People

Aaron Rothemund

Flute/Piccolo, Classical and Contemporary

B. Mus (Honours), A. Mus (Flute)

Aaron commenced his tertiary studies at the University of Newcastle under the tutelage of Sally Walker and James Kortum, where he was awarded the Dr. Maurice Sendak OBE & Mrs Betsy Sendak Prize for the most outstanding recital in the Bachelor of Music program. He later attended the MusicAlp Internationale Académie de Musique in France under the tutelage of Jean Ferrandis. Since then, Aaron has performed as a soloist, in chamber ensembles, and with groups such as Symphony Central Coast, Newcastle Festival Opera, Opera Hunter, Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra, Gosford Music Society, Waratah Girls Choir, Christchuch Camerata and many community theatre productions. He has also performed in world premieres of works by Colin Spiers, Christopher Sainsbury and Stephen Lalor.

Benjamin McCann

Guitar / Contemporary

B. Mus, M. Teaching (Secondary)

Ben has completed a Bachelor of Music from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Teaching (Secondary) from the University of New England. Specialising in contemporary guitar, Ben has worked as a session musician in both live and studio contexts. He has played guitar for well-known musicals such as We Will Rock You, Wicked, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent and Chess. In this memorable process, Ben has worked with the renowned Silvie Paladino, David Harris and Marina Prior. Ben regularly performs in a variety of orchestras, big bands, pop/rock/funk bands and function bands. He has worked as a backing and touring musician for country artists, tribute shows and cruise ship acts. Ben works here at the conservatorium teaching guitar.

David Thompson

Trumpet

ADF School of Mus. Band Officer Course

David has spent most of his music career as a member of the Australian Army, serving with the Australian Army Band Corps. He has performed in countries such as Afghanistan, Bougainville, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Switzerland and Timor Leste. Away from his service obligations, David dedicates his time to the development of musicians in the Hunter. He has successfully led orchestras and bands to both National and State competitions as well as community performances. His work as a performer, arranger and composer has appeared in many recordings. In recent years, David has performed at prominent events and venues backing Australian and International artists of note. Here at the Conservatorium, David is a band leader and tutor.

Jeremy Borthwick

Trombone / Jazz

Assoc. Dip. (Jazz), B.Mus Hon. 1st class, M. Mus Performance (HD)

Jeremy is considered one of the finest jazz trombonists and band leaders in the country being recognised as national jazz awards finalist in 2003 and held the jazz trombone chair at the Brisbane Conservatorium for 5 years.  Jeremy has performed at most major festivals in Australia, New Zealand and Europe including Montreaux and Ascona. He has released two albums featuring his original music, Vol1 "Smokin da Bone" and Vol2 "Plugged" which was voted in the top ten albums for 2007 by SMH. He has also appeared in over twenty recordings as a sideman.  Jeremy currently teaches at the Newcastle Con, teaching harmony, arranging, jazz performance, brass techniques, jazz orchestra, Junior concert band and Trombone. In 2023, he accepted the role of “School Band programs lead” at the Newcastle Conservatorium. He is currently engaged at four schools including the Hunter School of Performing Arts teaching brass and concert band.

Jordy Chorusch

Drums/Rock and Early Childhood Music

B. Mus

Jordy is a Community Music Teacher in the Conservatorium’s popular Early Childhood Music program. Although Jordy’s specialty is drums, she also plays guitar, bass, ukelele and sings. Jordy looks forward to the challenge of playing and learning new instruments and loves to see her students expand their skills and knowledge as they participate in the Early Childhood Music program.

Lisa Kinna

Voice - Music Theatre, Jazz, Classical, Contemporary

LTCL Musical Theatre (Distinction), AMusA, ATCL

Lisa has over 30 years of teaching and performing experience. Trained in classical piano and voice (AMusA/ATCL), she recently received a Distinction Award for her AMEB Music Theatre Licentiate. Lisa has performed in several professional productions in Sydney and overseas, including touring nationally and internationally with the Sydney Theatre Company. Additionally, she has performed in a local jazz quartet for several years, played in numerous piano bars and been awarded leading roles in many local musicals. Lisa has been teaching voice at the Conservatorium for over 15 years, including tutoring students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music degree and directing the vocal ensemble “The Supertonics".

Marissa Saroca

Voice - Contemporary, Performance, Production, Songwriting

B. Arts (Communication), Cert. Professional Equity and Inclusion (current), Cert IV in Training and Assessment (current)

Marissa is a singer, musician, actor and educator who had their first singing lesson at the Con over twenty years ago and has since crafted a busy recording, songwriting, coaching, and live performance career. Marissa has spent the last few years expanding her acting resume and has appeared in many local and National performances and musicals. Marissa has released two original albums and a single and in addition to her teaching at the Con, is a guest teacher at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA).

