People

John Kellaway

As an organist, composer and choral director, Philip has performed in some of the world's most revered places of worship, including Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral in London and Notre Dame in Paris. But one of his passions is developing a repertoire of liturgical music that is uniquely Australian... read more about Dr Philip Matthias.

Jazz, popular and contemporary

Graduate of Sydney Conservatorium of music's jazz course and currently completing a Bachelor of Jazz degree at same institution, Daryl is a highly respected musician within both the local and national musical communities.

Taking all levels on vocal and piano from beginner to advanced, jazz harmony and improvisation a speciality.

Piano, Music Craft, Keyboard Classes

Classical and contemporary

Janina studied at The University of Newcastle, completing a Certificate of Teaching in 1981 and a Diploma of the State Conservatorium of Music in 1982. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at The University of New England in 1989, and her Master of Arts at the University of Newcastle in 2003.

Janina is the author of publications Music Theory is Fun and Musical Instruments.

Christopher Bearman is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music (London) he has 20 years experience as a professional violinist in London playing with many of the nation's leading ensembles, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra. From 1999 to 2011 he held the position of Director at the Central Coast Conservatorium based in Gosford. In 2010 Chris was awarded the Order of Australia for his contribution to music education and performance across the Central Coast region.

PhD (Music Education & Pedagogy)
M. Phil (Cello Pedagogy)
B.A. (Creative/Music)
A. Mus A. with Distinction (Cello)
B.Sc. Psych (Hons)

Dr Berry has over 35 years experience in teaching the cello and was an Examiner with AMEB QLD from 1999-2009.  She earned her PhD and MPhil for research into Cello Pedagogy.   

Anne performs regularly as a member of Newcastle's Christchurch Camerata, Lake Macquarie Orchestra, Pacific Palm Court Orchestra and other groups.  Cello music Reviewer for Stringendo.

All periods of classical organ music

I love teaching the organ - the "King of Instruments"- and have one of the largest organ teaching programs in Australia. I've had many years experience teaching organ in the Hunter area and overseas. For the past five years I have pioneered the Suzuki approach to teaching organ to young children. The organ is the most fascinating and interesting instrument ever created for children (and adults too!) Last year my students went on a European Organ Study Tour and in September 2014 we are planning an extensive concert tour of the USA.

B. Mus, A. Mus A

Classical, music theatre and contemporary

Kathryn Dries

After completing a Bachelor of Music in 1998, Kathryn went on to win various singing awards throughout NSW. Since then Kathryn has entertained throughout the Hunter region, especially in Newcastle theatre for several years where she performed various soprano roles. Kathryn is also music director of Port Stephens Choral Ensemble. Kathryn is a passionate voice coach/piano teacher to more than 20 students.

LMusA, BA, B Mus (Hons), Grad Dip Ed.

Classical

Katie studied at the Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne University from 1997 to 2001 and gained a Bachelor of Music (Performance) with Honours. She has performed with the University Orchestra and Chamber groups, winning several prizes for performance. She has been a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra, completing a tour of Europe. Katie has a Graduate Diploma of Education and has taught in high schools and privately for more than ten years.

 Violin

Classical and chamber music

Sohyun is a musician with international playing experience and regularly performs around Australia. She has recorded two CD albums, written a book, and holds three University degrees including her Ph.D., awarded in 2007. Sohyun has over 15 years experience in teaching violin to students – from beginners to tertiary level. Several have gained AMusA and LMusA diplomas. More information at sohyuneastham.com.

Drum Kit/ Percussion

Contemporary, jazz and classical

Adam completed his Bachelor of Music with Honours in 2003 at Newcastle University. Adam performs professionally with artists such as John Paul Young, Andy Firth, Bruce Mathiske, and many others. In 2010, Adam directed the Nudgee College Drum Line to victory at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod. Adam has also published papers on electronic drumming and recorded with major record labels.

Voice and Director of Conservatorium Songshine Choir

BSpPath (Hons)

Classical and contemporary

Bernadette is a professional singer, known as soloist and lead vocalist with Celtic band, Erin. She has studied with acclaimed teachers within Australia and overseas and is a member of Echology - the much-awarded University of Newcastle chamber choir.

