What do you teach at the Con?
Drums and percussion
What genres do you teach?
Anything and everything! I focus on teaching the fundamentals of drums and rhythm in a way that they can be applied to any genre or musical situation. That being said, my favourite areas of specialty are Jazz, Funk, and improvised music.
What is it that you love about teaching music – particularly at Wollongong Conservatorium?
The Wollongong Con has a special place in my heart, as I grew up learning music here for nearly two decades. It is my absolute pleasure to return now as a teacher and pass on that musical torch. There’s a magical headspace we enter when learning something challenging on the drums – everything drops away except for the frustration of trying to coordinate four independent limbs, followed by the triumph of succeeding. Being able to share those breakthrough “aha!” moments with students is truly joyful.
Please share a particular career highlight and why it’s special to you.
During October of 2022, I was lucky to have the incredible experience of travelling to Vietnam and working with students from the National Academy of Music in Hanoi. It was an honour to exchange musical ideas, sharing Australian music and my own creative works, and learning about the traditional music of Vietnam in return. The fact that you can travel anywhere in the world, sit down in a room of strangers who speak a different language, and immediately connect through music is so special. As a teacher, being able to help others nurture this gift is something I really cherish.
What’s one piece of music that you’d recommend people listen to?
Sweethearts – Kristin Berardi, Sam Anning
