Wanda Kower - Violin, Composition, Theory & Musicianship, Piano, Classical Guitar, Strings, Don't Fret and String Bling Ensembles
Wanda is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is a qualified Violinist and Music Teacher. Having been under the tutelage of Australian composers such as Dulcie Holland and Eric Gross, Wanda is also qualified in Music Theory and Composition embracing both traditional and electronic forms, writing in various genres. She is also a prize-winning composer.
In Sydney, Wanda’s musical adventure began at a very early age with her Polish background, recognised for its dance and music culture. From primary school age, she was a member of the band, Biedronki as well as a member of the dance group, Syrenka. A few years later, she was a member of the Sydney Youth Orchestra, and piano accompanist for student ballet classes. She taught and performed as a violinist and was involved with different orchestras and chamber groups.
​At the Hume Conservatorium, Wanda established the first Musicianship/Music Theory Classes. Students’ goals such as the Edinburgh Award, Scholarship and AMEB examinations at various levels were met and, with consistently excellent results for 12 years. In 2020 Wanda stepped into the leadership of the Goulburn Strings Project, reverberating positive feedback.
Wanda is the founder of the Don’t Fret Ensemble, open to all ages, which has been running continuously for 10 years. This group is open to other stringed instruments, vocals as well as piano and/or percussion. Don’t Fret was a winner of three Eisteddfods and has represented the Hume Conservatorium on countless occasions within the regional community such as, for the visiting Japanese Delegate from Shibetsu 2019 and the 30th Anniversary Gala Event 2015. Wanda also established the St. Joseph’s Ensemble, a mixed instrumental group for primary school-aged children and has also been running continuously for 4 years.
​Additionally, Wanda teaches the Viola, Piano, Classical Guitar and Mandolin. She is always on the lookout for Violin and Viola players and anyone who wants to write and mix music. Her interests include Composition, Group and 1-1 String Teaching, Mixed Instrumental Ensembles, Dance and Music from different Genres and Cultures.
What do you teach at the Con?
Violin, Viola, Piano, Theory/Composition, Classical Guitar
What genres do you teach?
Although I am ‘classically’ trained, I am open to and interested in teaching all genres, whether it be ballet music, gospel, death metal, EDM…
What is it that you love about teaching music?
It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, there is always something new to learn and figure out. You also learn from your students. In music, there is something always to challenge you, to be creative about, to feed your soul.Â
Please share a particular career highlight and why it's special to you
Having played in many groups and orchestras creates a socially fun environment with other different instrumentalists. I am in awe of a good piece of music whatever the style or genre.
Having won second prize in a composition competition and seen it performed by an orchestra was amazing, The way it all came together as one euphoric harmony in the physical sense rather than just experiencing it aurally.Â
What's one piece of music that you'd recommend people listen to?
Gosh, where do I start?
Violin Concerto No.1, Op.6 Violin and Orchestra by N.Paganini composed in the 1810s
Spanish Dance No.1, ‘Malaguena’ Op.21 for Violin and Piano by P. de Sarasate composed in 1877
‘The Sleeping Beauty’ Suite, Op.66a, a ballet by P.I Tchaikovsky
‘Scheherazade’ Op.35 a Symphonic Suite by N.Rimsky-Korsakov composed 1888
‘The Planets’ Op.35 an Orchestral Suite by G. Holst composed in 1916