CREATIVE MUSIC INTENSIVE

2023 FAQ SHEET

Date and Location

Saturday 9th September to Tuesday 19th September 2024
Seacroft Estate, Sugarloaf VIC (Great Ocean Road, 15km NE of Apollo Bay).

Frequently asked questions

What are the criteria used to select applicants?

Primary criteria for the selection of candidates are musical aptitude, personal motivation and overall group balance (instrumentation, gender, and cultural diversity). Musical aptitude does not only refer to instrumental and improvisational skills, but includes having a general bearing which is open to exploring, developing and learning new and challenging things. Having a music degree is not a criterion per se, as we acknowledge that musicians equally valuable might have pursued their music studies with Elders, gurus or other cultural music leaders; any applicant will, however, have to demonstrate in some form their long-term commitment to a professional music practice or cultural equivalent. Bringing together a group of musicians for 10 days, we’re careful to curate as best we can an overall group balance, both practically (in terms of instrumentation, experience and musical styles), as well as culturally (achieving gender, cultural and geographical diversity in the group). Our aim is to create the best setting and circumstances for all participants to flourish and learn as much as possible, and within that objective we use the above criteria to select the final list of invited musicians.

Do accessibility, diversity and identity factor into the selection process?

Everyone who feels inspired by the offer of the CMI is encouraged to apply, knowing that they will be assessed equally within the criteria specified above. It is critical to the success of the CMI that we create an environment that acknowledges and addresses issues of accessibility, diversity and identity, and we will pursue that to the best of our ability.

What do the fees cover?

The fee includes 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner on each day of the intensive, including the welcome dinner on the night of arrival. Caterers prepare meals for the duration of the residency, taking into account any dietary restrictions. While you can travel to the intensive by private car or V/Line bus service, a direct charter bus service is also arranged to depart from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne’s CBD - at no additional cost - for those that wish to take up this travel option.

Will I have to bring my own instrument and backline?

Please bring your own instrument/s, vocal microphones and accessories/periphera. AAO will provide a standard backline including drum kits, guitar & keyboard amps, keyboards, an upright piano and vocal PA systems. If you have any other requests please or queries please email info@aao.com.au well in advance of the residency. It is expected that participants will supply their own leads, pedals, power boards, consumables etc.

What is Seacroft Estate?

Seacroft Estate website – https://www.seacroft.com

Seacroft Estate is an historic former monastery set on 15 acres overlooking the Great Ocean Road with 180° ocean views. We will be using all areas within Seacroft Estate throughout the Creative Music Intensive, including the beautifully renovated chapel, which will serve as one of the rehearsal spaces. You will be staying in Seacroft’s standard rooms for the duration of the Intensive. The rooms feature single or double beds and shower/toilet facilities are in shared blocks similar to a hostel/holiday park. All participants and faculty will be housed in private quarters, with the exception of participants who apply alongside a friend or significant other to share a room (a slight reduction in accommodation fee will be provided in such circumstances). All meals will be shared in the communal dining area.

What will Health & Safety Protocols be during the Intensive?

We will maintain strict Health & Safety Protocols that comply with all government guidelines. We ask that participants equally take personal responsibility in helping us comply, and maintain a safe environment for themselves and their peers. The AAO will hire the Seacroft Estate in its entirety and no outside guests will be permitted on the property. Meal and bathroom facilities are shared, and are cleaned according to a regular schedule, complying with guidelines for the hospitality industry. Hand sanitising stations are present throughout the premises. All participants, faculty and staff will be required to sign a statement at the start of the CMI to certify that they are in good health for the commencement of activity, and haven’t been experiencing any symptoms associated with Covid-19.

What level of financial support will AAO be providing?

In order to make the residency as accessible as possible, all participants’ accommodation and meals during the Creative Music Intensive are subsidised by the Australian Art Orchestra.

The cost to participants of this year’s CMI is $2250 plus GST, which comprises a $1000 tuition fee, $750 contribution to accommodation costs, and a $500 contribution to catered meal costs. Partial Scholarships may be available to you if you identify as a person with disability, Australian First Nations heritage, or are experiencing considerable financial difficulties.

What are the payment deadlines?

If you are selected, you will be asked to confirm your attendance and make a $200 deposit. The fee balance payments can be split into one or two instalments, with payments to be finalised in early September ahead of CMI.

Are there scholarships available to applicants?

In 2024, the AAO is pleased to offer two full scholarships: the Nexus Arts Scholarship for a South Australian musician from a culturally and linguistically diverse or First Nations background; and the Tasmanian Scholarship for a musician based in Tasmania (with thanks to the Sidney Myer Fund).

Partial Scholarships may be available to you if you identify as a person with disability, Australian First Nations heritage, or are experiencing considerable financial difficulties.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

If the CMI is not able to happen on the scheduled 2024 dates, the AAO will identify the first possible opportunity in 2025 to put on a rescheduled program. All invited participants will get automatic access to the event in 2025 and will not need to apply again. All payments will be paused until a new date has been established. If participants are not available on the new dates, they will be refunded. Please be aware that in case of cancellation the AAO can’t assume any responsibility for travel costs or arrangements, or any other associated costs or consequences.

Is there mobile phone and internet coverage at Seacroft?

There is mobile phone and internet coverage in Sugarloaf VIC. Please check your mobile service provider’s coverage maps for further detail. Seacroft provides wi-fi connectivity onsite (Starlink).

What will the weather be like? Do I need to bring special clothing or bedding?

Seacroft is situated on 25 acres of land in Sugarloaf, Victoria on the Great Ocean Road, 15km from Apollo Bay. The weather in spring will be temperate although nights on the coast can be chilly. Typical, light to medium clothing will be largely sufficient and warm coats/jackets/sleepwear are recommended in case of inclement weather. Bedding and towels are provided. There is a public thoroughfare from the site to the beach, so swimwear and beach towels may be desirable for downtime during the trip.