About Us

Would you like a fun, nourishing musical experience?

Trying anything new can be both exciting and daunting so congratulate yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone towards a new experience which has the potential to nourish and extend you in many ways. 

Join our adult ensemble-based learning group led by qualified teacher and conductor Anne Keenan. First rehearsal is free. No audition necessary. Minimum 6 months playing experience.

Our Story…

Bardon Strings started back on 2nd June 2016 with 7 musicians in Anne Keenan’s lounge-room and now has over 30 members and 2 ensembles. 

Over the years of playing together they have shared many laughs during rehearsals and much joy performing for others.

During July 2016, Teresa Kunaeva (phd student at the Conservatorium) spoke about Bardon Strings at ISME International Music Conference in Glasgow.

Ed Ayres recently mentioned their Biddeston Concert on the morning show on Classic FM.

Ann Leung interviewed Anne Keenan and some of Bardon Strings players in May 2017 on ABC radio about the ensemble and their forthcoming fundraising concert. Their concert raised $5,000 for the Demazong Academy, a school for orphans in Sikkim in the Himalayas in India.

Anne has been interviewed on ABC local radio about the founding of Bardon Strings.

Anne Keenan’s love of music led to the creation of Bardon Strings. Learning to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as a child was her foundation for a life that continues to be inspired by teaching and performing. 

Anne has played in orchestras in Brisbane, Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast and has a special interest in Celtic music, having played fiddle and sung in Celtic bands.

Anne has over 30 years of rich teaching experience having run private teaching studios and has taught in both private and state schools. She is passionate about teaching strings, supporting students to master new skills and develop confidence whatever their level of ability. 

Anne studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music then went on to train as a Suzuki Violin specialist and State School Instrumental Music (Strings Teacher).  Anne also studied Arts Management at the Australian Institute of Music Sydney Opera House. 

Currently Anne is working as a strings teacher in state schools in Brisbane west and conducting Bardon Strings.

Bardon Strings rehearse every Thursday night during the school term at Lavalla Centre, 58 Fernberg Rd, Paddington.

For more information contact Anne Keenan at bardonstrings1@gmail.com

• On 2 June 2016 the first Bardon Strings rehearsal was held in Anne Keanan’s lounge room. By the second rehearsal they moved to a larger loungeroom.

• During term 3 of 2016 they moved to Ithaca Creek State School music room.

• They were then invited to rehearse at Magda Community Artz by Mervyn Langford after they performed at Folk at Magdas on 13 August 2016.

• They remained at Magda Community Artz until the end of June 2018 then moved their rehearsals to Birralee HQ, Bardon.

• In July 2021, they moved to the Lavalla Centre, Paddington, where they currently rehearse.

  Although our rehearsal venues have changed over the years one thing has remained a constant…our love of playing string instruments and our passion for sharing that with others.