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Northern Rivers Conservatorium

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02 6621 2266
admin@nrcac.edu.au

Over the years we have seen many great musicians come through our courses. Find out below what they are doing now and what they thought of their time at The Con.

Tilly Jones View profile

Tilly Jones

Saxophone, Cello, Clarinet, Composition, Violin, Piano

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Conditions of Enrolment

Enrolment
  • An enrolment becomes valid and lessons can commence upon confirmation of lesson placement by the Northern Rivers Conservatorium (NRC) Administration.
  • Enrolment is continuing for the whole calendar year until notice of withdrawal (see Student Withdrawal).
  • Term dates for Community Music are as published by the NSW Department of Education, with Music in Schools term dates advised by your participating school.
  • Music in School schedules of lessons are available online at our website and it is the responsibility of parents, carers, and students to ensure that they have the latest timetable.
Fees
  • A registration fee is payable once a year by every student enrolled.
  • An invoice for fees will be raised at the beginning of each term for all enrolled students.
  • Fees are on a term basis and payable within seven days of the date of invoice, unless NRC has agreed to a regular payment arrangement.
  • In the event of financial hardship, please contact the office to discuss payment plans and/or apply for fee assistance through our bursary programme.
  • Any student with outstanding fees from a previous term will be automatically withdrawn. Students may only re-enrol if accounts are paid in full or an approved payment schedule implemented; in this case it may not be possible to provide the student with the same lesson time, day or teacher.
Delivery of Lessons
  • Lessons begin and end promptly at the designated time.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to attend their lessons on time. For Music In Schools students, our families are asked to check the schedules prior to their child’s day and remind their child prior to leaving home.
Missed Lessons / Refunds
  • NRC must be informed of all absences, with 24 hours’ notice where possible, by phone (6621 2266), SMS (0448 026 211), or email admin@nrcac.edu.au
  • Credits or refunds are not given for missed lessons, unless due to tutor absence.
Make-up Lessons
  • Make-up lessons are only available to Community Music students, with a maximum of one make-up lesson per term.
  • Tutors can deliver make-up lessons only if they have available time and have received more than 24 hours’ notice of the absence.
  • In the event that a make-up lesson is not available, one of the following options may be chosen instead: one free attendance to one of the holiday make-up workshops offered each year that is equivalent to two hours’ music education activity, OR one free ticket to an NRC visiting artist’s concert/workshop event.
Change of Teacher
  • NRC reserves the right to supply a substitute tutor if the original tutor is unavailable.
Student Withdrawal
  • Two weeks’ notification is required for any withdrawal and must be given in writing to the NRC office.
Disclaimer
  • NRC reserves the right to review and implement changes to fees at any time.
  • Our tutors reserve the right to discontinue lessons where student behaviour is deemed inappropriate.

 

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Myki Jay

Myki Jay

Guitar, Vocals

Bachelor of Music, Monash University, Southern Cross University

“For me the Conservatorium was a place where I was able to build up my confidence as a performer, going from a shy and reserved person and performer to singing on stage in front of large audiences, and now I do it for a living and adore it. The biggest lesson I learnt from this was that audiences love it when you invite them in, so don’t close off or shut down because it’s scary up there, I still get scared, but now I invite the audience to sit with me in it, and we laugh, and I open up and sing and we feel connected. I would never have learnt that without the Con.”

Myki is now a performer and a songwriter who travels around Australia playing intimate shows, sometimes solo, sometimes with their brother on fiddle (who also studied at the Con), and sometimes with their full band. Currently, Myki is working on releasing a second studio album.

Amongst their achievements (including playing alongside some inspiring songwriters like William Crighton, Myki says their proudest achievement is still finding the joy in music – “When you’re travelling a lot, playing shows, and covid happens, and the industry can be cruel and sometimes lonely, it can be easy to forget why we love music so much, and still having that feeling and that love and connection with music has not always been easy to keep, so I think still having that is my biggest achievement.”

