About Presenters & Topics
PANEL ROUND TABLE
About the Panelists Dr Oliver O’Reilly RMT Associate Lecturer, Music Therapy Western Sydney University Dr Oliver O’Reilly is a multi-instrumentalist, Registered music therapist, researcher, and Associate Lecturer in Creative Music Therapy at Western Sydney University. Oli has extensive therapeutic experience across the lifespan in medical, educational, residential and community settings. His performance and teaching experience spans a range of improvised and scored ensembles across various instruments and musical traditions. Oli’s research focuses on empowering musical flexibility and responsiveness for music therapists and other musicians. Martin Davison Founder & Director School Bands Australia | Group Learning, Individual Results Martin Davison is the Founder and Director of School Bands Australia and Co-Executive Director of the Band Together Foundation, where he leads initiatives that make instrumental music education accessible to over 1,700 students across Western Sydney. A professional saxophonist and music educator, he has recently been appointed as a Board Member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW. Martin is a strong advocate for the social, cognitive, and community benefits of music education, with a vision of developing educated listeners who become the future audiences for the arts. Dr Sue Carson Conservatorium Coordinator | Lecturer Music School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences | College of Human and Social Futures The University of Newcastle David Miller AM National Co-ordinator of the Australian Guild of Collaborative Pianists
MUSIC TEACHER MATTERS:
INNOVATE, LEAD, INSPIRE
To conclude the 2025 MTA Conference, Dr Oliver O’Reilly, Martin Davison, Dr Sue Carson, and David Miller AM will share their reflections on what it means to innovate, lead, and inspire as music teachers.
DR RITA CREWS OAM
With over 40 years experience teaching music at private and tertiary levels and an AMEB examiner since 1988, musicologist Dr Rita Crews OAM, is the Chief Examiner for AMEB Theory. She is a Patron of the MTA of NSW and former President as well as a former Deputy Chair of the AMEB [NSW] Board. Rita's biography appears in Who’s Who in NSW and Who's Who of Australian Women. She is the author of A Centenary Celebration, the AMEB 1918-2018 and co-author of A Musical Missionary: the Life and Music of Dulcie Holland and Breaking the Drought: Roy Agnew, Composer, Pianist Teacher as well as 100 Years - Music Teachers' Association of NSW 1912-2012. In 2014 Rita was given the great honour of being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for 'services to the Performing Arts as a music teacher, examiner and composer' and in 2015, the Distinguished Alumni Award of the University of New England.
ONLINE EXAMINATIONS: WHAT TEACHERS NEED TO KNOW
In this session, teachers will be able to view examples of what questions look like for various grades with a focus on what examiners are looking for and how questions are marked, particularly the creative and harmony questions. Some worked examples will be included together with examiner comments. A discussion of the various resources to use in preparing students will also be addressed. Finally, what a report looks like.
MARK MATTHEWS
Mark is from Wollongong on the NSW Leisure coast. As a Nationally recognised composer, his Piano composition ‘Emily’s Etude’ from AMEB PFL Grade 4, continues to be a favourite exam repertoire piece. He is prolific in composing with several hundred works to his name, in a style considered ‘modern classical’ with a hint of Chopinese, many are available on audio streaming services. He is the author of ‘BeRemarkable’, holds an Hons level Civil Engineering degree, is a radio broadcaster with ABC Illawarra, Saturday Breakfast and is known for delivering technical pedagogy in a concise, usable and entertaining manner. Mark is Father to 2 daughters and Grancha of 6 grandchildren.
BLUES... IT'S AS EASY AS ABC!
(I’ve got the blues…but I’m happy ‘bout it!’)
You’ve wanted to teach the blues, but don’t quite know where to start?, or need inspiration to continue? The composer of ‘Emily’s Etude’ unlocks both basic and advanced features of composing blues pieces and teaching improvisation too. He utilises his blues series The ABC of Blues 1 & 2 , (Published through Wirripang,) which study blues on all 7 white key positions. You’ll be set to play and teach the blues in one 30 minute session.