A qualified Speech Pathologist, Bernadette specialises in voice therapy for singers and is researching the impact of choral singing on stroke recovery.

Voice and 
Director of Conservatorium Breast Cancer Choir

Contemporary, jazz, music theatre, classical, cabaret performance and stagecraft.

Lauren O'Brien

Lauren trained classically with Karen Walmsley & Jennifer Barnes but works mainly in cabaret these days. She sang pop/rock as Agnetha in FABBA, music theatre as Madam Thénardier in Les Miz & works in jazz outfits with Newcastle's best musicians and singers. Lauren works in comedy/cabaret as her glamorous & understated alter ego Ms Denise Gold. She loves her job!

Traditional, jazz and contemporary

With 20 years teaching experience working with students age 5 to 75 with preparation for A.M.E.B. examinations, H.S.C. examinations, University performance and auditions. An active freelance musician with extensive performance experience in many musical styles and instrumental combinations including orchestra, musicals, (doubling multiple instruments) big bands, jazz combos and covers bands.  Studied with Ian Cook, Kevin Murphy (SSO, ASO) Margery Smith (SSO).

Solo, chamber, orchestral or band

Rachel is a professional oboist and teacher. She holds a Post-Graduate diploma from the Royal College of Music London and a Master's degree from Sydney University. She also holds the highest diploma from the AMEB, a Fellowship in Music Australia. Rachel records for the Wirripang label, her latest release (May 2013) is called On the Sorrow of War.

Classical, jazz

Luba Totoeva was born in Kiev, Ukraine, where she completed her music education. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Piano and a Master Degree in Education. She immigrated to Australia in 1992 and received her accreditation as a Private Music Teacher from the Sydney Conservatorium. Luba has been a member of Piano staff of the University of Newcastle since 1994, teaching both Community and Tertiary students.  She has extensive experience in teaching piano at all levels from young beginners to diploma level and enjoys teaching and accompanying HSC students. Luba has a particular interest in introducing her students to various styles of music - particularly 20^th century Russian and Australian compositions and contemporary jazz.

Traditional

With 23 years teaching experience working with students age 5 to 65 with preparation for A.M.E.B. examinations, H.S.C. examinations, University performance and auditions.  Active freelance musician with extensive performance experience in many musical styles and instrumental combinations including Hunter Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Roland Peelman.  Studied with Gordon Webb (SSO, LSO, LPO) Dan Mendelow (SSO) and Bengt Eklund (Sweden).

B Mus, Adv Dip Mus

Jazz, classical, world, rock fusion,  contemporary, pop, country, modern, blues

Pana has performed with international recording artists as well as members of Sydney Symphony Orchestra in prestigious venues such as Sydney's The Basement.

As well as teaching at the Newcastle Conservatorium, he has had the honour of filling in as a tutor for the legendary Don Andrews at the Central Coast Conservatorium.

Studying extensively with Australian jazz legend George Golla (who helped him acquire some guitars still used to this day), Pana's guitar work has received national and regional airplay and is on numerous albums and iTunes.

Classical and contemporary

A.Mus.A, L.Mus.A, B.Mus (Hons), M.Mus

Leanne is passionate about classical music! She teaches, performs it and talks about it.

Leanne studied piano performance, chamber music accompanying at the University of Otago, Dunedin with one of New Zealand's foremost pianists Professor Terence Dennis, graduating with a first-class honours degree. She has become sought-after as a teacher, accompanist and chamber musician.

Leanne also has a Masters in piano from Queensland Conservatorium.

Spanning over three decades, Geri's experience and expertise lie in establishing sound technique and learning principles for primary aged children. In addition to teaching her own four children, Geri is employed in the Early Childhood Music Program at Newcastle Conservatorium, runs music workshops for teachers and has 70 piano students in her private practice.

An author of four books, Geri loves to nurture the beginning of a lifelong enjoyment of music for young children, providing creative repertoire through which confidence can be built and musical talent developed.