Year started at NECOM: 2016
Teacher of Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute & Piano
Ensembles: AYWE & Tilbuster Ensemble
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING AT NECOM?
What I love about teaching at NECOM is the variety of the programmes on offer for students and the wider community. Apart from high standard lessons with experienced teachers, there are always concerts, masterclasses, exams, ensembles and workshops available. When we lived in Sydney you could take part in these activities but you had to travel all over the city. To have all these things available in a regional town is amazing.
YOUR EARLIEST MUSICAL MEMORY IS
I didn’t start playing any musical instruments until high school. My first instrument was saxophone and I remember a school stage band performance of Funkytown at assembly. I thought this was the most exciting thing I had ever done! I loved being part of a group where we all made an important contribution. From saxophone I went on to play clarinet, flute, piano and drums.
WHAT IS ONE MEMORY THAT STANDS OUT AS A HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
The highlight of my career was being awarded the prestigious AMEB Teachers’ Shield Award in 2006. I love teaching and am very proud that my students get such good exam results and a love of music from my gentle and nurturing style of teaching. Many of my students don’t stop having lessons when they reach the end of school. They want music to be a permanent part of their lives which I think is very special.
IF YOU COULD ONLY KEEP ONE PIECE OF MUSIC IN YOUR COLLECTION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I am a big fan of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Their version of Gershwin’s “Oh, Lady, Be Good!” is one of my favourite pieces. It always makes me smile.