What is your role at QACI, and what subjects do you teach?
My role at QACI is Instrumental Music Teacher-Brass, Woodwind and Percussion. I also direct the Wind Ensemble and Big Band.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and what do you love most about working in the IB program?
I remember starting private music teaching when I was in high school and loved it. I didn’t make the decision to become a teacher however until I was nearly finished my Bachelor of Music at UQ. While I love performing and have performed around the world playing clarinet in Orchestras and Wind Ensembles, my passion is teaching.
How do you bring real-world connections into your teaching? Any exciting collaborations or projects?
While the program here at QACI is finding its feet, out priority is establishing regular lessons and rehearsal for students. We recently competed in our first FANFARE competition and received a fantastic adjudication from an absolute legend in the IM world, Dr Ralph Hultgren. This is now just the beginning of QACI’s presence in the wider community. We plan over the coming years to perform more in the community, compete in festivals and competitions and collaborate with other schools and tertiary institutions.
Can you share a memorable teaching moment or student success story?
Some of my students have gone on to become IM teachers themselves, and I have had the privilege of workshopping my bands with their bands which is awesome….makes me feel old but its still amazing to see the impact you’ve had on your students! Other students have gone on to become regular performers in community ensembles, or their own bands, while some study other degrees at Uni but play in University ensembles. I even now teach the children of those I have taught!
Do you have any interesting career highlights, achievements, or passions outside of teaching?
Not only have I experienced the buzz of an audience’s applause and played at the Opera House and even the recording studios at Disneyland, I have also gone on to teach at a tertiary level. But the highlight of each week is beginner band in year 4! Working between the Gold Coast and Brisbane keeps me busy enough but I am also a proud and crazy ‘Schnauzer’ mum and love seeing live music of any genre. In the last 6 months I’ve seen Missy Higgins, Jelly Roll, Lenny Kravitz, Lime Cordiale with QSO, Queensland Ballet, Split Enz and Ed Sheeran…..very eclectic! And then some yoga to destress!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give students for their future?
One piece of advice I would give my students is to remain active participants in the musical world, regardless of whether they continue playing themselves. Continue seeking out live music, supporting artists and ensembles across all genres and recognise the value music brings to individuals and communities.
Which IB Learner Profile resonates with you the most, and why?
As a musician, being a thinker is of utmost importance, with my motto in rehearsal being ‘Don’t just play, think and play!’ However, Open Minded and Caring are probably the strongest overall fit for my philosophy, as I focus on lifelong appreciation and advocacy for music education while understanding the social and emotional impact music has on individuals.