AFCM Pathways International Masterclasses
AFCM PATHWAYS INTERNATIONAL MASTERCLASSES 2026
Held in Cairns-Gimuy in North Queensland from 18 July - 30 July, before and during the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, the AFCM Pathways International Masterclasses program is an immersive experience for emerging chamber musicians, offering direct mentorship from world-class artists, chamber music training, and professional development opportunities through lessons, masterclasses, and performances, while also providing industry insights from leading musicians and arts professionals.
The AFCM Pathways Program, including the AFCM Pathways International Masterclasses, is supported by the Ian Potter Foundation.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
Orpheus Quintet, the 2026 AFCM Fellowship Ensemble
Work With Internationally Acclaimed Artists
CAMPBELL EGAN, tuba (Sydney)
Working with Stefan Dohr – that was absolutely amazing. That was life-changing stuff, hearing his perspective on it compared to what we’ve been told in the past. There’s a lot of nuance that comes not only with brass playing, but with brass chamber playing that we really learned a lot about.
In 2025 the Pathways International Masterclasses students learned from 28 AFCM Faculty Members including Jack Liebeck, Stefan Dohr, Ana-Maria Vera, Michael Collins, Emily Sun, Dale Barltrop and more. Chamber coaching sessions (hosted in both private rehearsal spaces and in front of live AFCM audiences) are the backbone of the program, but 1:1 instrumental lessons and group instrumental coaching have been popular new additions.
Learn Valuable Career Skills
LUCY MACOURT, violin (Adelaide)
The one thing that I really picked up was the amount of business skills that we need to develop as musicians that we don’t necessarily think of. Learning how to network was confronting for a lot of people too, and so having those opportunities in a safe space to explore those skills was amazing.
The Pathways Professional Development Seminars draw on the industry experts who gather in Cairns-Gimuy for the Festival to share their expertise to help ensembles taking their first professional steps into the chamber music world. Participants reflect on their own values and goals to create a clear creative vision that drives their group towards future success.
Performance Opportunities on the World Stage
WEICHAO ZHU, violin (New York)
This is the best opportunity for you to meet with the most famous and prestigious artists in classical music, so I think you can learn a lot more than you might expect. I think this is a great opportunity for learning and expanding your career in another part of the world.
From hospital charity concerts to features in mainstage events, or even just in front of other ensembles as participants learn how to give feedback to each other, the Pathways International Masterclasses provides opportunities for perform for chamber music fans who have travelled from all over Australia. The 2026 Pathways International Masterclasses Showcase in CPAC Studio on July 30th will be a two-hour concert featuring all the Masterclasses ensembles, with the most promising group invited back in 2027 as the AFCM Fellowship Ensemble to become mainstage artists and feature in their own regional tour.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
1. Individual Lessons
- One-on-one lessons with AFCM Faculty artists for all participants where possible.
2. Instrumental Classes
- Group instrumental classes led by AFCM Faculty artists.
- Focus on technical development, interpretation, and stylistic approaches.
3. Chamber Music Tutorials
- Coaching sessions with AFCM Faculty artists on chamber music repertoire.
- Development of ensemble skills, communication, and musical interpretation.
4. Chamber Music Forum
- Ensembles perform for each other and receive feedback from AFCM Pathways Director Lloyd Van’t Hoff.
- Interactive group discussions and review sessions.
5. Professional Development Seminars
- A series of expert-led seminars covering key aspects of a musician’s career.
6. Public Masterclass Participation
- Each participant will perform in at least one Public Masterclass.
- Feedback from an AFCM Festival artist in a concert-style setting.
7. Final Performance – International Masterclasses Concert
- Culminating performance at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
- Opportunity to showcase repertoire developed throughout the program.
8. Festival Access
- Complimentary tickets to all AFCM Festival Performances.
- Exposure to international artists and networking opportunities.
9. Networking & Industry Engagement
- Industry Roundtables – Informal discussions with AFCM industry experts on career pathways and topics related to the broader arts ecosystem
- Industry Networking Events – Opportunities to connect with presenters, educators, and arts leaders.
- Mentor Pairing – ensembles are matched with AFCM Faculty artists for individual career guidance.
Financial Assistance & Billeting
- Financial Assistance: Limited funding is available to assist with participation costs for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Successful Australian applicants will be eligible to apply for financial aid.
APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAM
Applications are open to advanced/tertiary level ensembles and individuals. Applicants will need to submit the following:
- Basic information about the ensemble and its members, including a photograph.
- Up to ten minutes of audition video showcasing two works of contrasting style.
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or chamber music coach and a letter of permission from your tertiary institute.
- Between 2 - 4 works that your ensemble would like to workshop during the AFCM Pathways International Masterclasses.
Applications for the 2026 Pathways International Masterclasses are open until December 1st at 5pm AEDT at this link here. For more information please contact AFCM Pathways Program Manager Nick Duff at nick.duff@afcm.com.au or on 07 4771 4144.
