REGIONAL Victoria could soon see its first Music Conservatorium established in Warrnambool after a group of passionate local musicians, teachers, festival creatives and community representatives joined forces to propose the idea.

Inspired by their love of music and driven by the lack of resources currently available in regional Victoria, the group commissioned a study to consider what would be needed to extend the pathways for current and next-generation local students, teachers, composers, and musicians.

The study is being conducted by consultants Tony Grybowski and Associates, with a survey now available to the public.

The survey will help the community to better understand the breadth and diversity of current participation, and assess unmet demand for music across the south-west, while allowing locals to share their thoughts and aspirations for a thriving region of music.

Tony Grybowski and Associates director, Tony Grybowski encouraged anyone with an interest in music or expanding study opportunities in the south-west to complete the survey, as the possibility of a regional Victoria music conservatorium was groundbreaking.

“It’s an exciting time to be considering what the region can offer as a centre for music excellence,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to imagine new ways of harnessing and supporting the voice and talent of artists across the region.

“We are looking forward to considering how the south-west can be a landmark in Victoria for regional music cultivation.”

Chair of the expert-led music collective Tony Herbert said there were 17 regional music conservatoriums in New South Wales, however, none in regional Victoria, meaning demand for the facility was very high.

“We have a shared vision and passion for (the) south-west to be home for all stages of musical expression,” he said.

“We want to be able to support our local artists to learn, develop, teach, and stay in the region.

“We intend to use the outcomes of the study to consider what’s possible and design a bold, shared vision for music in the south-west.”

The organisers of the survey say the Warrnambool Music Conservatorium would provide people in the local area with the chance to explore how to enhance and compliment music development, performances, and education across the region.

The Hamilton and Alexandra College director of music, Benjamin Hiscock agreed the idea would open up a whole world of new possibilities for students interested in pursuing their passion for music.

“The opportunity to pursue further study at a dedicated tertiary music institution in the south-west is very exciting,” he said.

“Forever, it has been the case that regional high school students from Western Victoria who study music must travel to Melbourne to access tertiary study.

Mr Hiscock said the facility would also act as a drawing card to bring more musicians and music enthusiasts to the region.

“A regional facility would also offer professional development for local music teachers and help to build the calibre and connections between musicians in the district,” he said.

“It has been a great pleasure to entice professional musicians, teachers, and ensembles to Hamilton to work with our students and staff.

“When we collaborate with musicians from different experiences and backgrounds our whole experience of music in enhanced.

“A regional conservatorium in Warrnambool would bring more artists to the area, which is always a good thing.”

Results from the current survey will help to build a shared understanding of the breadth and diversity of participation, assess unmet demand, and capture the aspirations for a thriving music industry for the region.

The study is the first step in a larger scale project and will look beyond the region - seeking inspiration by examining leading examples of regional arts, education, academies, and creative hubs.

Made possible by generous support from the district foundations, the study will run for the next three months, with a report presented to the project’s steering committee in September 2022.

The survey is open now until 6pm Friday, August 19 with anyone connected to or passionate about music in the south-west encouraged to participate.

To access the survey please visit, tonygrybowski.com/southwest-music-survey