Simply for Strings is excited to invite string educators and musicians to the official launch of Scales for the Progressing Musician by renowned composer and educator, Stephen Chin. This highly anticipated resource is thoughtfully crafted to inspire, guide, and support violinists and violists in their musical journeys, offering them the tools to refine their technique, deepen their understanding of scales, and unlock their full potential as musicians.

Join us for an interactive, hands-on workshop led by Stephen Chin, where he will guide you through his new resource, demonstrating how to effectively use it to enhance your practice and develop confidence, technique and musical expression.

Event Details

📅 Date: Friday, 28th of February.

⏰ Time: Arrive from 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start.

📍 Location: Simply for Strings (78 Enoggera Tce, Red Hill QLD 4059).

🎫 Ticket Cost: $30 (redeemable on the purchase of Scales for the Progressing Musician on the evening).

🎻 What to Bring: Your Violin or Viola (sorry cellists and double bassists, you'll need to purchase an observer ticket).

📚 Books: Available to purchase on the evening.

🏆 PD Certificate: Available upon request.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best—secure your spot today!

A note from Stephen:

“I have always loved scales and enjoy looking for them in all kinds of music. As you play and refine them, scales can also allow you to concentrate on how various parts of your body work with your instrument. It is well known that scales form the foundation of most Western music and the patterns that emerge from the careful study of them are often helpful when understanding new studies or pieces. Using scales with variety of bowing styles, rhythms, speeds and dynamics is also a great way to develop reliability and confidence with your instrument. Once this is attained, greater opportunities for expression and musical insight are possible. It is important to remember that whilst building your repertoire of scales, it is also good to focus on the ones that are evident in your current musical works. In addition to this, a solid grounding in music theory and music history is likely to make your journey in music even more engaging and enjoyable.”

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Stephen Chin

Master of Music (Queensland Conservatorium of Music Griffith University)
Bachelor of Music (Sydney University)
Diploma in Musical Composition (Sydney University)

Stephen's undergraduate training in both violin and composition were completed at Sydney
University under John Harding and renowned Australian composer, Peter Sculthorpe respectively.
He also holds a Master of Music degree specialising in performance and pedagogy from
Queensland Conservatorium of Music Griffith University , where he has also lectured. Stephen
been invited to perform with such groups as The ABC Sinfonia, The Badinerie Players, The
Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra, The Queensland Symphony Orchestra, The Queensland Pops
Orchestra and Corda Spiritus. He is also an active member of a number of chamber ensembles.

Stephen publishes a number of string works which have been used as competition pieces and for
Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) examinations. He has been invited numerous times
to adjudicate various eisteddfods and in demand as a string and orchestral clinician. Stephen is also
an examiner for the AMEB.

In 2022, Stephen was awarded the National Award by the Australian Strings Association
(AUSTA) in recognition for an outstanding contribution to the string community throughout
Australia. This award is given only once every three years.

Stephen is a Past National President of The Australian Strings Association (AUSTA) and presently
organises international professional development tours for teachers for AUSTA.

He is currently Principal String Teacher and Director of Orchestras at Brisbane Grammar School.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Simply for Strings respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners of the land we hold this event on, the Turrbal and Jagera people. We pay respects to elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the important ongoing contributions our first nations communities make to our music and arts scenes.

ACCESSIBILITY

There is one small step up to the main entrance, with a ramp available. Restroom facilities are not equipped to be specifically accessible and are accessed through regular-width doors, but are accessed via same floor level as event space. There is a clear, well-lit pathway from entrance to event space. For access needs, we have an access assistant available upon request, and reserved seating for audiences with different access needs. Please contact the event organisers if you have any accessibility questions at all.