Phyl Danvers

Voice /Piano

B. Mus Ed, ATCL

For over forty years Phyl has taught music in the classroom under the Department of Education. During, she became Choir Director / arranger for Newcastle’s Starstruck and sung in the 2000 Olympics massed choir ensemble. She also sang professionally in ‘Blue’ as well as ‘Grandiva’ and has composed, arranged, adjudicated and performed in various styles throughout her music career. Phyl has directed choirs, vocal groups, instrumental groups at State Music competitions and festivals. She also worked with ‘The Vocal Company’ for a short period of time. Phyl has been the choir director at the Conservatorium of Music for community choir ‘Callaghan Singers’ for fourteen years now. Phyl plans to continue her classroom teaching and volunteering with vocal workshops in the future.

Stephanie Tuyl

Voice/music therapy

B. Mus/Arts, M. Music Therapy

Stephanie is a Registered Music Therapist and a Community Music Teacher at the Conservatorium. She completed her Master of Music Therapy in 2020, graduating with distinction, and holds a double Music/Arts degree. Music therapy has provided the opportunity to combine passions of playing music and connecting with people while working towards individualised goals for improving health, functioning, wellbeing and personal growth. She predominantly works with clients with autism, various disabilities or developmental delays. Stef is the Early Childhood Music program coordinator and runs several of our community choirs including the BrainWaves Stroke Choir and ‘The Unforgettables’ dementia choir. Outside of this, Stef is "the pink quokka" in a local children’s band called "The Quokkas". The Quokkas’ mission is to make music that makes a difference to future generations.

Zachary Donoghoe

Clarinet / Saxophone (Classical/Jazz/Other)

B. Mus (Distinction M), B. Mus (Hons C1 M), (Current PhD Candidate)

Zachary is an enthusiastic clarinettist/saxophonist, currently completing his PhD examining mind-body approaches in music. He studied with Andy Firth, Frank Celata, and David Rowden, and lessons with David Griffiths, Philip Arkinstall, José Franch-Ballester, Andrew Marriner, Giovanni Punzi, and Dimitri Ashkenazy. Zachary has performed with international composer Elena Kats-Chernin and her ‘Dahlia’s Yes to Life’ (Sydney). He was clarinet soloist in NSW Youth Orchestra and Lake Macquarie Philharmonic, performing the Weber and Artie Shaw concerti. He participated in multiple ensembles, including “The Orchestra Project” (with professionals from Australia’s major orchestras). Zachary is a passionate advocate for the value music brings to people’s lives and communities, teaching across the region and assisting as a researcher with the University’s Creative Aging Research Group.

Anthea Wikstrom

Violin

B. Mus, B. Arts, M. Teach

Anthea is a graduate of the Conservatorium High School, and of the University of NSW. Anthea is a freelance performer and enjoys recording albums with various artists and film soundtracks. Anthea has taught violin and classroom music and conducted ensembles at several schools. Her enthusiastic and creative approach to music is infectious and is an inspiration to her students.

Benjamin Lambert

Conductor, Composer, Violinist, Violist, Pianist - Multi genre

B. Mus. (Distinction)

Benjamin enjoys an active life as a conductor, orchestrator, and performer. His musical journey has taken him to some amazing places with extraordinary experiences. Some of these accomplishments include winning Sydney Eisteddfod Open Choral Championships (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), performing with Guy Sebastian, recording with Daniel John’s and conducting on international tours to Korea, North America, Bermuda, England, Italy, Switzerland, China and Canada. Benjamin’s choral compositions and arrangements have won international and national competitions over the years. These along with so many other achievements commend Benjamin’s passion towards music and studies.

Bree Young

Voice/Piano/Clarinet - theatre/contemporary

B. Mus. (Dis. M), B. Mus. (Hons C1 M), (Current PhD Candidate)

Bree Young is an experienced performer in singing, piano and musical theatre who has been mentored by some of the industry's best-known performers. Bree has a Bachelor of Music graduating with distinction from the University of Newcastle. Upon completion, Bree received the College Medal for outstanding results and the Harrison Prize for the top singing student each year. Most recently she was the lead in the Newcastle production of Heathers (Chookas), in which she received the CONDA award for ‘Best Lead in a Musical’. Currently, Bree is the Musical Director of Be More Chill (Chookas). Going into her sixth year of teaching, Bree is passionate about helping performers understand their instrument and unlock their creative potential.