DR ISABELLA MAZZAROLO
Dr Isabella Mazzarolo is an Associate Lecturer at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. She is a classical pianist and piano tutor with a PhD in Performance Science from the University of New South Wales, where she was awarded the Scientia PhD Scholarship. Her research focuses on musicians’ health and well-being, with particular interest in performance anxiety and how educators can support students in managing it. Her academic work has been presented at leading international conferences, including the Occupational Health in Music Global Summit, the Performing Arts Medicine Association, and the International Symposium on Performance Science. Committed to bridging the gap between research and practice, Isabella has delivered workshops for organisations such as the Voice Study Centre, Musica Viva Australia, the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW, and Orange Regional Conservatorium. Alongside her academic work, Isabella led the delivery of nationally recognised education programs as Education Manager (NSW, NT & TAS) at Musica Viva Australia and has been involved in philanthropic work with Sydney Youth Orchestras. Drawing on her experience in teaching, performance, research, and arts management, she is committed to supporting musicians to develop – whether on stage, in the studio, or beyond – while sustaining healthy creative lives.
NAVIGATING PERFORMANCE ANXIETY IN THE TEACHING STUDIO
This interactive session equips teachers with practical Strategies to support students’ performance anxiety. Participants will explore their role in fostering healthy practices, identify training gaps, and gain tools for addressing negative self-talk and creating safe, supporting learning environments. Outline: Part 1: The Role of the Studio Teacher *Activity: mapping teacher roles *Roles in relation to occupational health (updates from my work with the Oxford Handbook of Musicians’ Health) Part 2: Training and Gaps *Check-in activity re: roles discussed above *Research insights into teachers’ beliefs about training Part 3: Practical Strategies for the Studio *Addressing negative self-talk *Cognitive restructuring *Acceptance *Upskilling as a studio teacher Part 4: Conclusion *Wrap-up and key takeaways *Questions
ALEX SOLO (SPRINT LAW)
Alex Solo is the Co-Founder and Principal Lawyer of Sprintlaw, one of Australia's fastest-growing online law firms for small businesses. Alex specialises in commercial and technology law and was named as one of APAC’s Most Influential Lawyers by Australasian Lawyer in 2022. Sprintlaw launched in the UK in 2020 and recently won Alternative Legal Provider of the Year at the 2024 British Legal Awards.
BUSINESS LEGALS 101
Legal Essentials for Music Education Businesses. In this practical session, Alex Solo (lawyer and co-founder of online law firm Sprintlaw) will walk through the key legal areas every music teacher and small business owner should know about - plus answer your questions in a live Q&A. We’ll cover topics like: • Setting up your business: sole trader vs company • Contracts and terms with students, collaborators, and platforms • Protecting your content: trademarks, copyright & licensing • Hiring support: employees, casuals, interns or contractors • Managing money: getting paid, dealing with late payments & more
DR BRETT MCKERN
Dr Brett McKern is a composer, conductor, organist, and academic. He holds degrees in music, education, theology and two doctorates in musical composition. Brett maintains an international career as a composer and organist; and has taught at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. He currently examines for the AMEB and consults on music and music education. Brett also maintains his own teaching studio, and former organ, music theory and composition students have gone on to read music at university, and a number are now professional musicians
INCORPORATING COMPOSING INTO YOUR PRACTICAL TEACHING
This session will discuss techniques for introducing and including the teaching of composition in the instrumental studio lesson. It will highlight the symbiotic relationship between composition, performing, aural, and music theory skills. The session will conclude with the adjudication of the 2025 Composition Competition.
RACHEL COX
Rachel M. Cox (they/them) is a PhD Candidate at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Under the supervision of Professor Emerita Kathryn Marsh & Dr. Jadey O’Regan, Rachel’s doctoral research is focused on the development of a musical multiliteracies approach to popular music pedagogy for young children. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental & Vocal Teaching as well as Licentiate Diplomas in Piano Teaching and Vocal Teaching from the Australian Guild of Music Education, where they were the recipient of the Dean’s Medal. They have over a decade of experience as a private tutor in piano, voice, and early childhood music. In addition to running a private studio, Rachel currently teaches K-2 classroom music at Nillo Infants School, and has tutored music education for early childhood & primary teachers at the University of Newcastle. Rachel has had research published in the Australian Journal of Music Education and has presented at the Kodály Australia National Conference. Rachel maintains an active performance career in popular music as a vocalist, keyboardist and DJ.
