Classical Performance - Woodwind
The woodwind department has a vibrant staff of woodwind teachers over the six specialisations: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone and recorder. We are fortunate to have a close relationship with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and members of their wind section are involved in the teaching program as well as the highest calibre instrumental teachers in Adelaide.
The Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra, directed by Robert Hower, is one of the Conservatorium’s flagship ensembles, offering woodwind students the opportunity to work with a graduate from the Eastman School of Music USA and to experience regular rehearsals and performances as part of their ensemble study. A recent guest was world renowned woodwind orchestra specialist Timothy Reynish. Woodwind students also have the opportunity to play with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber orchestra, giving them the experience needed to prepare them for an orchestral career.
Technique and repertoire classes are held weekly. Classes have included mock orchestral auditions, visits to the Anatomy department of the University of Adelaide Medical School, overseas guests in masterclass, workshops on instrumental techniques, textbooks and repertoire and participation in an ongoing On-line Practice Project – a world first.
Former woodwind students are now playing professionally, including in the Queensland Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Many graduates have secured teaching positions around the country and the woodwind department has had huge success with students winning positions in the Australian Youth Orchestra, National Music Camp, Adelaide Youth Orchestra and being accepted into overseas teaching institutions such as Yale University USA.
The woodwind department offers many opportunities for performance as well as mentoring and guidance for careers in music.
Associate Professor Elizabeth Koch OAM
Head of Woodwind
Woodwind Teaching Staff
Geoffrey Collins (flute)
Celia Craig (oboe)
Mark Gaydon (bassoon)
Peter Handsworth (clarinet)
Josie Hawkes (bassoon)
Damien Hurn (saxophone)
Associate Professor Elizabeth Koch OAM (flute)
Dean Newcomb (clarinet)
Linda Pirie (flute)
Lynton Rivers (recorder)
Alison Rosser (flute)
Renae Stavely (oboe)
Meet a Current Student
Amanda Lovelock is currently studying Masters in clarinet performance at the Elder Conservatorium of Music. Last year Amanda undertook a five week professional development tour, benefiting from tuition with world renowned clarinetists at some of Europe’s and the United Kingdom’s finest music institutions. Amanda has been a member of the Elder Conservatoriums Symphony and Wind Orchestras and has also performed in and managed State Music Camp ensembles. In 2007 Amanda was a finalist in the Allans Classical Music Awards and performed in the Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series to win the Classical Music Awards for 2009. Another highlight was receiving the Minter Ellison Rising Star Award. In 2010 Amanda was a recipient of an Elder Conservatorium Directors Award and also had the honour of being a mace bearer at graduation. Amanda is now working towards furthering her music studies overseas.
'As a student at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, I have valued and appreciated the mentoring, encouragement and assistance of the music faculty. They have generously shared their musical expertise and experience. It has been great to be surrounded by fellow musicians that share a similar enthusiasm for music as this has fostered networks and musical opportunities. It’s been wonderful to form lasting friendships during my years at the Conservatorium.'
Amanda Lovelock
Bachelor of Music student (Classical Performance - Clarinet) - Honours
How to Apply
Applying is easy, visit our Future Students page for all the information you need.
