Details

Velcro your dancing shoes, grab your baton, capture your creativity and get ready to play.

These April school holidays Melbourne Recital Centre turns into the biggest sound playground in town! With an array of activities, performances, and musical installations, Music Play is the perfect adventure for mini-music lovers, festival-loving families and friends.

All performances, installations, and workshops will be held multiple times, across both days of Music Play, so no need to rearrange nap schedules. Select a timed entry that works for you, and stay as long as you like! Whether they’re a teeny-tiny head banger, the next maestro, or enjoy simply experiencing musical magic on stage, over two jam-packed days children of all ages can let loose and play.

Meet the Music Play line-up below or click here to download the Music Play schedule for easy reference:

Performances

Across both days, the main stage at Melbourne Recital Centre hosts a revolving roster featuring the who’s who of kid band superstardom… and you!

Teeny Tiny Stevies
3 & 4 April: 10.45am–11.15am & 1pm–1.30pm
The ARIA Award-winners with irresistible pop tunes, sweet harmonies and melodious ukuleles.

Bunny Racket
3 & 4 April: 10am–10.30am, 12.15pm–12.45pm
Punk rock mayhem with King Bunny and his fluffy friends.

Conduct Us
3 & 4 April: 9.15am–9.45am, 11.30am–12pm
A chance for kids to take to the stage and make their conducting debut with the acclaimed Partridge Quartet.

Installations

The Ground Floor becomes a place of musical exploration with a number of installations to jump in, and on.

Pivot by Madeleine Flynn and Tim Humphrey
3 & 4 April: All day
Climb on the talking see-saws, ask a question, and see what happens…

HEXADECA by Pulsing Heart
3 & 4 April: All day
Spin in your seat and listen to the music you make.

Melodius by Thomas Campbell
3 & 4 April: All day
Venture up and down the grand (musical) staircase and keep your ears open.

Rainbow Paths by Helen Kwok and Chad Toprak
3 & 4 April: All day
Play and learn along the technicolour trail.

Workshops

Level Two is the home of discovery with these ultra-participatory workshops.

ABC of Beatboxing with LC Beats
3 & 4 April: 10am–10.30am, 11am–11.30am, 12pm–12.30pm, 1pm–1.30pm
Learn from human beatbox machine Luke Cavalan.

Kidstruments with Playable Streets
3 & 4 April: 9.30am–10am, 10.30–11am, 11.30am–12pm, 12.30pm–1pm
Throw the rulebook out the window and design an instrument unlike any other.

Wall of Sounds
3 & 4 April: All day
Grab a musical note, stick it to the wall, and watch as it comes to life.

Plus

Musical facepainting, a music themed photobooth, Eliza Shephard as a roaming musical pixie, food trucks, pram parking, quiet zones, and, for parents: coffee!

All performances, installations, and workshops will be held multiple times, across both days of Music Play, so no need to rearrange nap schedules. Select a timed entry that works for you, and stay as long as you like!

Melbourne Recital Centre is committed to the safety of our artists, staff and patrons. A range of public health, hygiene and physical distancing measures are currently in place. Click here to learn more.

Music Play FAQ

How do the session times work?

Entry is every 30 minutes. Pick an entry time and spend as long as you like in our playground. We estimate you could experience everything in 2 hours, but you’re welcome to stay longer or leave earlier – it’s in your hands! Our final entry is at 11.30am, and things wrap up at 2pm.

What is the recommended age range and who needs a ticket?

Music Play is fun for all ages, but we think kids aged 2-10 would have the best fun. Entry is free for children under the age of 2. Children aged 2 and over (and their grown-ups) will require a ticket.

What is the schedule and artist line-up?

We’ve recently announced the full Music Play line-up, which you can explore on the details tab of this page. Performances will repeat multiple times during the day.

When should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to your booking time. Due to the popularity of the event, we may not be able to accommodate you if you arrive 30 minutes outside your ticketed time.

What food and drink are available?

We’ll have options for food and drink throughout the day.

Will there be Pram Parking?

Monitored pram parking will be available onsite throughout both days. We recommend travelling light, as space is limited.

Will there be a Quiet Space?

A small dedicated quiet space will be available on Level One.