TEACHING POPULAR MUSIC AUTHENTICALLY
Specifically aimed at teachers with a classical background and/or limited experience with popular music, this session will provide practical tips for teachers to incorporate popular music using authentic & evidence-based pedagogy. Learn how to use aural-oral teaching, multimodal & non-traditional notations, informal/non-formal learning, and songwriting & arranging to engage students and deepen your understanding of popular music.
JUSTIN MCKEE
Justin McKe, MJ Music Training, has over 20 years of experience teaching music in his private studio and schools across the UK and Australia. Specializing in working with neurodivergent learners, he is passionate about equipping music teachers with tools to create inclusive environments, ensuring every student experiences the joy and growth of learning an instrument.
TEACHING NEURODIVERGENT LEARNERS
Music teachers attending this session will gain an overview of the fundamentals for setting their neurodivergent learners and themselves up for success.
DR JEANELL CARRIGAN AM
Dr Jeanell Carrigan is an Associate Professor in the Collaborative Piano Unit at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has performed throughout Australia and Europe as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborative duo partner. In April 2025, she released her thirty-sixth CD of solo Australian piano and chamber works. Her publications include several books: Post-1970 Australian Piano Music (1997); Australian Piano Music of the last Twenty -Five Years (2006); Composing Against the Tide (2016); A Musical Missionary. The Life and Music of Dulcie Holland (2020), (co-authored with Dr. Rita Crews OAM); Australian Piano Music 1850-1950. A Guide to the Composers and Repertoire (2021); The Music of Meta Overman. Queen of Colour and Fantasy (2021); Breaking the Drought. Roy Agnew: Composer, Pianist, Teacher (co-authored with Dr. Rita Crews OAM), (2022); Amayzing May. The Life and Work of May Howlett (2024); A National Treasure. The Life and Achievements of Larry Sitsky (2024) and over ninety volumes of piano and chamber music written by Australian composers published by Wirripang, Australia.
HSC AUSTRALIAN PIANO REPERTOIRE: EXPLORING NEW SOUNDS
The presentation will be a practical demonstration and lecture-recital exploring a diverse range of Australian piano works with Associate Professor Dr. Jeanell Carrigan. Discover piano works that meet the requirements for the NSW HSC while expanding your knowledge of contemporary Australian music and composers. Whether you are looking for the perfect exam piece for a student or a teacher refreshing your repertoire knowledge, this is a unique opportunity to explore the rich world of new Australian piano music.
PAUL MATTHEWS
Paul is an Australian teacher, consultant, and TEDx speaker who is dedicated to partnering with schools to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence. Paul is passionate about providing robust philosophy, wise principles, and actionable practices to help schools thrive in a world infused with AI. He is the author of two books, A Time to Lead, and Artificial Intelligence - Real Literacy, and, as well as teaching at Calvin Christian School, serves as a fellow for the Baylor Centre for School Leadership.
THE PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES OF WISE AI USE
What are the basic ideas we need to understand to use AI wisely? How can we use AI to welcome our learners into rich learning? In this session, Paul Matthews will explore the principles of best practice AI use for schools and drill down into practical examples of how teachers can use AI to benefit their learners. By the end of this session, participants will understand the 10 key principles of AI use and have 5 evidence-based practices they can use AI to perform.
