Music for Canberra

Music for Canberra is a community music organisation based at Ainslie Arts Centre, where music is used as a way to connect people, build belonging, and create shared experiences across Canberra.

At the heart of our work is ensemble music-making. We bring people together through a wide range of groups including the Woden Valley Youth Choir, Canberra Youth Orchestra and its training orchestras, Canberra Children’s Choir, and Canberra Youth Concert Band. These ensembles provide pathways for children and young people to grow not only as musicians, but as collaborators, listeners and community members.

Connection continues beyond our flagship ensembles. Our weekly MAP (Mixed Abilities Program) classes offer adults inclusive, accessible group music-making where participation and enjoyment are central, regardless of experience or ability.

We also create opportunities for music to reach people where they are — through Drum Circle for Joy workshops, one-off community sessions, and music programs in aged care settings where musicians and teachers share live, interactive music with residents.

Across everything we do, the focus is the same: music as connection. Music as something shared. Music as a way of making community visible and alive.