To those interested in taking up lessons at the Con Myki says “Dive in, stay curious with your practice, make it fun, learn what you can at your own pace, and remember no-one else sounds like you do and that’s the best part of your art,  Playing with other people is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have, so if you can, do it, because once you’ve finished at the Con and you’re out in the world it becomes a lot harder”.

Vist website
Francis Atkins

Francis Atkins

Piano, Trombone

Bachelor of Music and Masters of Music in Classical Piano, Griffith University. 

“I grew to really love music over these years, and became inseparable from my instruments. I used to drive the staff mad with my incessant practising; as soon as we were on break from an ensemble rehearsal, my trombone was back in its case and I was playing the piano.  The formidable Lynne Compton was head of winds during my time, and was always en garde to stop me from playing Rachmaninoff in her coffee break. My dearest memory from the NRC was the silver jubilee celebration, where the Conservatorium orchestra performed under the baton of Richard Gill AO.“

After leaving the Con, Francis moved to Brisbane, where he performed as a concerto soloist with several Queensland orchestras, in chamber music recitals in Japan and Australia, and as young artist with the Brisbane Music Festival, the Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival, and the Southern Cross Soloists. “I also discovered a quiet passion for opera, and worked alongside my degree as a repetiteur for Voxalis Opera, the QCGU classical voice department, and the Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program.”

Francis now lives in Melbourne, after being only one of two pianists to study at Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne. “Each year, ANAM puts on over 200 concerts, and even if I didn’t perform in all of them, it’s been a wild ride preparing for them. This year I’ve really valued the opportunity to work with so many young musicians who share a likeminded passion for music as I do, as well as being spoiled for choice with the incredible guest tutors.”

To those considering taking up lessons at the Con, Francis says: “Even though I’m still relatively young at the age of 26, I look back at my time as a young musician and just wish that I’d thrown myself into it even more than I did! I’d advise anyone exploring a life in music (or even just a curiosity) to really go all in on it; you never know what kind of journey you’ll end up on!”

Tilly Jones

Tilly Jones

Saxophone, Cello, Clarinet, Composition, Violin, Piano

Bachelor of Contemporary Music, Southern Cross University

“I have had SO many memorable experiences from the Con, all that have taught me such valuable lessons, however the 2 most memorable experiences were performing in the Silver Jubilee Orchestra conducted by Richard Gill in 3016, (where the great quote “he who subdivideth in this life, subdivideth in the next” was uttered) and then performing with James Morrison in the Youth Jazz Orchestra.

All my individual lessons were so important, but it was the ensembles that taught me the most about playing music with others, collaboration, kindness, leadership and also gave me great inspiration for composing.”

Amongst her proudest achievements, Tilly lists being mentored by Elena Kats-Chernin, having her music featured in a short ABC documentary, and performing her composition “Resounding” in 2022, with the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra, 10 years after the first one, where she was struggling to play open A’s!

Tilly started 2 of her own bands after graduating from Southern Cross University in 2023, and performed regularly around the Lismore area with Con Alumni. She has recently moved to Naarm/Melbourne to pursue further career opportunities, and hopes to study an honours year in music.

To those interested in taking up lessons and ensembles at the Con, Tilly says:

“Absolutely do it! The Con truly has changed and impacted my life In so many ways. It has shaped me not only as a musician but also a human being. Having the opportunities to perform not only in the twilight concerts, but in sold out concerts at the City Hall, University and even representing the Con in Sydney opened many doors for me, and quickly helped me get over whatever performance anxiety I had. The NRYO and ensembles provided me with friendships and connections that still exist today, many that have gone onto become professional colleagues in recent years. Whether you want to reach Carnegie Hall, or just have fun, learning at the Con is one of the best experiences you have.”

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Gabriella Hill

Gabriella Hill

Saxophone, Clarinet

Jazz Performance, Sydney Conservatorium

“I loved doing the NRYO. It was so fun to rehearse and perform with such a large group – something that was very different to any other sort of musical experience I’d had before. I remember students from the Sydney Conservatorium coming to help out with the NRYO – it was really cool to meet them and get an insight into what it might be like to study music in a big city like Sydney.”