DR SUE CARSON
Dr Sue Carson is a classically trained multi-genre singer and instrumentalist (violin, mandolin and guitar) who has performed as a professional musician for over 37 years in genres including opera, musical theatre, pop, rock, country, folk, soul, bluegrass, and jazz. Sue is Coordinator of the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, lectures in music and was admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music in April 2024. Her diverse career includes performances at national, regional or festival venues and her breadth of roles include Mozart’s “Queen of the Night” in The Magic Flute, Strauss’s “Rosalinde” in Die Fledermaus, “Cunegonde” in Bernstein’s Candide, “Mrs Lovett” in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd and “Margaret White” in Carrie the Musical. Sue has worked extensively as a session fiddle player and vocalist with Australia’s elite country stars such as Troy Cassar-Daley, The McClymonts, Sara Storer, Beccy Cole, and The Bushwackers. Sue has toured extensively as member of Golden-Guitar nominated award-winning Bob Corbett and the Roo Grass Band. Sue maintains an active performance, songwriting and research (in music performance, education and wellbeing) portfolio.
VOCAL MASTERCLASS
Teaching singing is inherently rewarding but can have many challenges for educators working in the current music education and industry sectors. Teachers require an understanding of a breadth of approaches and adaptability in a variety of voice class scenarios to best cater to the needs of students with diverse tastes, aspirations, accessibility and abilities. This presentation will address commonly encountered issues for singing students in secondary and tertiary age groups, ways to engage them and improve vocal outcomes. It will include a combination of current research findings, practical tips and the opportunity to workshop strategies with the session participants.
FABRICIO MASSON
Fabricio Masson is an experienced digital marketing strategist and educator. His broader expertise spans digital strategy, website projects, paid advertising, social media, CRM and email marketing. As Head of Growth at Fassa Digital Marketing & Creative, Fabricio works closely with clients to turn strategy into action. He also lectures in Marketing and Digital Marketing at Western Sydney University and La Trobe University.
BUILD YOUR MUSIC STUDIO ONLINE PRESENCE
In this session, Fabricio will guide music teachers through key strategies to build a strong online presence — covering from website essentials to effective digital marketing strategies. Expect practical tips on how to attract students, grow your brand and make digital tools work for your teaching business.
DR LULIU
Dr LIU Lu 刘璐 (also known as Lulu LIU) is a China-trained pipa performer and Australia-trained scholar who received her PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Sydney in 2019. She has published ethnomusicological research investigating intercultural music engagement while continuing to perform new pipa works by contemporary Australian composers. She is a senior lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM), as Unit of Study Coordinator for the Bachelor of Music (Performance) stream and Discipline Leader of the Intercultural Music stream, Dr. Liu combines deep expertise in traditional Chinese music with extensive experience in curriculum management and mentoring junior staff. Her leadership as Senior Advisor for the SCM Chinese Music Strategy has fostered international collaborations, including facilitating visits to ten major Chinese conservatories, strengthening institutional ties and enabling cross-cultural exchange. Lulu also teaches pipa principal study undergraduate and postgraduate students and supervise HDR students. She also led the SCM’s Chinese Music Ensemble as the artistic director since 2019, expand the students cohort from 12 students to 300 students to date.
BRINGING US TOGETHER: BROADENING AUSTRALIA'S SOUNDSCAPE
How performance, identity, and cultural context shape the role of non-Western instruments in Australia’s soundscape. Drawing from personal experience, research, and collaborative practice, Dr. Liu Lu (Lulu) offers insight into intercultural music education and performance, challenging traditional boundaries and inspiring inclusive approaches in teaching and curriculum design.
PAUL MYATT
Paul is a passionate music teacher, performer, author, composer and workshop facilitator. His purpose in life is to continue learning and help teachers develop skills to achieve their goals through education, business and technology. He has been teaching for over 30 years and has had hundreds of students achieve very high exam results. Paul, along with Gillian Erskine, co-founded Forte School of Music, Piano Teaching Success, and Whole Body Learning (WBL), serving teachers and students worldwide. WBL is based on the educational ideas and concepts of Orff, Dalcroze and Kodály. Paul holds an M.Ed. and is currently on a PhD journey focusing on Cognitive Neuroscience and Sensory Motor Integration within Piano Pedagogy.
SUCCESS WITH GROUP LESSONS: THE TOP 3 MUST-HAVES
Discover the three essential elements that keep students engaged in group lessons for the long term. Learn how to increase retention, develop music skills, and inspire lifelong learners through teaching strategies that support parent engagement, aural skills, and structured playing. Includes practical tools, downloads, and real-world teaching examples.
