Tutors

ACADEMY OF ARTS

Performance Coordinator: Mrs Desley Herschell C Mus A A T Mus A

Mr Stuart Bent studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music (Instrumental)
Regularly performs with The Queensland Orchestra and other professional groups
Principal Trombonist of Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band
Taught for a number of years in Brisbane schools
Freelance trombonist including radio performances and soundtrack recordings
2007 Trombone Champion – New Zealand Brass Band Championships
Performed internationally in solo and band competitions
2010 National Trombone Champion and Quartet Champion

Mr John McDermott studied at the Adelaide Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music with Honours, majoring in Jazz Performance
Has lectured in rhythm and jazz accompaniment at the University of Adelaide
Teaches in a number of Brisbane schools
Has instructed Primary and Secondary percussion groups and ensembles
Tours and performs with Musica Viva both nationally and internationally in schools
Freelance percussionist and drummer for bands, orchestras and soundtrack recordings

Mrs Julie Elvery studied at Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma of Instrumental Performance
Achieved Licentiate of Music, Australia (L.Mus.A) on clarinet
Achieved Associate of Music, Australia (A.Mus.A) on piano and saxophone
Taught for 15 years at a number of schools in Brisbane plus home studio
Freelance clarinetist with QLD Philharmonic Orchestra and various chamber groups
Played alto and tenor saxophone in the Youth for Christ Big Band for a number of years
Currently plays clarinet in the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra

Mrs Sandi Ong studied at QUT receiving a Bachelor of Music with Distinction (Performance)
Received Associate of Music, Australia (A.Mus.A) on alto saxophone
Taught saxophone & clarinet for 7 years in a number of schools
Performed in a number of bands

Mrs Cathy Anderson received an Associate in Music, Australia on flute whilst studying for her degree in Physiotherapy at University of Queensland
Received a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Studies - Instrumental teaching from Queensland Conservatorium on Music in 2007
Teaches flute at a number of schools in Brisbane as well as flute, piano and theory at home studio
Currently directs a number of flute ensembles
Received a Rotary Club “Pride of Workmanship” Award in the area of music
Has played in the Harvest Rain Productions Company Orchestra

Mr Simon Geeves studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music studying Jazz Guitar
Taught guitar for over 14 years privately and in several schools
Plays in various cover bands.
Toured with a number of bands nationally and internationally
Played on various CDs and worked as a session guitarist

PIANO / KEYBOARD / INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC / STRINGS

Mrs Kendre Bent studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music
Taught piano, strings and brass for over 9 years in a number of Brisbane schools and in a home studio
Conducted music workshops in various schools
Currently directs a number of instrumental ensembles including concert bands and string orchestras at both Primary and Secondary levels
Travelled nationally and internationally with a number of instrumental ensembles
Performed in the Harvest Rain Theatre Company’s 2008 season of The Sound of Music

PIANO / KEYBOARD / MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Mr Ian Thomson studied at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music receiving a Master of Music Technology
Received a Bachelor of Computing from the Central Queensland University
Achieved an Associate in Music, Australia on piano
Performed on piano at concerts and with bands
Followed a career in electronics and communications particularly in the area of Music Technology which is incorporated into lessons
Has been musical director of a local church, and regularly leads worship from the keyboard at Sunday services
Experienced sound and recording technician
Teaches both practical and theory and records in home studio
Professional member of Music Teachers Association of Queensland

STRINGS

Ms Cristina Zanfir studied at the Bucuresti Conservatorium and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Received a Bachelor of Music double majoring in Violin and String Pedagogy
Completing a Masters of Music in String Pedagogy
Has taught at the George Enescu School of Music in Bucuresti, Romania
Currently conducts a number of string ensembles at Primary and Secondary levels.
Teaches in a number of schools
Performs in a quartet at many functions

VOICE

Mrs Ianthe van der Walt received a Graduate Certificate in Music Studies : Vocal Pedagogy from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
Received Orff Music Eduation, level 1 and Kodaly Music Education, level 2
Montessori Education Foundation Diploma.
Registered with Education Qld; teaches in a number of schools and home studio
Directs auditioned and non-auditioned choirs
Worship leader in local church and director of a music team

SPEECH AND DRAMA

Miss Kelsey Horton completed Associate Diploma in Drama and Performance from Trinity College of London (ATCL)
Received Certificate of Drama & Performance from AMEB (CDPA)
Currently completing Associate Diploma in Speech & Drama and also studying Bachelor of Speech Pathology at UQ
Taught for a number of years
Active member of Directions Musical Theatre Company and has also performed with a number of Theatre Companies.

Miss Talisa Pariss completed Associate Diploma in Drama and performance from Trinity College of London (ATCL)
Received Certificate of Drama & Performance from AMEB (CDPA)
Currently completing Associate Diploma in Speech and Drama and also studying Bachelor of Speech Pathology at UQ
Taught for a number of years
Active member of Directions Musical Theatre Company and has also performed with a number of Theatre Companies