Gabriella is now living in Sydney studying jazz performance at the Sydney Con, and often performs. 

To those considering taking up lessons at the Con, Gabriella says “I’m really glad that I got to have lessons and do ensembles at the con. All of my teachers were really caring, encouraging and fun which no doubt has played a large role in me wanting to pursue music now”

Angus Fletcher

Angus Fletcher

Drums

Contemporary Music, SCU

Jazz Performance, Monash University

 Music Production, JMC Academy 

“Having the honour to be a part of the Building Still Lives event with YJO and musical guests in 2016. It provided me an insight into the preparation and collective dedication it takes to put on a powerful show. In YJO I picked up further understanding in how to play with others in an ensemble. Julius Hofstetter was a wonderful leader during my time at YJO and provided me with a lot of lessons and inspiration. We were reading Big Band charts together with a lot of musical information, and this required us to listen one another ensuring that we were all playing dynamically, articulately and with rhythmic accuracy as a team.”

Angus can now be found around playing drums, percussion and synth in the band Gut Health, drums in Entertainment Unit, and has a solo production project called ‘Agane’. Amongst his proudest achievements, Angus lists “creating and releasing my first EP and further releases through Prrrrrrr Records is an opportunity I’ll always be grateful for. Having the opportunity to tour the UK and Europe alongside Gut Health will always be pretty unforgettable. Playing Meredith Festival in Victoria was also a huge moment for me, as well as being asked to support Hiatus Kaiyote, QOTSA and Primal Scream.”

To those wanting to take up lessons at the Con, Angus says “go for it! Each of my teachers taught me a lot and definitely aided in fostering inspiration and encouragement for me to continue pursuing and being curious about music. I always felt constructively challenged to improve while also being provided the space and patience to work things out and explore ideas for myself.I wouldn’t be where I am today musically if not for my time at the Con. I was quite shy and doubted that I was ready, but those feelings quickly subsided after my first ensemble rehearsal. YJO has been one of the best and most formative musical experiences of my life. Playing alongside great musicians and learning how to play as a unit is experience I value greatly today. Attending workshops with legends Ken Stubbs and John Hoffman were incredible experiences. And I believe the ongoing experience each week of showing up to rehearsal and playing great music alongside great musicians and people provided an invaluable environment to be inspired each week”

Jesse-Lee Mahler

Jesse-Lee Mahler

Sax, Clarinet, Flute

Bachelor of Music Performance, Monash University

Honours in Music, Victorian College of the Arts

“I learnt how to be an active member of an ensemble, how to play in an ensemble with a conductor, and that ‘jazz’ isn’t just any selection of random notes and that what you play must have intention”

Jess is now living in Melbourne, having finished her honours degree at VCA in Conducting, and can be found gigging professionally, teaching in high schools, festival/event curating and band/tour managing. Some of Jess’s proudest achievements are her projects Busted Chops and Jess Fest, which opened doors to touring, recording, playing shows with dream artists and even a released vinyl.

To those considering taking up lessons at the Con, “Absolutely the best decision you could make. Learning an instrument through the Con opens you up to so many more opportunities and community within the Northern Rivers. The community that you make in the ensembles at the Con is some of the strongest friendships and network that you’ll ever have. It’ll be with you and carry you through so much of your life”

Vist website
Jacobus Barnard

Jacobus Barnard

Tenor Sax

Double Bachelor of Arts and Music – Major in Jazz Performance – Monash University

“I always really enjoyed all the performances with YJO. In particular, playing with a taiko drumming group alongside the jazz orchestra was a great experience for me and those concerts were always where the learning really happened. I have so many great memories playing really great music with people who are still some of my closest friends”

Jacobus can be found in Melbourne working regularly as a musician and music tutor.

“My proudest achievement is not one particular thing, but rather the feeling that I get from consistently improving and growing as a musician and as a person through music.”

