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.
There`s something for everyone at our Summer Showtime Holiday Programs! ☀️
For Juniors, we have a 2-day option in every city, as well as a 3-day option in Sydney and Melbourne. All programs are action-packed with singing, dancing, craft and drama fun, wrapping up with a sensational showcase for parents and friends to come and watch.
The perfect way for budding little performers to have fun, make friends and learn new skills during the summer holidays. 🎶Sign up now via link in bio!
Dec 4
Exciting news! 📢 Registrations are now open for our 2026 Teacher Professional Development Workshops!
Our passionate and experienced ASPA Ed Instructors will be delivering three engaging, hands-on PDs in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and for the first time ever - Geelong! We love connecting with teachers and sharing fun, practical ideas and resources that will get your students excited about the performing arts.
Head to our website via link in bio to register now for one (or all!) of the 2026 PD workshops. 🎶
Dec 2
Bravo to all of the incredible students at Sacred Heart Primary School in Yarrawonga for their fantastic performances in their recent school Christmas Concert! 🎄❤️
ASPA Ed Instructors Laura and Ainsley had such a ball working with students across the program, and are so proud of all their hard work! The final performance was so fun and full of cheer! ⭐
Dec 1
We’re hoping for a strong multi-generational presence at the memorial for our @ausgirlschoir Founder, Judith Curphey OAM, at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday December 4. Thank you to those who have already registered. 💐
We’re looking forward to celebrating Judith’s life and legacy; her ‘little choir’ has shaped countless lives over 41 years. Alumni from across the years will perform and there will be some congregational items as well. It would be fabulous to have girls and women from across the 41 year history join in song! We welcome any interested parents also as we know that some mums, in particular, have been very connected to the AGC through their daughters.
If you’re able to attend and represent your generation of the AGC, please do. There’s only one Founder, and this is our chance to honour her vision and determination with music and celebration, not mourning. Please register via link in bio and feel free to share this through your channels so we can reach as many AGC alumni as possible.
For those unable to join us in person, the event will be livestreamed via link in bio.
We look forward to coming together to celebrate Judith’s remarkable life. 💗
Nov 30
