In 1980, I graduated from the NSW Conservatorium of music with a Diploma in Music Education. This Diploma was a four-year teacher training course, my principal instrument being the piano, piano teachers Albert Landa and John Heming.
Following my music course I decided to extend my studies in the area of Jazz. In 1978 I studied Jazz Improvisation at the NSW Conservatorium of Music and in 1980, Jazz piano, Theory, Composition and Pedagogy with various prominent US Jazz educators. In 1981-1982 I studied Jazz piano with Chuck Yates, Sydney. In 1984 I attended many music festivals and performed in various clubs during a six-month tour of Europe and in 1992 I spent six weeks in New York studying teaching methods in Jazz Education.
In 1977 my career as a music teacher/professional musician commenced. My Dip.Mus.Ed qualifications and extra studies in the Jazz idiom have enabled me to teach a variety of musical styles in a number of different teaching settings. From 1977 to now I have taught the piano privately at home (Jazz, Classical inluding AMEB exams and Popular music styles). Our home teaching studio includes a Yamaha grand piano, keyboards and excellent recording facilities.
I have held piano teaching positions at Oakhill College, Yamaha Music School, Meriden School and Lane Cove Music and Cultural Centre.
I also have extensive experience teaching in a classroom situation. In 1985 to 1990 I was employed as a casual music/relief teacher with the ACT Ed. Dept. In 1991 to 1998 I was a music lecturer and accompanist (part-time) with the Canberra School of Music, Jazz Dept, ANU. My classes included Jazz Listening and Analysis, Ensemble and Concert Practice. In 2000 I was employed as a class music teacher (part-time) at Narrabundah College, ACT Ed. Dept. My classes included Keyboard, Guitar, Musicianship, Advanced Chamber Music and Jazz Theory and Performance. |