Adult Recorder Group Lessons

Recorder Festival inspires adult group lessons and new all-ages ensemble.

Music teacher Mel Wishart has recently returned from attending her first Orpheus Recorder Festival in Armidale last January which she described as “a total immersion into the world of recorders.”

“It was my first time there, I made some great connections and had a wonderful time. It was 4 hours of tutoring a day and then performances in the evening. Everyone was nice – even the cranky people.” Mel joked.

Mel, who teaches recorder, clarinet and saxophone at WollCon, also purchased a new Kung Treble recorder to use and teach with at her music classes.

“I also totally fell in love with the giant Paetzold square recorders which have ergonomic key design so that limited hand action or smaller hands can play the great bass end of recorders. They were amazing to look at and listen to.”

Mel Wishart

Music Teacher, WollCon

Mel Wishart

Being at the recorder festival allowed Mel access to incredible world class performers sharing their knowledge, and performances in a relaxed setting. 

“I was personally tutored by the great Anna Stegman, Joris Van Goethem, Jo Arnott, Robyn Mellor and the irrepressible Kimberley Scriven. I had a ball and I learned so many little techniques and  ‘tricks of the trade’ that I will definitely use in my classes.”

Mel is now starting an adult recorder group called the Recorder Revellers on Wednesdays from 6:30pm at WollCon (45 min. lessons capped at 8 people) and if there’s interest, a beginners all-age ensemble at 5.45pm (TBC).

While some basic recorder knowledge is preferred it is not an essential requirement.

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.