About Macquarie Conservatorium
Macquarie Conservatorium of Music is a non-profit community organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality music education to Dubbo and the Orana region.
We are part of a network consisting of 17 regional conservatoriums, ensuring a high standard of community-focused music education for residents in regional New South Wales.
Each year, over a thousand children, youth, and adults engage in music education programs offered by Macquarie Conservatorium.
Located in Dubbo's central business district, we operate from a former school building, equipped with fourteen specialized teaching and rehearsal studios, as well as a performance hall that hosts public concerts and events.
Our programs
Music lessons and a variety of ensemble and band programs are offered for both youth and adults, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Our programs include:
Tuition through Zoom and video conferencing opens up music education opportunities for students in remote locations. Students can connect with teachers from other regional conservatoriums who specialize in instruments, not offered in Dubbo by video conferencing.
Tuition, classes, and ensemble activities are offered both at Macquarie Conservatorium and in other locations. Instrumental lessons and music programs are provided to both government and non-government schools in Dubbo, as well as to institutions in nearby regional areas such as Wellington, Gilgandra, Narromine and Trangie.
Additionally, Conservatorium staff lead bands, choirs, and ensembles for various schools and community organizations.
Events and performances
Each year Macquarie Conservatorium presents a program of events open to the public that includes bringing artists of national standing to Dubbo for local performances. Other events include student and staff concerts, open days, and a range of workshops and masterclasses.
Our history and partners
Macquarie Conservatorium was established in 1987 as the School of Music and was based in a small building in Depot Road.
The School of Music was renamed Macquarie Conservatorium in 1996, and relocated to its current premises on the corner of Darling and Bultje Streets in 2003.
Macquarie Conservatorium is supported by the NSW Government through the Regional Conservatorium Grants Program.
Macquarie Conservatorium is a member of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums.
Our Board
The Macquarie Conservatorium Board consists of nominated community members who volunteer their time and skills to guide the strategic direction of the organisation. It provides governance and ensures compliance with legal requirements.
Current board members are:
Chair: Nicholas Broadbent
Deputy Chair: Penelope Chilton
Treasurer: Joe Kellaway
Secretary: Liz Mazzer
Board member: Karen Robertson
As the Board has a strategic role, it does not deal with the day-to-day running of the Conservatorium.
If you have an issue you would like to discuss, please raise it with the relevant Conservatorium staff or the Director.
The Board should only be contacted where an issue is not resolved to your satisfaction or if you feel unable to discuss it with Conservatorium staff or the Director. In this case, please refer to our Members Complaints and Dispute Resolution Policy.
Contact the Chair by email here
or by mail to
The Chair of the Board
Macquarie Conservatorium
PO Box 661 Dubbo NSW 2830