Arete Music
aretē (Greek philosophy): "The realisation of one’s highest potential ...
... excellence cultivated, not possessed".
... excellence in performance
At Arete Music we foster excellent musical performance. We find new ways to perform, commission new work, and work with researchers and artists to create innovative musical events. We connect senior secondary, tertiary and pre-professional musicians to provide specialist performance opportunities and development. We do not teach individual lessons but complement their musical learning with:
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Advanced performance practice sessions - great for exam, audition and recital preparation
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Regular and intensive skill development
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Formal research on performance practice
From Semester II 2026 Arete Music will also offer, from our dedicated performing space:
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A junior "Performance Circle" for young singers and pianists
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Solo development for choristers 18+ years
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Practical performance feedback for all instruments on topics such as stagecraft, ensemble techniques and repertoire-learning
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Intensive weekends to develop skills for singers such as languages and vocal pedagogy
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Networking through "Sandbox" events, enabling instrumentalists and singers to connect with top local and industry musicians
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Composer development to optimise performance impact of your vocal work.
SAVE THE DATE!
Our inaugural Singer Sandbox - a Performance Practice event for classical singers - is on
Monday May 4th
at Wesley Music Centre,
starting at 5.45pm.
Performers!
Please send your name, a two-sentence bio and a clear PDF of sheet music to team@arete.music by 19th April
Singer Sandbox 2026
Introducing Arete Music's brand new “Singer Sandbox” events, open to the whole classical singing community. Chaired by soprano Dr Sarah Mann and pianist, Ella Luhtasaari, these Monday night sessions aim to connect both teachers and students of singing and piano, enabling ideas and experience to be shared across town, across studios and across genres. Sessions are offered up two Mondays each term, always from 5.45pm-7pm, always at the Mansfield Room, Wesley Music Centre, Forrest ACT.
Semester I dates:
Term 2: May 4th, June 15th
What happens at the Singers’ Sandbox?
Attendees choose to either watch or perform. Either way they can share ideas with others. Performers can choose whether to take comments, and if so, the focus of feedback.
Who is this for?
All students and teachers of singing and piano are welcome. The Singer Sandbox is for pre-professional singers who want to "air out" pieces prior to auditions and events. It is for college students nearing a singing exam, or about to go on the amateur stage. It is for first-time solos, polishing practice, and everything in between; for pianists both exceptionally keen on accompanying, and those not sure about it yet. It is for people who want to talk singing, improve their singing, gain ideas, and gain connections. Choristers are also welcome.
Cost: flat rate of $50 for attendees and performers alike. Just provide details by email to team@arete.music for an invoice and payment deadline.
How do I perform?
Sign up to perform at least one fortnight before each event. You must provide your name, a two-sentence bio and a clear PDF of your sheet music at least 2 week prior to each event. Simply email team@arete.music.
What should I perform?
Classical pieces! Including opera, oratorio, operetta, art songs, lieder, chanson and legit musical theatre numbers. Not sure? Ask us by sending an email.
What can I expect?
Information on singing technique, interpretation, careers, auditions and more. We endeavour to invite special guests to share their journey and insights as funding allows.
Join in! Connect! And have fun among like-minds! See you there!
Sarah and Ella