Originally a student of the Macquarie Conservatorium in Dubbo, Donna developed a love for performing at an early age. In 2011 Donna graduated from ANU with a Bachelor of Music and a Post Graduate Diploma in flute performance. During her time in Canberra, Donna performed regularly as a soloist as well as with the Llewelyn Orchestra, ANU Orchestra, ANU Flute Ensemble and with various other groups.  Her passion for performing has extended into event entertainment including weddings, formal dinners and community concerts. Donna’s philanthropic work has seen her perform as a volunteer at aged care facilities and at fundraisers and charity events for the Heart Foundation. As well as performing, Donna bring more than 10 years of teaching experience to her role at Hume Conservatorium. She has a passion for guiding her students to reach their goals and supporting them on their musical journey.Â
Julian Paviour is a musician and educator who has lived in the Southern Highlands almost long enough to be considered a local. Although his main career has been in secondary education, his versatility on the trumpet has ensured that he is in constant demand as a musician. Equally at home playing classical music, he has chosen to focus on contemporary forms in recent years. His work during this time has included playing in jazz bands, rock groups, stage bands, concert bands, brass ensembles as well as performing on several recordings. Julian is currently the Musical Director of the Southern Highlands Concert Band.
Trumpet/lower brass/concert band
Classical/jazz
Making a difference to the opportunities of people’s lives
Conducting a concert band during the 2000 Olympics torch run at Bradman Oval in Bowral with 3000 people in attendance
Nigel Hess: “Shakespeare’s Pictures” (concert band arrangement)
 Jenny McCarthy graduated from the NSW Conservatorium as a high school music teacher in 1981. Since then, with time off to have children, she has taught at Crookwell High School, and then at St Mary’s Catholic School as a primary school music specialist. During her time at St Mary’s, Jenny developed a passion for working with children’s choirs. In 2007, Jenny instigated Singfest – an annual choral festival for the Northern Region Catholic Schools. Jenny also has over 30 years of experience as a piano teacher. Jenny is the patient and exemplary accompanist of the Hume Community Choir (Vocalocal).
I love working with students to reach thier desired goals
My career highlight is from when I was a high school music teacher and recommended to parents that their son have singing lessons…..they organised this and now he has been Phantom, Javerre and Sweeney Todd on the West End and in New York.
The last question is horrible!Â
I’m going to say Spiegel im Spiegel for piano and cello by Arvo Part and Samuel Barber’s Agnus Dei
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.
Violin, Viola, Piano, Theory/Composition, Classical Guitar
Although I am ‘classically’ trained, I am open to and interested in teaching all genres, whether it be ballet music, gospel, death metal, EDM…
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
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
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
Michael Baker is an outstanding musician and teacher with many years experience in both roles. ​As a musician he has been active as a solo pianist, accompanist, band leader and musical director, while his teaching experience has extended from K-6 through to adult education. ​In his capacity as a piano tutor and jazz aficionado at Hume Conservatorium he favours an approach which balances the skills of the traditional classical approach with repertoire and techniques drawn from the jazz/blues/boogie-woogie end of the musical spectrum.Â
​Mike is a mainstay of the local and regional music scene and a vital member of the HumeCon teaching staff.
Jazz, classical, contemporary
Making the skills of musicianship relevant and accessible
Working as a musical director on a production of “West Side Story.” Bernstein’s writing (especially the dance cues) is a masterclass in the use technique in the service of profound human expression
George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”
Robyn is originally from Geelong. She was taught voice by her mother Deirdre early on before being accepted to the Victorian College of the Arts Technical School at 16. She went on to finish her B.A. in Music (Voice) and studied under Dame Joan Hammond and Bettine McCaughan. ​After leaving University, Robyn performed in Opera Chorus, did studio work for sound tracks as well as being a tutor at Deakin University Varsity Arts Program where she taught voice and various music appreciation courses.
In the late 1990’s, Robyn began an associate teaching role with Gary May. ​After a few years, she returned to Geelong to teach voice alongside her mother and to conduct a local church choir. Robyn also was involved with the various Geelong Music Theatre Groups in capacity of voice coach and chorus mistress. Robyn’s students have gained access to many prestigious Musical Institutions including: Melbourne University, Melba Conservatorium, Sydney University, Western Australia Performing Arts, Ballarat Performing Arts and The Royal College of Music (England). Robyn has also had her students reach the finals of The Voice and X Factor. Robyn teaches all vocal styles, prepares students for AMEB examinations and HSC performance programs and caters for beginners and adult students as well.
Voice
All styles
I love hearing progress, the improvement and observing personal/musical growth of students
The first time I sang with Orchestra
Beethoven 7th symphony
2nd movementÂ
Garth Prentice is a multi-faceted and talented guitarist who joined Hume Conservatorium in 2016. In 2018 he was promoted to the role of Head of Guitar Faculty as brings high-level leadership and positive role-modelling to this important role. Garth has moved to Goulburn from Newcastle where he was also a music tutor for the National Music Academy, and also a consistent participant in the live music scene. Young and energetic, Garth has extensive experience not only as a tutor, but also as a performing artist in multiple and differing ensembles, learning trade secrets and skills invaluable to any student.
All ages and skill levèls are welcome, and after a quick evaluation Garth will put together a program to best suit your needs, wants and skill level.  Whether your interest be in Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz or Classical this young man will be an excellent tutor and friend for all wishing to experience a musical journey. Since moving to Goulburn, Garth has built a strong reputation across the region as a musician of top quality and exemplary skill.Â
Garth teaches Contemporary and Classical Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Junior Rock Band, Senior Rock Band and Bluegrass Ensemble.Â
Garth is a member of the Mike Baker Organ Trio, Frippery and plays Solo across regional NSW.Â
Andrew (Andy) Picker is the newly appointed Associate Director, Education and Outreach at the Hume Conservatorium in the Southern Tablelands. He is a passionate educator and performer who has worked in both education and music performance for the past 17 years. His own musical journey started here in Goulburn at the Conservatorium learning drum kit from the great Geoff Bell. Since then his studies have taken him around Australia many times, learning under great performers such as Dave Sanders, David Jones, David Pereira and Gorden Rytmeister to name just a few. Andy spent 11 years in Melbourne performing in bands and teaching ensembles and high school music across the Inner North, before moving permanently into Primary Education. A multi-instrumentalist, Andy has performed, toured and recorded with many Australian and international bands as a Drummer, Cellist and Keys player. As a teacher in the region, Andy has led projects in community engagement, performing arts, technology and sustainability, with a focus on innovation and engaging, rigorous learning experiences.
Andy’s mission is to reinvigorate music education in the region and make it easier than ever to give your child the same opportunities as those in the big cities. Having witnessed many times over the amazing impact quality music education has on students as well as the benefits it provides in the development of a student’s capacity, mental health and confidence, Andy will be working with the amazing team at the Hume Conservatorium to provide every student with the opportunity to access high quality and inspiring music lessons from expert teachers and tutors.
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We acknowledge the traditional Custodians of this Land, where the Aboriginal People have performed age-old ceremonies of storytelling, music, dance and celebration. As a traditional meeting place, many first nations peoples came to this region. Underneath our buildings and roads this Land always will be traditional Aboriginal Land. in the same way, all music making genres and practices come from our musical elders, so we acknowledge those on whose skills and wisdom we draw.
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