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.

We kicked off the school holidays spending a joyous day making music with the lovely teachers from Orange Tree Music! 🎷🎹🎻

Instructors Anna and Sally had a wonderful time connecting with incredible instrumental educators, and sharing their knowledge and passion about all things music education! Key topics included essential skills like how kids learn – meeting kids where they are, adjusting for children with additional needs and planning for success. Check out this lovely feedback we received 🎵

Interested in embedding ASPA Education magic into your school? Enquire with us today through our website! Link in bio 🔗
ASPA Ed Instructor Libby brought the fun to North Ryde Anglican Church’s Holiday Program this week! 🎭

From high-energy performing arts workshops to learning a catchy tune from Seussical KIDS, it’s been a week full of creativity, laughter and music. We can’t wait to see our performers as they hit the stage today to show off what they’ve been working so hard on all week! 🎶

Take a peek at the fun we’ve been having!
🎭 Our final Teacher PD for 2025 is just around the corner! Join us for ‘Show-Stopping School Concerts’, a hands-on session to help you plan a concert your school community will love. 

Our Teacher PD workshops focus on practical tools for the classroom, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have fun along the way! There’s something special about coming together to sing and learn; it’s a reminder of the joy that music brings to both teachers and students. ✨

Register now for the final spots via link in bio.