About SAYGE

Inspired by his own Guitar Ensemble experience and desire to create the same experience for young classical guitarists, Andras Tuske, Hungarian Refugee, guitarist and Music Educator formed and then later in 2001, incorporated the South Australian Youth Guitar Ensemble (or SAYGE). From humble beginnings of taking 12 of his students to the Darwin International Guitar Festival, SAYGE has now evolved to a membership of over 50 ensemble members, across 4 different Youth Ensembles (Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Adult), and is now inclusive of the entire classical guitar community in South Australia. SAYGE is a not-for-profit organisation with the primary objective of bringing young classical guitarists together to privde the opportunity to be in a guitar ensemble, build confidence and share their love of music through rehearsals and community performances. To our knowledge, SAYGE is the only not-for-profit ensemble organisation in Australia open to classical guitarists of ALL ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Why SAYGE?                               

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 – besides providing fortnightly rehearsals in a warm and nurturing environment, we create performance opportunities and initiatives to develop music ensemble skills and build confidence. Being surrounded by fellow guitarists of a similar skill level and age helps build relationships and friendships with other students who share the same passion for music. Together with being guided by the dedication and expertise of qualified Tutors, who are all accomplished musicians in their own right, this creates a supportive atmosphere, with students being inspired and motivated by each other. Whilst the primary objective for SAYGE has been to focus on youth development, music is a lifelong journey. To this is end, we have also created an Adult Ensemble, thereby being inclusive of all classical guitarists in South Australia.

Notable SAYGE Alumni

Connor White

2023 Adelaide International Classical Guitar Competition Winner

Bradley Kunda

Berlin-based Senior Product Designer of the world's most popular music notation app, MuseScore

Andrey Lebedev

London-based winner of multiple prestigious classical guitar competitions and one of the most successful guitarists of his generation

Matthew Withers

ABC Classics Artist and Internationally acclaimed classical guitar performer

"Over the last seven years, SAYGE has offered me a multitude of benefits that go beyond individual musical growth, allowing me the opportunity to play and connect with like-minded individuals. While guitar ensemble music is not yet a ‘mainstream’ form of music, like orchestral or chamber, SAYGE has made considerable headway in pushing the form into the light, spreading both the instrument and classical music as a whole in Adelaide."

Giulio Mucci
Previous Senior Ensemble Leader