What do you teach at the Con?
I teach the violin and viola and assist running the Llewellyn string ensemble.
What genres do you teach?
Classical and some other genres such as folk, Irish fiddle, popular, country etc.
What is it that you love about teaching music – particularly at Wollongong Conservatorium?
Passing on knowledge and love of music to the next generation is the most important thing a musician can do and I love working with our young enthusiastic string players – they are constantly inspirational. The beautiful surrounds of the Conservatorium are the perfect backdrop to the great work that the students and staff achieve.
Please share a particular career highlight and why it’s special to you.
Early in my career I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Australia’s highly esteemed and inspiring music educator Richard Gill – an experience which I still draw on in my teaching. Another highlight was supporting Scottish group “Capercaille” on their international tour – playing with and learning from world class musicians is knowledge you have for life.
What’s one piece of music that you’d recommend people listen to?
An almost impossible answer as there is so much music I love but at the moment I am really enjoying listening to violinist Alistar Fraser and cellist Natanlie Haas perform their beautiful Celtic arrangements in the album Highlander’s Farewell. And of course who cannot love watching the 2Cellos.
