2026 Teacher Professional Development Day

Join us for a fun day of reconnecting with friends, acquiring new skills, and reigniting the passion to inspire young musicians.

This year, we're celebrating 35 years and our 18th annual open day!

To mark this special occasion, we’re delighted to welcome two outstanding guest presenters: Jane Hazelwood, who will deliver practical strategies on transitioning from violin to viola, and Stephen Chin, who will share his insights on technique, repertoire, musicianship and creativity across a range of musical settings.

We'll also have a dedicated session just for cellists on how to tackle wolf notes, led by our very own General Manager and cellist, Douglas Glanville.

In addition to these presentations, there will be 20% OFF sheet music, goodie bags, lucky door prizes and your chance to WIN:

🎻 A set of Larsen Strings (violin, viola, cello)
🎻 Cecilia Rosin (violin, viola, cello)
🎻 A set of Musically Gifted Practice Charts
🎻 Kun Bravo Viola Shoulder Rest
🎻 FOM Cello Wolftone Eliminator
🎻 GEWA Pure Violin Case

Bookings are essential as spots are limited. Please RSVP by Thursday 26 February. DOORS OPEN AT 10:15AM. PLEASE ARRIVE BY 10:30AM and enjoy morning tea and coffee.

SSC turns 35! - 10:45am

Celebrating 35 wonderful years of serving the string community and David's retirement: 
Doug takes a look back at where it all began, sharing fond memories, key milestones, and a glimpse of what’s to come.
If you have any stories or memories of David, Carmel or the business that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear them. Please email them to douglas@violins.com.au.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT - 11:00-11:15am

Session 1A - 11:15am - Exploring the Viola: Transitioning. Teaching and Repertoire

With Jane Hazelwood - Violin/Viola Pedagogue & Performer. Current AMEB (NSW) Chief Officer (Strings)

This workshop is designed for violin teachers looking to understand the unique characteristics of the viola and how to effectively guide their students in making the transition.

Drawing on her extensive experience as both a violinist and violist, Jane Hazelwood brings practical insight into the unique role of the viola. This session will explore the instrument’s characteristics, its place within ensemble and chamber settings, and effective approaches to guiding students through the transition from violin to viola, with a strong focus on technique, teaching strategies and repertoire selection. Click here to learn more about Jane. Click here to learn more about Jane.

Session 1B - 11:15am - The Big Bad Wolf: Understanding and Eliminating Wolf Notes on the Cello

With Douglas Glanville - General Manager and Cellist at The Sydney String Centre.

This session explores what wolf notes are and why they occur, before focusing on the different types of wolf note eliminators, how they work, and practical strategies for installing and adjusting them to achieve the most effective results. Click here to learn more about Doug.

LUNCH - 12:15pm-1:15pm - Enjoy an array of delicious sandwiches and salads, and pop next door to Adlib Music at 328 High St. for 20% OFF sheet music. There are still some great deals to be had in their ensemble clearance room, with 50% off RRP!

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT - 1:15pm-1:30pm

Session 2 - 1:30pm - My Life as a String Educator: Reflections on teaching technique, repertoire, musicianship and creativity in a variety of settings.

With Stephen Chin - Violinist, educator & composer. AMEB examiner and award-winning string pedagogue.

The interface between private teaching, group instruction, conducting ensembles and composition has personally been a continuing yet joyous challenge. In this presentation, I would love to share with you my thoughts on technique, repertoire, musicianship and creativity in a range of settings. There will be ample time to pose questions and, importantly, communicate your own experience. Click here to learn more about Stephen.