Dr. Evgeny Sorkin

Beyond the AMEB grades: Mastering Leap to Diploma level exams

Many teachers ask me how my students consistently progress from AMEB Grade 4-5 to successfully pass AMus and LMus level exams in a short period of time. In this presentation, I will share the strategies, repertoire choices, and working solutions that enable this rapid yet thorough development. The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) provides a structured pathway for violinists, but bridging the gap between the intermediate grades and diploma levels requires a refined approach. I will explore how to develop technical fluency, interpretative depth, and performance confidence efficiently. Key topics will include:
– Building Strong Technical Foundations: Identifying and addressing gaps early to establish secure intonation, bow control, and dexterity.
– Strategic Repertoire Selection: Choosing pieces that challenge and inspire, while progressively reinforcing advanced skills.
– Efficient Practice Methods: Using targeted technical exercises, mental practice techniques, and structured progress tracking.
– Mindset & Musicianship: Cultivating an artistic mindset, fostering musical independence, and preparing students for high-level performance demands.

This session is designed for violin teachers and students looking for practical insights into high-performance training.

About Dr. Evgeny Sorkin

Dr. Evgeny Sorkin is a Lecturer in Violin at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and have previously taught at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne. Evgeny is the first person in the history of University of Sydney to be conferred a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He has previously studied with Alice Waten at ANAM and is a Cum Laude graduate of the Moscow State Conservatorium where he studied with Professors Kravchenko and Kuschnir. Evgeny further had lessons with Professors Zakhar Bron, Boris Kuschnir and others. Evgeny began his performing career as a child prodigy receiving encouragement from Isaac Stern and Sir Yehudi Menuhin. He performs worldwide as a soloist and a member of Brevis Trio and Hartley Trio. He is Medal recipient from the Union of Russian Composers for promotion of contemporary music, and was a scholarship holder of the Berlinsky fund of the famous Borodin Quartet. Evgeny has recorded a critically acclaimed CD of complete violin works of avantgarde Russian composer Galina Ustvolskaya. He is a prize-winner of Togliatti International Violin Competition, Caltanissetta International Chamber Music Competition, Taneyev International Competition and Gisborne International Music Competition. A regular presenter at Violin Pedagogy Conferences, Evgeny’s research is in the fields of movement, violin technique development, violin pedagogy, injury prevention and recovery from injury. Evgeny’s students include winners of the NSW Secondary Schools Concerto competition, National Youth Concerto Competition, Animato International Violin Competition, New Talent British International Competition. Former students have been fortunate to win scholarships for further study to Juilliard, New England Conservatory of Music, Colburn School of Music, Perlman Music Program, Meadowmount School of Music and work professionally in Australia and Internationally.