Our story

Pizzicato Effect

Pizzicato Effect was founded by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 2009 and continued under their care until 2023. In early 2024, MSO was unable to continue supporting the program. In order to continue delivering their program, Pizzicato Effect became an independent organisation, with support from Piano Project, a Melbourne charity that supported projects that improve access to musical education.

Piano Project

Piano Project was founded in 2015. The orginal focus was to provide piano lessons for children newly arrived in Australia, to offer them a musical welcome. Many of the children supported had come to Australia as refugees. Later, the charity broadened its scope, to support any project that improved access to musical education.

 Joining forces

In 2026, Pizzicato Effect and Piano Project joined forces to focus together on supporting the Pizzicato Effect community music program.