Inspiring Young Canberrans Since 1969
About the Young Music Society
Read about our purpose, values, programs, governance and management.
50 Years of Inspiration
Our Purpose
YMS was established by Judith Clingan AO in 1969 as a non-residential music school for children. It has since grown into a national award-winning, self-funded, not-for-profit society which musically inspires young Canberrans through music based arts activities and events.
Our activities include Holiday Programs, Weekly Programs, special events and Instrument Hire.
Any family can become a Member of the Society for an Annual fee of $30, and this provides access to all of our holiday and weekly programs.
Enrolments Are Always Welcome
Our Programs
Holiday Programs
The Society offers School Holiday programs throughout the year. Each program is designed to give students musical experience and opportunity in a supportive environment, guided by Canberra’s premier musicians and teachers.
Every January 400 students converge to the annual YMS Summer School, with a Junior Program for Years K-1; a Primary Music Program Years 2 – 4, a Middle Program Years 5 – 7, a Senior Program for Years 8 – 12; and an Advanced Program for AMEB Grade 5+, 14 up to 18 years.
Each year focuses on a different theme, with over 30 of Canberra’s most inspiring music tutors teaching classes ranging from beginner instruments, music theatre and dance, to an advanced course in musical concepts, ……and activities in just about anything musical you can imagine!
Applications for Summer School open in late August the preceding year.
In the Winter School Holidays, YMS offers additional a two week program in two parts. Each part features a different project focus.
Weekly Programs
The Society runs a series of Weekly Programs which give students the opportunity to perform in group environments with expert tuition and conducting. Programs have included Voices Out Loud Choir Program, New Music/New Ideas Composition Program and Concert Band. More info
Want to be the first to hear about our new holiday programs?
Connect with us via email or Facebook to get the latest announcements.
Principles That Guide What We Do
Access
Our programs are available to all members of the community
Education
All our activities include quality educational content
Artistry
All activities have quality artistic content and encourage creativity.
Inclusion
Programs are inclusive of various groups, including disadvantaged, diverse cultural backgrounds etc.
Excellence
We strive for the highest levels of artistic and educational excellence in every program.
Enjoyment
We encourage all participants to get full enjoyment from our programs. After all, music is fun!
The YMS Committee 2023
Stephen Leek – President
vacant – Vice President
vacant – Secretary
vacant – Treasurer
Joan Dunn – Committee member
Russell Schmidt – Committee member
Nicholas Combe – Committee member
Our Patrons
Katie Noonan
Graham Abbott
Life Members
Judith Clingan AM – Founder
Margaret Bellchambers
Our Committee
The Society is governed by a Committee, currently chaired by our President Joan Dunn, with an Annual General Meeting early in each Financial Year.
The Committee plays an essential role within the Society and relies on its membership to volunteer to assist in its programs.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Committee, please contact us.
Our Team
The Society is managed by a small part-time team:
Lisa Gill – Artistic Director / General Manager
Charles Miller – Office Administrator
Stuart Miller – Accountant (voluntary)
John Dunn – Promotions (voluntary)
The Society also employs Creative Directors and teams of Teaching Staff for Holiday Programs, as well as Tutors/Conductors for Weekly Programs and volunteers.
Beth Way – YMS Concert Band Conductor
Russell Smidt – YMS Concert Band Manager
Our Office
The YMS office is situated in the Flynn Community Hub, Bingle Street, Flynn. The Office is not open to the public. Communication can be made with the YMS only via manager@youngmusicsociety.org.au.
