My Music Background
Piano
I have been playing the piano since I was 6 years old. I learnt the traditional way, where you learn how to read the music in order to be able to play. I was lucky I had musical parents because they knew what it took to play an instrument and encouraged me to practice even though I found it difficult sometimes.
When I had kids, I wanted them to learn piano too, but didn’t want them to have to go through the long haul of learning all the notes first and thought that there must be an easier, more fun way of learning!
After doing a bit of searching in 2005, I found Simply Music and fell in love with the method straight away. I spoke to the founder, Neil Moore and signed up to learn how to be a teacher that day.
Since then, I haven’t looked back. I have taught people of ALL ages and wouldn’t teach the piano any other way. I love how this method gives people access to playing different styles of music on the piano with both hands, from their first lessons. Simply Music takes the struggle out of the learning process and makes musical expression accessible to everyone, which I believe is something we all deserve and need!
Double Bass
In high school, I gained a music bursary and chose the double bass over my preferences for the flute or harp. This was mainly because the music teacher needed a bass player in the big band, and he noticed that I enjoyed playing the blues on the piano. I went along with the idea and learned how to play and carry around this enormous instrument! Later, I performed in the WA Youth Orchestra and, for a few years, was a casual player in the WA Symphony Orchestra. I loved playing in orchestras, but it didn’t satisfy me as I wanted to work with people therapeutically rather than perform.
Music Therapy
I learned about music therapy when I was 15, and the career counsellor in high school told me about it when deciding what to do for work experience. I felt SO excited about the prospect of studying music therapy one day!! I loved 'analysing' my friends and reading personal development and relationship books, so connecting both interests suited me well! To be a music therapist, one day, I needed to complete a Bachelor in Music or Psychology.
B(Mus)
So, in 1993, I attended the WA Academy of Performing Arts and completed my Bachelor of Music (Performance) degree on the double bass in 1996, with the intention to one day study Masters in Music Therapy … I still haven’t studied, for several reasons, such as having four kids! But I feel that as long as I am giving people access to music and sound tools, I am happy!
Music Specialist
After university, I volunteered at a local day respite centre for seniors, where I could play the piano for them and gain some real-life experience! Lucky for me, there happened to be a position available as a music specialist at the time! So I applied for the job and was accepted! This is where I decided NOT to play in orchestras but instead follow the passion that had been burning since learning about music therapy.
At the respite centre, I tried out music activities I had read about or learnt from music therapy workshops and created some of my own. After a few years, I taught other carers how they, too, could integrate simple musical activities into their programs. I learnt a lot about the power music can have on one's day-to-day life. I saw first-hand how music could instantly transform someone's mental and emotional state, bring back memories, and create connections.
Crystal Singing Bowls
The first time I saw a crystal singing bowl, I fell in love! I had to buy a set, so I got seven! I placed them around my house, but didn’t know what to do with them, only playing them occasionally. At the time, I was pregnant with my third baby.
SoundBirth
During my third labour at home in 2009, I used one of those crystal singing bowls and my voice. I found it SO effective in reducing pain and helping me to stay focused and calm during contractions, that I decided to create a business called “SoundBirth” and share this with expectant couples and birth professionals. Learn more HERE.
Sound Journey Facilitator
After a few years of ding-donging my bowls, I added other quality sound healing tools to my collection and decided to create sound journeys to help people relax. I practised and gained confidence playing for friends in my best friend's garage. Soon after, I was invited to play at yoga centres and special events. Since 2018, I have combined my classical music background with sound facilitation experience to teach others how to facilitate sound journeys.
From all of my musical and life experiences so far, I believe anyone can benefit from integrating simple musical tools into their daily life to help them feel more present, calm and connected to themselves and their loved ones.
My mission is to give people access to these tools and experiences, whether through learning how to play the piano, singing to their baby or relaxing to sounds from crystal singing bowls.
Contact me to find out how I can support you on your journey!
