The Australian School of Performing Arts was established in 2009, founded on a desire to ensure that all children, teachers and communities have the opportunity to experience the enduring, significant and powerful benefits of engaging in the performing arts.
Humble beginnings
The Australian Girls Choir (AGC) was established in 1984 by Judith Curphey OAM, with 150 girls rehearsing in four classes in the Melbourne suburb of Burwood and Judith as the sole tutor. Today the AGC is proud to have 6500 girls learning to sing, dance and perform in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
AGC sets the stage
The founding philosophy behind the AGC is that every child can learn to sing given encouragement and training, and the dynamic and inclusive curriculum is designed to cater to varying abilities and confidence levels. The senior performance groups have shared the stage with outstanding artists including Pharrell Williams, Olivia Newton-John and on tour with Hugh Jackman, released several CDs, and performed for audiences including Pope Benedict XVI, the King of Tonga, Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II.
ASPA is born..
After experiencing the profound and positive impacts of the performing arts through the AGC, Judith was compelled to extend these opportunities to students and teachers and communities who may not otherwise have access to them. Since it’s establishment in 2009, ASPA Education (formerly Australian Arts Alive) has engaged thousands of participants in many and varied programs – providing performing arts workshops and holiday programs, creating choreography for school concerts, directing school musicals and facilitating professional development sessions for teachers and early childhood educators.
Our choir workshop with Pinnacle Academic College in Queensland was the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! ASPA Education Instructor Kaitlin had a terrific time with the students, helping them to gain more confidence in their carols performances. We loved your enthusiasm, Pinnacle! 🎅💙
Nov 7
We’re having such a fantastic time working with Caulfield Junior College! Our recent dance workshop was all about putting the finishing touches on choreography for their upcoming performance - and wow, the students’ creativity really shone! We loved working on the amazing routines they created themselves. We`re excited to see the final production of Le Petit Prince!💙
Nov 3
Get ready for more than the `Bare Necessities` in `The Jungle Book KIDS`! In 2026, we are so excited to get groovy for Summer Showtime in Melbourne and Sydney, with this musical adaptation of the beloved Disney classic. This program sees participants put together `The Jungle Book KIDS` in four days, with a dazzling performance for family and friends! 🐻🌴
Swipe to learn more about the colourful world of `The Jungle Book KIDS`. Places for Summer Showtime are limited, so head to our website to register now via link in bio.
Nov 3
It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the death of our inspirational Founder, Judith Curphey OAM. Judith was 96 and lived a full and fabulous, music filled life. Just a year ago, she travelled to Singapore to meet the first girls to join the International Girls Choir and she attended her final concert back in August. While she loved every minute, she also provided feedback to the conductors, including Vicki King our Artistic Director!
Judith’s decision, in 1984, to start the Australian Girls Choir has seen generations of girls benefit from her boldness, creativity and certainty that music is crucial to the development of young people. We are proud to run the AGC with the founding principles in place – everyone can sing, keep looking for ways to improve the experience for the audience, and girls’ voices are undoubtedly as interesting as boys’ voices. The choral scene was dominated by boys and children’s choirs back in the 80s and Judith’s feisty determination to have girls sing and dance was frowned on. Tens of thousands of girls and their parents have experienced the joy of being part of this ever growing community that started with 150 girls rehearsing in Melbourne, 41 years ago. There is much more to Judith’s story and we’ll be sharing highlights in coming weeks.
Vale Judith, Australia has been changed for good.
Oct 31
