an invitation to the event can complete their entry by registering online at www.vsic.com.au/registration .

Auditioning for the VSIC is free and open to all students attending school in Victoria. Students who receive an invitation (from their school or teacher) or selection (from audition) will be given the opportunity to enter the VSIC state final. Entry into the VSIC state final event is limited to the top 20 students in each age category and costs $85.00.

Any student attending school in Victoria (prep to year 12) can audition for the event.

Auditions must be submitted via the audition upload link on the VSIC website, or via email to admin@vsic.com.au no later than August 31st, 2024.

Auditioning for the VSIC is easy! Simply record your performance (on phone or tablet is best) and upload it to the VSIC website (www.vsic.com.au) or email it to admin@vsic.com.au . 4 minute time limit - any piece or repertoire is permitted! Showcase as much as you can in the allocated time!

Yes! Accompaniment / backing tracks are permitted in your audition video if the auditioning performer's part can still be heard.

No. You do not need to audition with the same piece that you intend to perform at the competition. You are however welcome to perform the same piece if preferred.

Yes! Past performance videos are welcomed.

There is no limit to how old an audition video can be, as long as the auditioning student is still currently enrolled at a Victorian school.

No. Submitting an audition to the VSIC is free.

All questions can be directed to admin@vsic.com.au .