Alumni Profile: Lucy Clifford

It’s all about the Bass for Lucy…

Introducing WollCon Alumna Lucy Clifford, a Bass Player and Educator, who is using her own experience as a young female jazz student and musician to create an e-learning platform called the ‘Sisters Of Sound’. It’s a long way from when she first began at WollCon as a nervous young musician who would often shy away from performing.

“The Wollongong Conservatorium of Music was where I was first inspired, challenged and driven towards the possibility of pursuing a career in music. It’s where my love for bass and jazz first developed into a pretty fiery passion, and so much of that has to do with Eric Dunan and his jazz program.”

Lucy was involved in the jazz ensemble and small jazz combos during 2007 through to 2009, and took instrumental lessons with Mike Majkowski and Abel Cross.

“I describe Mike and Abel as my bass heroes, both have shaped my playing immensely.”

She remembers her time at WollCon as one which involved an entire spectrum of feelings from joy, happiness, hysterical laughter and pride, to curiosity, nervousness and mustering up enough courage to perform as one of the very few female instrumentalists at that time.

“WollCon really was my first source for music exploration and inspiration. But it was Eric Dunan and his enthusiasm and passion for his students that really guided me. It is his support for each and every student that allows them to follow and nurture their passion for music. He has most certainly done that for me throughout every step of my musical endeavour.”

After completing high school locally, Lucy studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (Bachelor in Jazz performance), and studied at Berklee College of Music in USA, where she completed a Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Writing and Production.

“Both were incredibly valuable, yet very different experiences. At the time, I remember feeling that I didn’t utilise my time at Sydney Con (and the wonderful things it has to offer) to its full potential, mainly because I was quite nervous about it all, and so my decision to continue studying, learning and playing was fueled by that desire to keep trying and to overcome that fear. I’m so grateful I did, because that opportunity to study overseas in Berklee unlocked some of those anxious feelings and introduced me to music, mentors and people from all across the globe that have taught me so much. It also kickstarted my career abroad which resulted in living in the US for the last 7 years, both in Boston and New York City.”

Lucy has played with some impressive musicians across the globe including: Portuguese Fado singer ‘Mariza’ during her USA 2017 tour, was involved in recordings and performances for Latin Grammy Award winning ‘Nella’ and producer Javier Limon, BB. Kings Blues Club performances, Reggae artist ‘Mighty Mystic’ in NYC, songwriter ‘Amy Allen’, as well as pianist ‘Maher Beauroy’ at the Martinique Jazz Festival (pictured below).

“Closer to home, I’ve loved playing alongside Aussie hip hop artist ‘Urthboy’ throughout 2020 and 2021.”

An educational highlight for Lucy is being able to revisit Berklee College of Music as a bass faculty member for Victor Wooten’s Groove School (2017 – 2019).

With Covid bringing Lucy back to Australia, 2020-21 has been dedicated to completing her Masters of Teaching, something she feels very strongly about.

“One of my aims is to encourage and support young women to be involved with music, and promote it as a possible career path. With the help of my closest musical pals Freyja Garbett and Jodie Michael (and the music community south of Sydney), I have been working on a program and e-learning platform ‘Sisters Of Sound’, which will provide educational workshops and classes for young women in music.”

Currently in the process of recruiting students for lessons, bands, specialty workshops and community based events the ‘Sisters of Sound’ is hoped to be operating by early 2022.

“There’s lots more to come with this so keep your eyes peeled.” Said Lucy.

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.