The Vocal Muster

15/04/2026

There is something truly magical about the Southern Highlands when our community rallies together.

At The Vocal Muster, we believe performance is about more than just a great song. It is about creating memories that last a lifetime and building strong bonds within our local community.

Our showcases bridge the gap between generations. Instead of just sitting in the audience, families come together to be moved and inspired by our young performers. It is a joy to see parents, grandparents, and siblings cheering on our kids and reclaiming the stage together.

These shared moments do even more good by supporting causes close to our hearts. We are so proud to have been able to raise money for our Rural Fire Service and for the opportunity to support Can Assist.

As a registered charity with DGR status, we are committed to keeping our programmes free so every young person can find their voice and give back to our neighbours.

Want to hear more about how we are connecting families through performance? Read our latest blog post here: https://vocalmuster.org.au/creating-shared-family-experiences/

There is something truly magical about the Southern Highlands. Whether it’s the mist rolling over the hills in the morning or the way the community rallies

09/04/2026

Are you ready to find your voice?

Our next Vocal Vibes Workshop is locked and loaded for Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th April!

We’ve seen how much magic happens when young people get together to sing. It’s about so much more than music - it’s about building confidence and feeling like you belong.

Singing is brilliant for mental health. It helps lower stress by reducing cortisol and gives those feel-good brain chemicals, like dopamine, a real boost. It’s a chance to switch off from the world and focus on your own creative journey in a supportive environment.

At the workshop, you’ll step onto a professional stage with proper lights and sound. You’ll be mentored by industry pros who are there to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, we provide a safe, nurturing space for everyone aged 12-18.

We want to make sure every young person in our community has the chance to shine without any barriers. Everything we do is 100% free, thanks to our wonderful supporters and the support we receive from the NSW Office of Regional Youth.
We’d love to see you there!

Check out the workshop details on our website:
https://vocalmuster.org.au/our-vocal-vibes-workshops/

01/04/2026

Beyond the Workshops! While our Vocal Vibes workshops are a fantastic blast of energy, they're really just the ‘front door’ to life at The Vocal Muster. The real magic happens once the school holidays end and the consistent support begins.

We’re not just a school holiday programme, we’re a year-round community where performance becomes the pathway to confidence and connection.

If you’re not already familiar, here is what The Vocal Muster offers beyond our Vocal Vibes workshops:
-Weekly 30-minute performance lessons.
-Monthly showcases to build stage presence.
-Professional mentorship from world-class tutors.
-A safe haven to manage anxiety and find your voice.

We’ve already helped 16 of our alumni progress to creative arts degrees, proving that what starts in a workshop can lead to a lifetime of success.

Everything we offer is 100% free for young people aged 12-18 in the Southern Highlands.

We can only do this thanks to the tax-deductible donations we from our amazing community.

Ready to keep the music going? Check our calendar for what’s coming up next: https://vocalmuster.org.au/events/

You know that feeling when the school holidays are coming to an end? There’s often a mix of exhaustion and a little bit of "what’s next?"

23/03/2026

What happens when a young person steps onto the stage? It’s about so much more than hitting the right notes!

We’ve just shared a new guide, "The Proven Outcomes," exploring how the creative arts act as a superpower for youth in the Southern Highlands.

From managing stress to building emotional intelligence, music provides a safe space to process life's challenges. Our acceptance-focused culture ensures every performer feels they belong exactly as they are: no pressure to be perfect.

These skills don't just stay on stage. We’re talking about confidence, teamwork, and resilience: transferable skills that go from the spotlight straight to job interviews and real-world success.

Best of all, this initiative is completely free for our local community. We believe every young person deserves to find their voice, regardless of their budget.

Read how the arts are transforming lives in our region here:
https://vocalmuster.org.au/the-proven-outcomes/

12/03/2026

Happy Friday, Musterites!
Our February Performance Showcase was an absolute sell-out! Dormie House was blown away by the size of the crowd we managed packed in to the room.
February's theme was Musical Theatre, and our performers absolutely delivered the brief. The dedication and hard work on display was nothing short of incredible.
Parents, family, friends, and supporters filled the room, and the reaction said it all - pure amazement at the talent on our stage.
Couldn't make it? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a taste of the magic from the afternoon!

Watch our newest cohort of Muster participants as they belt out some of their favourite ballads.The February Showcase was held at Dormie House and highlighte...

03/03/2026

Welcome to the Autumn Edition of The Vocal Muster Newsletter!

Here's a quick summary of what you'll find inside:

• Find out why we've moved to a quarterly newsletter and why it's good news for you.
• Relive the highlights from our fantastic February showcase at Dormie House.
• Get the details on our upcoming March showcase and what Richard has planned for April.
• Meet The Muster 'Nest'! Our brand new showcase series for newer and developing performers.
• Stay across upcoming Vocal Vibes Workshop dates for school holidays.
• Find out how Jess Howell is representing The Vocal Muster at A Day on the Green.
• Read Richard Lane's first blog post: Why I Do The Vocal Muster.
• Important update on our new email addresses!
• Read our heartfelt thanks to the supporters who make it all possible.

We've made a strategic decision to post our newsletter quarterly, and not monthly as was communicated in our first edition.

03/02/2026

The Vocal Muster's Vocal Vibes Workshop - January 2026.

Watch our Vocal Muster participants learning how to perform in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Our Vocal Vibes workshops help participants develop their self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose and belonging over three days.

See our workshop participants as they learn a range of performance skills such as breathing, body movement and performance techniques, including stage presence and how to project their voice when performing on stage.

Watch our Vocal Muster participants learning how to perform in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Our Vocal Vibes workshops help participants develop t...

28/01/2026

A quick announcement to let you know that our first newsletter for 2026 has just been published.

There's lots to update you on in our Summer Edition!

A quick summary of what's you'll learn this month:
•Discover how many free performance lessons Richard Lane delivered in 2025.
•Find out which former muster participant has now returned as a tutor.
•Learn who represented The Vocal Muster at the Australia Day ceremony in Berrima.
•Read about our exciting collaboration with Bowral High School's choir.
•Check out the new format for our monthly Sunday afternoon performances.
•Dates and details to help you mark your calendar for our major community event in March.
•Read heartfelt thanks to the supporters who make this all possible.
•Exploring our enhanced website, online presence, and new digital tools.

We're thrilled to launch our first newsletter with this Summer 2026 edition as we step into another exciting year at The Vocal Muster.

08/09/2025