Applications are now OPEN.

The Megalong Music Festival’s (MMF) 2026 Fellows Program for Piano and Strings offers Australia and NZ’s finest emerging musicians the opportunity to collaborate for a week in high level chamber groups with distinguished Australian and international guest artists from 29th March-5th April 2026.

These workshop intensives provide a nurturing atmosphere to explore traditional and contemporary repertoire with talented peers and seasoned chamber musicians, culminating in two exciting festival concerts over the Easter weekend.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors, MMF’s chamber music program offers a full scholarship to all 2026 fellows, covering:

  • tuition,
  • food,
  • accommodation
  • ground transportation to the festival from Blackheath (NSW) train station. Transportation within the Megalong Valley will be available for those who need it.

Program Dates

Applicants must be able to attend the full duration of the program, as follows:

    • Arrival: Sunday, 29th March, 2026
    • Program: Monday 30th March – Sunday 5th April, 2026
    • Departure: Sunday, 5th April, 2026

Application Requirements

2026 fellowship positions are available by application for the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, piano. Application requirements are:

  • Applicants must be 18–30 years of age at the time of attendance.
  • Australian and NZ citizens are permitted to apply only, but must be able to arrange travel to and from Sydney to attend. If financial hardship prevents travel to Sydney, we would suggest initiating a crowd funding campaign to make it happen, which we would be happy to promote.
  • Fellow alums are welcome to apply again. See details below.

How do I submit an application?

Email recent video recordings of yourself playing three contrasting solo and/or chamber works uploaded to Vimeo or Youtube, with links sent to megalongmusicfestival@gmail.com. Maximum 3 links per application will be accepted.

We encourage you include a mix of solo and chamber repertoire, spanning the Classical era to the 21st century, contrasting in character, and featuring your playing in any included chamber works. Live, unedited performances and complete movements are preferred. Please ensure you clearly include the titles of your chosen works, names of collaborators, and live performance venue if applicable.

Submit your application

Email the following information to megalongmusicfestival@gmail.com, to submit your application by Friday 20th February 11:59pm.

Please submit:

    • Your video recording/s
    • High-resolution headshot
    • Biography (150 words) suitable for publishing on our website, socials and concert program.
    • List your three most recent string or piano-strings chamber works and your three most recent solo repertoire pieces.
    • One letter of recommendation. Please provide the name and email of your recommender, who we will contact separately to submit a letter of recommendation.
    • Written consent for the Megalong Music Festival to use your photo(s) and performance videos for the purpose of promoting the festival. This could include local media, social media and print promotion. This consent will last 12 months from the date of submission.
    • Previous Fellow alums need only to submit updated videos, more recent repertoire info and new media consent.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2026, 11:59pm. Apply now.

Any issues submitting your application or to withdraw media consent, please contact Asmira at megalongmusicfestival@gmail.com.