Carla Sharpe

Singing & Piano

Assoc. Mus. A., Singing & Aust. Kodaly Cert. Mus. E.d.

Carla has led an extensive and impressive career as a musician. Carla has performed and taught piano and singing throughout her career connecting her to music institutions such as Illawarra Music Academy and Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. She has completed many certifications, workshops, additional training and development courses that reflects her professionalism within the classroom. Carla has been teaching, singing and playing piano with the Newcastle Conservatorium since early 1990’s. Her students have undertaken A.M.E.B. Exams and achieved credit and honours in response to their hard work. Carla teaches a variety of ages from 5 years old to 60-year-olds and above in piano and singing.  Carla’s aim is to give confidence to her students and enjoyment in their lessons.

Dr Cherie Watters-Cowan

Piano Classical and Contemporary

B. Mus. Ed, M. Mus., Ph.D, DSCM, LTCL, ATCL, Assoc. Mus.A

Cherie teaches a wide range of piano syllabuses, including AMEB and ABRSM. Her lessons address the individual students’ interests. Cherie also teaches analysis, harmony, musicology, HSC performance and musicology. She completed the Doctor of Philosophy at the University of NSW with a thesis on primary sources and Australian composer, Margaret Sutherland. The Master of Music (UNSW) included study of analysis, twentieth century music, Indigenous music and Australian music. Cherie undertook her Bachelor of Music Education and DSCM at Newcastle Conservatorium. She has presented at several conferences, had several publications, taught in schools and tertiary institutions and adjudicated at eisteddfods, piano competitions and auditions. Cherie continues to research in piano pedagogy, Australian music, twentieth century music and music of other cultures.

Chris Blake

Piano/Choral/Accompanist

B. Teach, B.A, Grad. Dip.Ed, MLMEd

After studying at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, Chris has worked for the past 24 years in public education as a secondary music teacher and Assistant Principal. Chris has a passion for choral music and has coordinated many major events. One of these events is the annual Choral Festival which involves public school ensembles from across the Hunter region. Chris performs regularly with various cover bands and always looks forward to teaching students the joy of music improvisation and playing by ear.

Courtney Thomas

Singing and Piano - Popular/Contemporary

B. Mus.

Courtney graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2014 with a Bachelor of Music, double Major in Singing and Songwriting. As the founding member of the Hummingbirds Collective, Courtney performs regularly with her band all across the Hunter region. Courtney is passionate about teaching music to the younger generation and each of her lessons is tailored to suit the individual needs of the student.

Gabrielle Newland

Gabrielle is a graduate of the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, with a Bachelor of Music and Arts, and a Registered Music Therapist, having completed her Master of Music Therapy 2022. She is passionate about the many uses of music as a tool to improve health, functioning and wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities. As a Casual Non-Tertiary Music Teacher at the Conservatorium, she works in the Early Childhood Music Program and supports the therapeutic Brainwaves Stroke choir and Unforgettables Dementia choir in the Community Music program. Gabrielle is also the conductor of the Newcastle "Shake Rattle and Roll" Parkinson's choir, and in her spare time, plays the guitar and mountain dulcimer.

Gavin Clark

Cello Romantic, Classical & Baroque

Assoc. Mus A.

Gavin began studying the cello at age 3, learning the Suzuki method. He has toured nationally and internationally as an orchestra member and soloist with the Suzuki Chamber Orchestra and New England Youth Ensemble. Gavin has been teaching cello in Newcastle and the Hunter since 2012. He is also principal cellist of the Christ Church Camerata, cellist in the Camerata Quartet and collaborates with the Acacia Quartet, violinist Anna Da Silva Chen and baroque cellist Anthony Albrecht in multiple Newcastle Music Festivals. Gavin took up playing baroque cello under Dr. Daniel Yeadon at Sydney Conservatorium of Music and continues to partake in research and performance projects focusing on baroque music and historical informed performance.

Huw Jones

Electronic Music Production & Guitar

B. Bus. (UoN), Graduate Certificate in Creative Therapy (CDU), Cert 4 Training and Assessment

Huw's music journey began with blues, touring nationally before establishing Newcastle's premier blues night, now in its 22nd year. In 2012, his debut electronic release as Fox Control hit #1 on Australian iTunes. His contributions to Arts Council and NSW Ministry for the Arts-funded theatre productions earned him 'Excellence in Sound Design' awards. Huw marked his label debut on Dutch record Label Armada in 2020. Recent releases and collaborations have seen his productions featured on national youth broadcaster Triple J, SBS Chill, and numerous Spotify playlists. Passionate about music technology, he creates diverse collaborations, spanning sound design for installations, TV theme songs, pop production, and merging contemporary elements into classical music. Recently, Huw earned a postgraduate qualification in Creative Therapy.

