2025

We are excited to announce that

VSIC will return in October 2025,

with auditions opening in April!

Follow our socials for updates!

OTHER EVENTS

For a list of other great upcoming events

(including some VSIC 2025 qualifiers),

check out the link below:

OUR 2024 JUDGES

STRINGS

Suzannah is a celebrated professional violinist who began her musical journey at age 4. Now a sought-after performer and teacher, she blends classical training with a passion for electric violin. Suzannah's impressive resume includes performances at the Women's FIFA World Cup and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, sharing the stage with Kygo, Delta Goodrem and Katy Perry.

Suzannah Calvert

DRUMS

Campbell is a distinguished drummer who has significantly influenced Australian drumline culture. He has performed with the Top Secret Drum Corps and collaborated with major artists including What So Not and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Campbell is the founder of D²Drumline and an international artist for the leading brands; Pearl, Zildjian, Evans, Promark and Zoom audio.

Campbell Phillips

PIANO

Nathan is an accomplished pianist with experience in all facets of performance and education. Having studied under Dr Mark McGee at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, he has since directed a variety of highly regarded music programs in school, instrumental, choral and musical theatre settings. Nathan is an advocate for access to music education and has held committee roles in music education organisations including ANCA, aMuse and ACCET, and the current MD for the West Gippsland Chorale

Nathan Byrne

GUITAR

Fiona is a multi-award-winning guitarist and founder of Firebird School of Music. With over 20 years of experience, she is known for her versatile

guitar style, blending melodic fingerpicking with

rhythmic blues. Fiona performs as a solo folk rock artist and has worked with renowned musicians including Hayley Mary and Ali Barter.

Fiona Steele

Collarts, Wellington Street campus foyer

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The Australian College of the Arts (Collarts) have partnered with the Victorian Schools Instrumental Championships - the university's cutting-edge Wellington St Campus hosting all events!

What are the Victorian Schools Instrumental Championships?

The Victorian Schools Instrumental Championships (VSIC) is an annual state championship event, celebrating the talents of piano, strings, drums and guitar students from foundation to VCE. Selected students compete on their respective instrument, in their respective age category, for the annual state title held at Collarts University in October.
Who can enter this event?

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 2022-2025), or by submitting an audition directly to the VSIC panel via the website (www.vsic.com.au) or email (admin@vsic.com.au).
When will this event take place?

The next VSIC finals will run across 2 weekends in October 2025 (October 11th-19th), with all age categories for an instrument taking place on a single day. The schedule for the event is as follows: Saturday October 11th - Piano Sunday October 12th - Strings Saturday October 18th - Drums Sunday October 19th - Guitar For a detailed timeline of each event day, click the 'schedule' tab on the VSIC website.
How do students get selected?

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 - Selections/nominations (the top 10 teacher and school selected students in the state) 11-20 - 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.
Are there prizes?

Prizes and trophies are awarded to placing students in each age category.
How are participants selected?

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 .
What is the selection criteria?

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).
Can students be selected for the VSIC on more than 1 instrument?

Yes! Students can be selected or audition for any or all instrument categories.
How many students will be selected?

Only the top 20 students in each of the 5 age categories will receive an invite to the VSIC final.
How do teachers and schools obtain invitations?

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) .
Where will the VSIC take place?

All VSIC finals take place in Melbourne at Collarts University (Wellington Street Campus), located at 208 Wellington Street, Collingwood, Victoria.
What time will my event be?

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.
What can I perform?

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 .
Who can attend?

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.
Will their be a program?

Programs for each event will be available on the day.
I've received an invitation - what now?

Students who receive an invitation to the event can complete their entry by registering online at www.vsic.com.au/registration .
How much does it cost to enter?

Auditioning for 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.
Who can auditon?

Any student attending school in Victoria (prep to year 12) can audition for the event.
What is the deadline for audition submissions?

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, 2025.
How can I audition?

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!
Can I use accompaniment / backing track in my audition video?

Yes! Accompaniment / backing tracks are permitted in your audition video if the auditioning performer's part can still be heard.
Do I have to audition with the same piece I will play at the competition?

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.
Can I submit a past performance as my audition?

Yes! Past performance videos are welcomed.
How old can my audition video be?

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.
Is there a cost to audition?

No. Submitting an audition to the VSIC is free.
How can I ask a question about the event?

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