Welcome to SAYGE
Founded in Adelaide, the South Australian Youth Guitar Ensemble (SAYGE) is a non-profit association, dedicated to bringing together young classical guitarists by providing them with high-quality guitar education and the opportunity to be a part of a supportive community guitar ensemble. SAYGE aims to provide experiences that nurture students' appreciation of the classical guitar, igniting their passion and inspiring them to excel and gain confidence in their playing.
Why choose SAYGE for your musical journey?
The number of ensemble opportunities for classical guitar students in the schooling system is often nowhere near the breadth on offer for their orchestral student counterparts. This is where SAYGE fills in the gap – providing fortnightly rehearsals in a warm and nurturing environment, and creating performance opportunities and initiatives to develop music ensemble skills and build confidence. At SAYGE, we believe in nurturing musical talent through expert instruction, innovative teaching, and a strong sense of community. Find out more about our mission and values.
Our Ensembles
SAYGE offers a range of ensembles tailored to students of all ages and skill levels, ranging from complete beginners to advanced ensemble players. All ensembles are fun, engaging and led by some of the best tutors South Australia has to offer. Find out more about our ensembles below.
Junior Ensemble
Our beginner ensemble for junior primary school aged students. Learn fundamental techniques, basic ensemble skills, and fun pieces in a junior musical group setting.
Recommended AMEB Grade:
Preliminary to Grade 1
Intermediate ensemble
For upper primary students with some guitar experience, focusing on developing more complex techniques, reading music, and playing in harmony within an ensemble.
Recommended AMEB Grade:
Grade 2 to Grade 3
Senior Ensemble
Senior Ensemble further develops experienced guitarists with intricate pieces, high level techniques, and advanced ensemble skills.
Recommended AMEB Grade:
Grade 4+
Adult Ensemble
An ensemble for guitarists 18 years old and beyond. A fun, exciting and community driven ensemble for anyone in our Adelaide guitar community to join.
Recommended AMEB Grade:
Any and all levels welcome to join!
Join our vibrant community!
Become part of SAYGE and experience the joy of making music with friends, performing in concerts, and growing as a musician in a welcoming and inspiring setting.
SAYGE rehearses at 17 Smith St, Walkerville
Adelaide, South Australia
Email: enquiriessayge@gmail.com
“Having directed the Adelaide Guitar Festival Orchestra ('AGFO'), since 2014, I have been very impressed
by the quality contribution to AGFO by members of the South Australian Youth Guitar Ensemble
program, founded by Mr Andras Tuske. Over the years since its inception, SAYGE has grown rapidly, now
boasting 4 classical guitar ensembles – a highly significant achievement in the area of classical guitar
community music making! An amazing contribution to music in South Australia!"
Dr Paul Svoboda
Adelaide Guitar Festival Orchestra Director, Doc. Mus. Arts (Sibelius Academy of Music, Helsinki), B.Mus (Hons) (UQ), Dip. Teach. E.C., L.T.C.L, Director, Aurora Guitar Ensemble
"For almost a decade now, SAYGE has been an integral part of my journey in music and more.
Throughout school, there was rarely room for the classical guitar in the orchestra and concert band,
meaning young classical guitarists such as myself often missed out on the invaluable experience of
playing with others. SAYGE, however, filled that gap by providing a unique opportunity for me and other
young guitarists to come together and experience playing in an ensemble."
Marcus Kha
Previous SAYGE Intermediate and Adult Ensemble Tutor, Adelaide University Medical Orchestra Co-Chair and conductor, Prize-winning composer of The Australian Society of Music Education’s (ASME’s) Young Composer Awards and
Artology’s National Fanfare competition
“We very much appreciate the great relationship and culture that SAYGE has created for the SA Youth Guitar Community. The welcoming atmosphere and the creative approach in bringing the youth guitarists together is
evident at the many wonderful performances our daughter has been privileged to be a part of. We highly recommend SAYGE to for consideration for all youth guitarists.”
Tony and Ting Hagoort
Parents of SAYGE Intermediate Ensemble Student