To those considering taking up lessons at the con, Coby says “Do it. Learning an instrument is easily one of the best things anyone can do in life and we’re very lucky to have a good institution supporting the arts in the northern rivers, I was hesitant at first to join an ensemble but learnt so much from it and it was definitely an important step in helping me realise my desire to pursue music further in my life

Liam Baillie

Liam Baillie

Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals

Bachelor of Composition and Music Technology, Monash University

“My teachers were so kind and dedicated to getting the very best out of each one of us, and taught me so much about listening, approaching playing music with kindness and empathy (whether that’s with others or by yourself). It was so valuable to have the opportunity to play a few times a year in the twilight concert. Most importantly the Con taught me how important and enriching it is to have a musical community around you”

Liam can be found playing the fiddle in different bands, including his own – ‘Baillie’s Bazaar for Unwanted Oddities’, as well as producing. Talking about his proudest achievements, Liam mentions the life changing experience of Ethno Histeria in Slovenia, learning so much about how people from really different cultures can come together and form beautiful connections through common practice. “I feel the most proud of my musical journey in more intimate moments, when there’s a distinct feeling of connection between you and other musicians, or a small crowd”

To those considering taking up lessons at the Con, Liam says “Do it! It doesn’t matter what instrument or what kind of music, just as long as it resonates with you and allows you to resonate with others. In terms of ensembles I say sign up to as many as you are able, there’s so much music to learn and there will never be enough time to learn it all so start now and don’t stop”

Vist website
Jemima King

Jemima King

Flute, Piano

Bachelor of Music, University of Queensland

‘When the NRC hosted Playerlink with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and I first played in a full orchestra with every different instrument – that really ignited a lot of passion for me’

Jemima is now based in Brisbane  working as music teacher in various schools, directs the  QUT Music Society Concert Band and works as an AMEB Examiner. She also loves performing when she gets the chance. Amongst her proudest achievements she lists performing Debussy’s Afternoon of the Faun as a principal flute with the Australian Youth Orchestra, and playing Vivaldi’s La Notte flute concerto at the Brisbane Music Festival. 

To those wanting to take up lessons at the Con, Jemima says ‘Do it!! There is nothing more satisfying than learning a difficult skill and over time realising “I’m doing it! I actually sound good!” Ensembles are the best. In my experience, people who play music in groups have so much more fun than people who hide their music away. I’ve made so many friends playing music in groups and my orchestra experiences truly changed my life’

Olive O’Reilly

Olive O’Reilly

Violin, Voice, Piano

Bachelor of Music, Sydney Conservatorium of Music 

“My first year leading the orchestra at NRYO shaped me so much as a player, stretching my abilities as a musician and teaching me the importance of good leadership, collaboration and confidence without undermining peers. Working in Ensembles and orchestras from a young age really solidified who I was as a player, including with the ACO and Haydn Ensemble, fuelling my passion and made me more empathetic, collaborative and confident, both as a player and a person”

Having recently left the Con, Olive is moving to Sydney to study at the Conservatorium, where she plans to play in different ensembles, including a quartet and a choir. Amongst her proudest achievements, Olive lists performing with the Regional Youth Orchestra, who perform with some of the best orchestras in the world including London Symphony Orchestra, Australian World orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. “I have been conducted by Sir Simon Rattle twice and have performed at the Sydney Opera House multiple times. I am very lucky to have learnt from some amazing teachers including Belinda McFarlane, Timothy Kantor, Leone Zeigler and Evgeny Sorkin. I got a high distinction on my 8th Grade violin exam.” 

To those interested in taking up lessons and ensembles at the Con, Olive says “I would strongly encourage anybody who is interested even a little bit in learning an instrument to go to the Conservatorium. It is a wonderful environment full of teachers who genuinely care about each student and who have a personal connection with anyone who learns there. It is an amazing place to develop new skills as a player and the ensembles are a particularly special opportunity to work with amazing teachers and play with others”