Life before Girton
I grew up in Melbourne, in the northeast suburb of Eltham. In 1992 I enrolled at the University of Melbourne to study music and then won an audition to join the RAAF Central Band as a professional musician. I travelled and performed extensively in this role throughout all states of Australia and overseas. In 1999 I completed my deferred tertiary course, Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours), and accepted a position with Orchestra Victoria. I also regularly performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, and recorded for various film, television, and major events, including the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2006 Commonwealth Games and many AFL Grand Finals. Throughout this time, I also taught at the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Victorian College of the Arts and Scotch College. In 2008 I completed my Graduate Diploma of Education and began working at Girton Grammar School to teach classroom and instrumental music in 2009.
What I Love about Teaching
I enjoy hearing the many stages of progression when a student learns an instrument, from a beginner who has discovered how to play their first note to a senior student mastering the crux from a concerto after hours of problem-solving. Then combining all those individual skills into an ensemble’s team-building environment, regardless of their respective standard of playing. Observing students make friends, share the joy of making music, and peer teach each other. The best way to be engaged in any activity is to share it with others.
What is the best thing about teaching at Girton?
At Girton Grammar, music plays such a big part in the life of many, and it is extremely well supported through all levels of school. Also, the collegiality of the staff, the respectful students and the encouraging wider Girton community make it an enjoyable workplace.
What do you like best about the subject/s you teach? / Why should a student choose your subject?
The benefits of learning an instrument are numerous and include:
- Students who play music learn there are rewards from hard work, practice and discipline.
- Playing a musical instrument helps develop students’ creative thinking and fine motor skills.
- Music helps students become active listeners and can enhance their health and wellbeing.
- Playing in an ensemble, working together, and developing negotiation skills are complex processes you must work through to build confidence.
- Students learn to embrace other cultures through their music.
- Students can also explore emotions through music, which may help them better understand who they are.
My favourite classroom activity
Live group performances from Year Nine elective music. For many, this can be the first time they have ever played their instrument in front of their peers and a live audience. The progression from Term One to Term Four is evident to the students. They witness their confidence grow as performers and always feel a sense of achievement.
Music is about communication, creativity and cooperation. These performances create opportunities to build on these skills, enrich their lives and see the world from a different perspective.
Describe the traits of a successful student in your subject or class.
Organised, active participants, curious, persistent, self-disciplined and positive attitudes.
What attributes of your own do you hope your students benefit from?
I hope my students share my enthusiasm for music. I was fortunate to attend a secondary school that valued music and opened many doors for my career and life. I still have the passion and discipline that was instilled in me from a young age.
Other Hats
I am the Head of Student Engagement, heavily invested in the Year 8 Outdoor Experience, MiC of Wind Symphony, and assist in Symphony Orchestra and Big Band.
What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
Spending time with my family, gardening, renovating, exercising, attending live performances and spectating all sports (but mostly visiting the MCG to barrack for Collingwood).