DR ROB WOODWARD
“Rob Woodward is one of those musicians who gets things done.” (The Studio, 2014). Dr. Robert Woodward is a versatile saxophonist, flautist, clarinettist, arranger, producer, and educator, equally at ease in classical, jazz, and popular music settings. A former lead saxophonist with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, Rob trained at the Royal Northern College of Music before relocating to Australia in 2008. Since then, he has enjoyed a dynamic and wide-ranging career, performing with artists such as Ricki-Lee, Todd McKenney, Mark Vincent, and Human Nature. His work also includes concerto appearances with orchestras across Australia and arranging music for several prominent Sydney-based tribute shows. Rob’s 2013 album featuring new Australian saxophone works continues to receive regular airplay on ABC Radio and Radio Arts Indonesia. Career highlights include serving as musical director for the 2019 ACE (Australian Club Entertainment) Awards, performing with Andrew O’Keefe at the State Theatre, and touring nationally with the “Hits of the Crooners” show, celebrating the timeless classics of the Great American Songbook. He has lectured at Central Queensland University, Western Sydney University and the Australian Institute of Music. He presently coaches ensembles and teaches clarinet and saxophone at MLC Sydney and Ravenswood.
TEACHING JAZZ
In this session, we will explore various ways to incorporate elements of jazz and improvisation into instrumental teaching across all melodic instruments. We’ll discuss theoretical foundations, performance styles, and practical approaches for introducing students to improvisation in a supportive, confidence-building environment. The session will also examine the strengths of different teaching methods and highlight useful literature and resources that can be integrated into your lessons.
JOANNE BURROWS
BA, Dip. Teach, ATCL, LTCL, AMusA, Cert IV Assessment & Training, M.Ed. Joanne completed a Bachelor of Arts (Music), a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Queensland University), an A.Mus.A in Piano (A.M.E.B.), A.T.C.L., L.T.C.L., diplomas through Trinity College London (1988, 1989, 1990) and a Masters of Education (Central Queensland University, 2020). She has over thirty years of teaching in the studio and class-room, including HSC music, and is Head of Piano at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music and a Wirripang composer. She is currently studying a creative practice PhD, through Central Queensland University, which explores piano repertoire for adolescent beginners aged 12-17.
ENGAGING AND INSPIRING STUDENTS TO PRACTICE REGULARLY IN A BUSY WORLD!
More than 100 ways explores repertoire, creative ways to teach, and resources relevant to students of all ages and stages. This hands-on session offers a variety of approaches and repertoire categories useful in facilitating student learning, memorisation skills, aural acuity, music reading skills, and the cultivation of effective, efficient practice. More than 100 ways (Joanne Burrows, Wirripang) Practicing an instrument can feel like a chore compared to gaming, social-media, sport, dance or ‘hanging out’ with friends. Additionally, family culture, extra-curricular commitments and peer influence impact the student’s learning and motivation to practice. Repertoire choice and teaching strategies become pivotal if the music teacher is to engage and inspire their students to practice regularly, efficiently and effectively. This workshop explores several creative teaching approaches, new ideas, repertoire, and resources that can be used with students of all ages and stages. More than 100 ways offers the teacher a variety of techniques, musical motifs, and repertoire categories that can be used to facilitate student learning, develop memorisation skills, improve aural acuity, advance music reading skills, and cultivate effective and efficient practice.