Jesse Schadel

Keyboards/Piano

B. Mus.

Music makes you feel good, and Jesse believes that learning should be fun and rewarding. Jesse puts the wants and needs of the student first through a holistic approach to learning. His experience in music over the last 15 years mainly lies in performance, music production/programming and teaching in genres like Popular Contemporary, Blues, Funk, Soul, Jazz, Electronic/Dance, Hip Hop and Ambient. Jesse’s teaching offers a unique and different approach to learning that differs from the traditional classical piano methods.

Leigh Carter

Pianoforte - Classical and Contemporary

DSCM, LTCL (Performers) Assoc. Mus A

Leigh Carter has been a teacher of pianoforte at the Newcastle Conservatorium since 1997 and is an experienced AMEB examiner and eisteddfod adjudicator. Her students regularly compete at eisteddfods, competitions and achieve outstanding results in all levels of performance examinations.

Luba Totoeva

Piano Classical and jazz

B. Piano & Accompaniment, M. Education

Luba was born in Kiev, Ukraine, where she completed her music education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Piano and a master's degree in education. When she immigrated to Australia in 1992, she received her accreditation as a Private Music Teacher from the Sydney Conservatorium. Luba has been teaching at the University of Newcastle since 1994 where she has taught 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 particularly enjoyed introducing her students to various styles of music - particularly 20^th century Russian and Australian compositions as well as contemporary jazz.

Pana (Damien) Watson

Guitar Contemporary, classical and jazz

B. Mus, Adv .Dip. Mus

Pana is a talented and experienced guitarist who has performed with international recording artists, jazz legends, and some of the most accomplished musicians of all styles of music both on stage and in the studio recording setting. 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. As a former student of Australian Jazz legend George Golla, Pana teaches through the more modern Berklee approach. Lessons can be any style of guitar but understanding and musicality will be down the path of session reader and improvisation type player.

Dr Peter Watters-Cowan

Violin & Piano

B. Mus. Ed, M. Mus, PhD, Dip. Mus. Ed

Peter teaches violin and piano, both for pleasure and examinations, using a variety of syllabuses, including AMEB, ABRSM and Trinity. Lessons cater the individual students’ interests. He also teaches analysis, harmony, musicology and HSC syllabuses. Peter completed his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of NSW with focus on analysis and sketch studies based on the string quartets of Australian composer, Nigel Butterley. His Master of Music (UNSW) included study of analysis, twentieth century music, Indigenous music and Australian music. Peter studied violin with Errol Collins at Newcastle Conservatorium where he graduated with Bachelor of Music Education and Diploma of Music Education. Peter has presented at several conferences and has several publications. He has taught in schools and tertiary institutions.

Rodney Wikstrom

Violin & Viola

MMTA, COGE (UNSW), Assoc. Mus. A, B. Mus. (USYD), M. Teach. (USYD)

Rodney has been teaching strings and performing violin and viola professionally for over 20 years. He has also taught high school classroom music including the Music 2 course. Rodney has performed and/or recorded with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Jimmy Barnes, Katie Noonan and Daniel Johns of Silverchair. He has also performed on TV for The Bachelor, Lego Masters and Farmer wants a Wife. Rodney regularly performs with the Christ Church Camerata Orchestra, Sydney Ensemble, Victor Valdes, and various freelance projects. Rodney teaches strings at Newcastle Grammar School, and Newcastle Conservatorium, and is a conductor with the Newcastle Youth Orchestras.

Dr Sohyun Eastham

Violin

B. Ed. (Music), B. Mus. (Hon), Ph.D.

Dr. Sohyun Eastham started playing violin at four years old, with Dr Suzuki's Method, and graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Music) from SamYook University in Seoul, Korea in 1993. After moving to Australia to study with Elizabeth Holowell she received her PhD in Philosophy for her thesis investigating violin technique in the Romantic Period. Dr Eastham published her first book ‘The Violin and Romanticism’ in 2009 and has two albums: ‘Gentle Whisper’ and ‘Journey of the Spirit’. Currently, Dr Eastham is teaching at the UoN's Conservatorium where several of her students have gained AMusA and LMusA diplomas.