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Join us for a fun day of reconnecting with friends, acquiring new skills, and reigniting the passion for inspiring the next generation of musicians.
This year we’re celebrating 35 years and our 18th annual open day! To mark this special occasion, we’re delighted to welcome two outstanding guest presenters: Jane Hazelwood, who will deliver practical strategies on transitioning from violin to viola, and Stephen Chin, who will share his insights on technique, repertoire, musicianship and creativity across a range of musical settings. We'll also have a dedicated session just for cellists on how to tackle wolf notes, led by our very own General Manager and cellist, Douglas Glanville.
In celebrating our 35 year milestone and David Glanville's retirement, before the first sessions, we'll be giving a short history of the business, looking back at where it all began, sharing fond memories, key milestones, and a glimpse of what’s to come for SSC.
WHEN: Sunday, 1 March
WHERE: 314 High St. Chatswood NSW
TIME: 10:45am-2:30pm
DOORS OPEN @ 10:15am - Please arrive by 10:30am
COST: FREE!
Morning tea and lunch will be provided
Bookings are essential as spots are limited
Session 1A: 11:15am - Exploring the Viola: Transitioning, Teaching, and Repertoire.
With Jane Hazelwood - Violin/Viola Pedagogue & Performer. Current AMEB (NSW) Chief Officer (Strings)
This workshop is designed for violin teachers looking to understand the unique characteristics of the viola and how to effectively guide their students in making the transition.
Jane Hazelwood, with a rich background in both instruments, studied at the Sydney Conservatorium and has performed with prestigious ensembles, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. With over 30 years of experience with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and a commitment to string education, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the workshop.
The session will cover:
1. Understanding the Viola: Discussing the viola's history, its differences from the violin, and its critical role in various musical settings, including orchestras and chamber music.
2. Transitioning Techniques: Providing practical tips for violinists considering the switch, addressing physical adjustments, technique adaptations, and the commonly faced challenges.
3. Teaching Young Beginners: Exploring the benefits of introducing young children to the viola, choosing the right instrument, and developing engaging teaching strategies.
4. Viola Repertoire: Highlighting important repertoire for various skill levels, from beginner folk tunes to advanced classical compositions, promoting a well-rounded musical education.
The workshop will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with Jane and share experiences related to teaching this versatile instrument. Attendees will leave equipped with valuable insights and resources to enhance their teaching practices.
Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to string instruction, this workshop promises to enrich your understanding of the viola and inspire your teaching journey. Join us for an enlightening experience in the world of viola!
Session 1B: 11:15am - The Big Bad Wolf: Understanding and Eliminating Wolf Notes on the Cello.
With Douglas Glanville - General Manager and Cellist at The Sydney String Centre.
This session explores what wolf notes are and why they occur, before focusing on the different types of wolf note eliminators, how they work, and practical strategies for installing and adjusting them to achieve the most effective results.
Session 2: 1:30pm - My Life as a String Educator: Reflections on teaching technique, repertoire, musicianship and creativity in a variety of settings.
With Stephen Chin - Violinist, educator & composer. AMEB examiner and award-winning string pedagogue.
The interface between private teaching, group instruction, conducting ensembles and composition has personally been a continuing yet joyous challenge. In this presentation, I would love to share with you my thoughts on technique, repertoire, musicianship and creativity in a range of settings. There will be ample time to pose questions and, importantly, communicate your own experience.
In addition to these presentations, there will be 20% OFF sheet music, goodie bags, lucky door prizes and your chance to WIN: 🎻 A set of Larsen Strings (violin, viola, cello) 🎻 Cecilia Rosin (violin, viola, cello) 🎻 A set of Musically Gifted Practice Charts 🎻 Kun Bravo Viola Shoulder Rest 🎻 FOM Cello Wolftone Eliminator 🎻 GEWA Pure Violin Case
Please note that you must be a registered teacher in our system to attend this event. Click here to register as an SSC teacher.
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Meet the Presenters
Jane Hazelwood is a highly respected violinist, violist and educator. She studied at the Sydney Conservatorium, undertaking tertiary studies on both violin and viola, and later completed advanced postgraduate studies in Berlin with Wolfram Christ. During this time, she performed regularly with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, including international tours and festival performances. Jane has held principal and professional roles with leading Australian ensembles, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and spent 30 years as a violist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Alongside her performing career, she has maintained a strong commitment to music education, completing a Master of Teaching and teaching at tertiary level. Jane is Music Director of the Riverina Summer School for Strings, a regular tutor for AYO activities, and currently serves as AMEB (NSW) Chief Officer (Strings).
Stephen Chin is a violinist, educator and composer with a distinguished career in performance and string education. A founding member of the Sydney Youth Orchestra, he studied violin and composition at Sydney University and holds a Master of Music from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, specialising in violin performance and pedagogy. Stephen has performed with numerous professional ensembles, is an AMEB examiner, and his compositions and arrangements are widely used in competitions and examinations across Australia. From 1993 to 2025, he served as Principal String Teacher and Director of Orchestras at Brisbane Grammar School and is a former State and National President of the Australian Strings Association. In 2022, he received the AUSTA National Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Australian string community.
Douglas Glanville (Doug) began his musical journey at age four learning the cello. He achieved his AMus while still in high school on a music scholarship and was able to travel around Europe several times performing with various ensembles. Doug continued playing and performing cello while studying Arts Law at Macquarie University, graduating in 2008. In that same year, he travelled to Germany and worked in the violin-making industry under the direction of two master violin makers in the small town of Bubenreuth, Bavaria. In 2009, Doug returned to Australia and took up the manager’s position at The Sydney String Centre working in both the showroom and the workshop. Under Doug’s leadership, the business has now grown to over 40 people and is the largest violin business in Australia. In 2019 he became the managing director.