DAVID MILLER AM
David Miller AM is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading collaborative pianists, chamber musicians and educators. He studied in Australia with Max Olding and Alexander Sverjensky and with the Austrian accompanist Paul Hamburger in London. During his forty years on staff at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he established the collaborative piano program that introduced an innovative and comprehensive programme of study for students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. He also chaired the Ensemble Studies Unit that actively promoted a wide variety of performance opportunities for student chamber ensembles and was instrumental in setting up the Geoffrey Parsons Australian Scholarship and other awards to support young collaborative pianists and repetiteurs in the development and promotion of their careers. In the Queen's Birthday 1995 Honours List he was appointed a member of the Order of Australia for his service to music. David’s studio has produced many fine collaborative pianists, who have established highly successful reputations in Australia and around the world. He conducts masterclasses and lectures for universities, conservatoriums, music organisations and music conferences throughout Australia and Asia. In his role as National Co-ordinator of the Australian Guild of Collaborative Pianists, he continues to be highly active in the promotion of collaborative piano as an independent art form worthy of professional recognition and academic research. Photo Credit: Robert Catto
COLLABORATIVE PIANO AND PROFESSIONAL PARTNER
This “open rehearsal” session will expose the inner workings of the collaborative process as it applies to musical rehearsal and performance. Our aim is to illustrate how two musicians can establish an equal partnership that respects and fulfills the composer’s underlying intentions as they are revealed in the musical score. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues such as tonal balance, rhythmic interaction, structural awareness, stylistic veracity and interpretive flexibility. There will be an opportunity for discussion and comment at the end of the session.
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FLUTIST, JAMES KORTUM
JAMES KORTUM is currently Lecturer in Flute at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Originally from the United States, James came to Australia in 1977 to become Principal Flute with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Subsequently he has been Principal Flute with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and Second Flute with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has also been Principal flute with the Hunter Sinfonia, Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra, Pacific Opera Orchestra and Also Guest Principal Flute with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (New Zealand). Prior to his current appointment at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, James was Lecturer in Flute at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music for eight years. While at Newcastle University, James completed a Masters of Arts (Music) degree in 2005. He wrote the flute text The Purposeful Flautist: Technique to Interpretation. In 2014 James, along with Andrew Macleod, Principal Piccolo of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have created The Complete Flute course for advanced flautists in Macedon, Victoria. James teaches classes at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Australian Institute of Music. He has also given classes in Buonconvento, Italy, the Australian Flute Festival (2013, 2015) and Rice University, Shepherd School of Music (Houston, Texas).
COLLABORATIVE PIANO AND PROFESSIONAL PARTNER
This “open rehearsal” session will expose the inner workings of the collaborative process as it applies to musical rehearsal and performance. Our aim is to illustrate how two musicians can establish an equal partnership that respects and fulfills the composer’s underlying intentions as they are revealed in the musical score. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues such as tonal balance, rhythmic interaction, structural awareness, stylistic veracity and interpretive flexibility. There will be an opportunity for discussion and comment at the end of the session.
MERYL JACKSON-KEW OAM
Meryl is a professional music educator, conductor of choirs and orchestras, composer, music therapist and music examiner. She also holds Certificate III in Media and Live Entertainment, Cert IV in Training and Assessment and Teaching Certificate (Yamaha), Teaching Certificate (Kodaly). Meryl has been the Music Director of the Illawarra Choral Society since 2008 and Music Director of many music theatre productions. Meryl has over 40 years experience teaching Early Childhood Music, Wollongong Conservatorium, Keiraville Pre-School, Southern Highlands), Secondary Music (Heathcote High, Figtree High, St Marys College) and in Tertiary Music Education(UOW) as well as her private studio teaching. Since 1994, Meryl has organised and co-ordinated HSC Music workshops, publishing study/skill booklets and CDs for all Music 1 and Music 2 students attending the workshops. Meryl has 20 years experience as an HSC marker for Music 1, Music 2 and Extension Candidates. Although retired from Marking, Meryl holds many workshops for teachers and students and is widely sought after as a examiner for HSC Trial exams across metropolitan and regional schools. From her many years in Senior Music education, Meryl noticed a lack of resource material based on Topics for senior music students. Hence, as a co-author with Aleksandar Vujic, has recently released her 11th published textbook, through Wiiripang Publications. Recognition for Meryl’s work in Education, has resulted in her being awarded with two awards for Excellence in Teaching, a production team award From The National Trust for the musical Quarry (Music Direction and Orchestration) and an Order of Australia Medal in the 2016 Queens Birthday Honours.
