2026 VDB Baroque Academy

VDB's 2026 Baroque Academy provides the perfect opportunity for both experienced and developing musicians of period instruments to work on 17th and 18th Century music in an academy-style education setting.

In classic VDB style, the Academy will combine excellence in historically informed performance (HIP) with a fun, casual and supportive environment, designed to build confidence as well as develop advanced HIP knowledge and experience.

The Academy activities include opportunities for ensemble playing, technical studies, masterclasses, and HIP lectures and demonstrations. The sessions and masterclasses will be suitable for players ranging from advanced students through to professional performers seeking specialist instruction.

Tutors

Julia Fredersdorff - Artistic Director and Baroque violin 

Karina Schmitz - Baroque viola/violin

Laura Vaughan - viola da gamba / continuo

Simon Martyn-Ellis - lute / theorbo / basso continuo

Simon Rickard - Baroque bassoon / historical dance / continuo

Donald Nicolson - harpsichord / continuo

Dates

Friday 6 March | Welcome event & concert

Saturday 7 - Monday 9 March | Academy

Participant eligibility

There is a minimum expectation that all workshop players are competent on their instruments and can confidently play one-to-a-part, at tempo, in a chamber group setting.

The pitch for the Academy is A=415 although other pitches may be accommodated for the open lessons or masterclasses.

The Artistic Director will confirm participant enrolments and may contact you to discuss your enrolment in advance of the workshop as required.

Instruments and equipment

Period instruments are required for all combined group work and performances. As a minimum, gut string set up is required for all stringed instruments. Music stands and spare strings/reeds are the responsibility of each player. Keyboard players will have access to a harpsichord and chamber organ.

Music

Sheet music or PDF’s will be provided by the Artistic Director for combined chamber group sessions, or if you would like to bring your own music, please do so by consultation with the Academy organisers. Academy participants should bring copies of their scores for all open lessons and masterclasses.

Accommodation

Accommodation is the responsibility of Academy participants, some limited billeting may be available on request.

Private lessons

Private lessons can be available on request for all aspects of historically informed performance and advanced repertoire with the tutors. If you would like to schedule a private lesson, please indicate at the time of application.

To view full schedule and for more information

Visit https://www.vandiemensband.com.au/learn/academies/2026-baroque-academy/