Performance Opportunities, Prizes and Grants
Recitals Australia runs support, mentor and performance programs for South Australian students, upcoming musicians and emerging artists, all supported through tax-deductible donations to the Performers’ Advancement Fund. South Australians who are temporarily residing interstate or overseas are eligible for support.
Recitals Australia run a Lunch Hour Series performance program that eligible emerging artists can enter to win a performance spot.
We have quality grand pianos (and access to a performance venue) that can be hired at competitive rates.
Emerging artists can apply for grants to help them defray some of the costs of developing their musical careers.
For Elder Conservatorium students we offer free attendance to selected Recitals Australia performances held at Elder Hall and other venues, and access to mentoring and master class opportunities with artists.
Two specific Awards and Grant programs are also available:
Recitals Australia Lunch Hour Series & Awards
Each year Recitals Australia holds two series of lunch hour concerts – the Autumn Series and Spring Series – usually performed by emerging South Australian musicians. Each series comprises 10 concerts. Selection of performers is by way of a game of skill competition – enter over the Recitals Australia Lunch Hour Entry Form and a selection panel will review after the entry period for each season closes. The prize consists of a performance spot in the next Season and a cash prize.
At the conclusion of each of the Autumn and Spring Series, eligible finalists are selected to play in a Finals Concert and compete for the Berenice Harrison Prize of $1,000. Other finalists also receive cash prizes of lesser amounts.
To be eligible to win a spot and participate, you must have attained at least AMEB Certificate of Performance (or equivalent). If in doubt, please contact us.
- Download the Lunch Hour Awards Criteria, Eligibility, Terms and Conditions PDF to learn more and apply.
- Apply on the Lunch Hour Series Entry Form to submit your program idea and the Recitals Australia Council will consider it for inclusion in our next Lunch Hour Series program.
- If you are 14 years old or under, apply for our Junior Series!
Recitals Australia Grants
–Please note, Grant applications are closed for 2024. We look forward to hearing from applicants in relation to 2025.–
Recitals Australia invites South Australian emerging musicians who are in need of financial support to apply for grants to assist them in progressing their careers. South Australians who are temporarily residing interstate or overseas are eligible for support.
Subject to availability of funds, grants of up to $5,000 may be available to assist with costs such as travel costs (including international travel) for the purposes of attending tuition or performing, and professional skills development, including mentoring, residencies, fees for tuition provided by a specialist teacher who is not the applicant’s normal teacher.
- Download the Recitals Australia Grants Criteria and Eligibility PDF to learn more and apply.
- Apply using the Recitals Australia Grant Application form.
Recitals Australia Pianos
Do you have an event, audition or occasion for which you need access to a grand piano and to a performance venue? We have both.
Recitals Australia has two quality concert grand pianos that are available for hire – a Steinway Model D, and a Grottrian Steinweg. They are both located in the heritage-listed North Adelaide Baptist Church Hall in Tynte Street, they are well maintained, are kept in tune and are ready to play. If you are an emerging musician we have small grants to help you with the cost.
- Download the Piano Hire Form for further details and to submit your request for consideration by the Recitals Australia Council.
Tips and tricks
A successful career as a performer is built not only on talent and musicianship, but also on career development strategies. The following tips will help you in accessing Recitals Australia programs and your career more generally.
Photo – If you are an emerging artist wishing to be taken seriously, make sure you have a great head shot photo, with your instrument, which is clear and creative. Look through our Virtuosi Page for inspiration! This will be used by organisers to advertise all of your upcoming concerts.
Bio – write up a 80 to 150 word biography of your experience and education. When you started, who you study with, level attained, interesting performances, awards you have received can all be discussed in this bio. Make sure your contact details are stated!
Audio + Video – have some sample audio clips or video clips of you playing, this will be invaluable when you are seeking opportunities or applying for funding. Make sure your clips show your technical and musical abilities as strongly as possible. If you are being accompanied, make sure your collaborative artist adds value to your performance.
Programming – You will need to provide promoters with accurate details of your concert program. Include such information as: the name of the composition (or the particular section or movement if you are not performing the entire work), the name of the composer (including date of birth/death), and duration. Present the information in the format/style requested by the promoter. It is vital that the information is accurate, so do take the time to double-check spelling, dates, opus/catalogue numbers etc. If you get into this habit, event organisers will love you!
References – Sometimes as part of an application you may need to supply a reference. It could be to provide evidence of your musical ability, or it could be to provide a character reference. It is important to identify appropriate persons to write you a reference well in advance of when it is needed, and ensure you have their correct contact details. Don’t leave this to the last minute!
Know your legal stuff – There’s more to a career as a performer than just playing your instrument! You will be dealing with a wide range of people including publicists, managers, accountants, lawyers, and agents to name a few. There are some absolute basics that you need to know and deal with.
When creating an invoice for a solo performance you will need your Tax File Number, your ABN, and if you are over 18, you will also need your superannuation details – super will be deducted from your performance fee and submitted to your superannuation company. Talk to your accountant to get your invoices templated properly. Recitals Australia will need all of this information in order to pay you.