A SIGHT-READING ODYSSEY- A SIGHT-READING & SIGHT-SINGING APPROACH FOR ALL STUDENTS
In this session, we will look at and discuss the various approaches to sight reading and sight singing – commencing with music in Early Childhood through to HSC and Diploma level for all instruments and voice. It will include reading pitch diagrams, analysis of pitch contours, use of sol-fa and the practical reading and singing of intervals and phrases.
KAREN CAREY OAM
Karen Carey OAM is a distinguished music educator renowned for her extensive contributions to secondary education and music in Australia. Her career spans several decades, during which she has held pivotal roles in various educational institutions. Karen began her teaching journey in 1970 at Cessnock High School, followed by positions at Toronto High School (1971-1975), Baulkham Hills High School (1976-1979), Girraween High School (1980-1981), and Marsden High School (1982-1988). In 1989, she became the Director of Music at MLC School Burwood, a role she held until 2012. During this time, Karen was the subject of the award-winning documentary “Mrs. Carey's Concert" which gave an account of the preparation for the MLC biennial Operation Concert. She later served as Artistic Director at Santa Sabina College from 2014 to 2018 and continues her association with the college as Artistic Director Emerita. In recognition of her service to secondary education, Karen was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2020 Australia Day Honours. Beyond her teaching roles, Karen has been actively involved in the music community. She has also engaged in collaborations with notable performers and composers, enriching the musical experiences of her students and audiences alike. Karen Carey's enduring dedication to music education has left a lasting impact on the Australian music landscape, inspiring countless students and educators through her commitment and passion.
THE SCHOOL CONNECTION: HOW MTANSW CAN CHAMPION CLASSROOM MUSIC
This panel, Karen Carey OAM, Max Holzner, Susan Sukkar, will explore how MTA can become a stronger advocate for equitable access to music across NSW; how our inclusive representation of classroom teachers helps build a profession that delivers lasting cultural and educational benefits for all students and communities.
ARJUN KATTHIK
Arjun has been a coach, teacher and student for 10+ years across sports, arts and education. Having realised that there’s a lot of admin work in being a teacher, he spoke to over 50 other teachers to see if it was just him (and it wasn’t). Set to find a better way, Arjun partnered with the VMTA, University of Melbourne and Monash University to build Outcoach – an ‘all-in-one’ platform for music teachers to save time on admin and increase parent engagement. Using AI and other modern tech, Outcoach focuses on music learning development while automating scheduling/billing to make lives easy. Currently supporting over 3500 teachers, parents and students, Arjun wants to give others the music learning experience he wishes he had growing up!
MUSIC SCHOOLS: CREATING "STUDENTS FOR LIFE" WITH NEXT-GEN TECH
The world is changing fast. How can we leverage new technologies in music education to improve learning development and support student retention? What if we could do all this while having our admin automated? Join us as we explore the next generation of music teaching to make our lives that much easier.
PROF PETER TREGEAR OAM
Professor Peter Tregear OAM is a leading Australian musician, conductor, and academic, recognised for his contributions to performance, scholarship, and arts advocacy. He undertook his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, where he later served as a Fellow and Lecturer in Music, before returning to Australia to hold senior academic and leadership positions across the tertiary sector. Peter has worked extensively in Australia and Europe as a conductor and singer in opera, choral, and orchestral settings, and is widely respected for his ability to bridge scholarship and practice. He writes regularly on music and cultural policy for The Conversation, Limelight, and the Australian Book Review, contributing thoughtful commentary on the role of the arts in public life. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music education, to choral and orchestral performance, and to professional societies - a recognition reflecting his enduring commitment to advancing the place of music in Australian cultural and educational life.
MAKING MUSICAL SENSE (AND SENSIBILITY) IN THE AGE OF AI
Attendees can expect Professor Peter Tregear OAM to deliver a keynote that critically examines the current position and ambitions of the MTANSW. He will explore the evolving role and necessity of professional bodies for music teachers in a contemporary cultural landscape. His speech will offer thoughtful insights into how organisations like the MTANSW can best articulate the value and meaning of music education now and in the future.