Welcome to Wollongong Conservatorium
Positive Change Through Music

Apply Now

Classical Programs + Pathways

WollCon has a long history of teaching classical music to young musicians with the introduction of the Suzuki method in 1974, which saw a large injection of enrolments including the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Artistic Director Richard Tognetti.

The outstanding string orchestra program of the 1980s led to the formation of WollCon’s BlueScope Youth Orchestra and remains the driving force for developing our local young orchestral talent.

Now strengthened with the newly introduced Junior Strings program (since 2021), young string players can gain ensemble experience from an early age.

Adult players can also learn and play a range of classical repertoire with others in either the Five Islands String Orchestra (adult string musicians) or the WollCon Symphony Orchestra (mixed ages).

Individual Music Lessons

We provide access to the finest musical instrument lessons in the Illawarra. Students interested in exploring tenets of Classical Music, from beginner to experienced, have the opportunity to be taught one-on-one by expert musicians and teachers on a vast array of instruments.

Learn an instrument in Wollongong
Individual Music Lessons
Visit Individual Music Lessons
BlueScope Youth Orchestra (BSYO)

The BlueScope Youth Orchestra has been one of the flagship performing ensembles of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music for over 35 years, providing performance opportunities and orchestral training to the youth of the Illawarra region and surrounding areas. It currently has players aged 14 to 21 years of age. The Orchestra performs regularly within Wollongong and surrounding areas, often bringing together other musical groups and societies to share concerts. Annual tours are also part of the program, visiting regional areas within NSW and Australia. Every third year there is the opportunity for the orchestra to tour internationally.

Entry is by audition,and students are required to be at least 6th Grade AMEB.

Learn an instrument in Wollongong
BlueScope Youth Orchestra
Visit Orchestras
Five Islands String Orchestra (FISO)

FISO is for violin, viola, cello, and bass players aged 18 and over who are looking to strengthen their ensemble skills while connecting with other developing adult string players in the community. This is a comprehensive class where participants will work towards a greater understanding of orchestral string playing. There is a focus on classical styles, however participants can expect to play a wide range of styles throughout their time in the group. Participants are required to have at least one year of experience on their instruments and be able to play a one octave D major, G major, and C major scale. This is an ideal opportunity for adult string players to gain invaluable ensemble experience while building connections in our local music community.

Learn an instrument in Wollongong
Five Islands String Orchestra
Visit Orchestras
WollCon Symphony Orchestra

Our Symphony Orchestra (previously known as the WollCon Community Orchestra) is an inclusive all-ages (from 12 yrs) community orchestra. The orchestra exists for the benefit of musicians in and around the Illawarra Region and South Coast, following a long tradition of community-based orchestras in the region. Members have played in the original Illawarra Symphony Orchestra, The South Coast Orchestra, The Wollongong Symphony, Wollongong Community Orchestra and Steel City Strings. No audition is required. Players from intermediate to advanced are invited to participate (there may be limited places for woodwind, brass, percussion). The Symphony Orchestra rehearses during term and plays at least four concerts per year.

Learn an instrument in Wollongong
WollCon Community Orchestra
Visit Orchestras

submit an application

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.