Operating successfully out of Brisbane for 23-years, Aria nominated Topology have announced Top Up Online, bringing their unique and engaging education program online after sell-out composition workshops earlier this month.
Individuals, schools, and communities throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory will greatly benefit, along with those in metropolitan areas, amidst the self-isolation/lockdown, travel restrictions in place during Coronavirus (COVID-19).
State Award Winner for Excellence in Music Education (APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards), Topology’s Top Up program enriches the musical journey of thousands of young people, their teachers and communities around Australia each year. Top Up Online is the same award-winning program – delivered virtually.
In addition to providing a supportive avenue for teachers and parents’ delivery of the Australian Curriculum during COVID-19 school’s closures, Top Up Online offers composition workshops, instrumental lessons, and professional development with Topology’s Principal Artists and expert pool of instructors, including John Babbage (composition, saxophone), Louise King (cello), Bethan Lewis (viola), Andrew Maddick (violin), Toby Loveland (guitar), Christa Powell (violin), Thomas Green (electronic/gaming composer), Andrew Johnson (bass, trumpet & music technology) and Grant Collins (drums).
“I am very excited to be launching Topology’s Online Program,” said Topology’s Creative Director, Christa Powell. “Top Up Online has always been a goal of ours – to connect artists, composers, musicians, educators, students of all ages to each other from across the globe.”
“Now more than ever, it is vital that we stay connected. Through Top Up Online we will share and make available, both nationally and internationally, the expertise, skills and experience of our talented pool of artists and collaborators.”
Top Up Online can range from one-off sessions to a series of workshops depending on participants’ creative goals. Prospective participants and teachers are encouraged to consult with Topology to explore their options and get the most out of their experience.
Program costs may vary depending on the scope and number of sessions requested, but Topology is committed to making this program affordable. Topology also aims to provide continued employment opportunities for their instructors, whose livelihoods have been greatly affected by the recent crisis. Topology will endeavour to strike a balance here and encourages consultation with their team regarding concerns in this area.
Top Up is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and Arts Queensland, which affords subsidies to regional schools and communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory. In some cases, Top Up Online programs will be free of charge providing much needed inspiration and educational support during lockdown. Upon submission of an Expression of Interest, applicants will be notified on the subsidies they are eligible for.
Topology affirms that artists are critical to a vibrant arts sector that reflects Australia’s depth and diversity. Through Topology’s strong commitment to educational programs, the creativity of music, enriches and empowers the individual human spirit who are bearing the brunt of prolonged isolation and on-flow economic hardships from the COVID-19 outbreak.
Top Up Online workshops are important educational avenues providing opportunities to harness how to bring creativity into the lives of individuals during this difficult time. Topology, through its Top Up Online workshop program, will act as a vital bridge for skills sharing from established renowned creative practitioners and educators, allowing for individuals to reach full creative potential. It is well documented that arts and the creative pursuits, broaden the mind and assist with individual and community well-being.
Interested participants (schools and individuals) are invited to submit an Expression of Interest via the Topology website. For more information about Topology, visit: www.topologymusic.com for details.
Image: courtesy of Topology