Melanie Stewart
The Gap,QLD
Summary
Proactive Music Teacher (Classroom and Instrumental) and Piano Accompanist with extensive experience in modern and traditional approaches to teaching music. Expertise in fostering collaboration within the music department and across other faculties, cultivating environments that encourage students to think critically and expressively, and delivering high-quality performances. Skilled in repertoire selection, student motivation, and integrating technology into music education.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Classroom Music Teacher
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2019 - Current
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons to educate students across Years 5-8 in composition, performance and music theory.
- Establish positive relationships with parents and guardians, promoting open communication and collaboration for student success.
- Implement effective classroom management strategies, creating an inclusive environment conducive to learning.
- Use a range of platforms to enhance teaching and learning experiences, including Stile and Microsoft Teams.
- Collaborate with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that connected music with other subjects.
- Use technology in classrooms to integrate technology and multimedia tools into music lessons (in particular Garage Band) and enhance student learning.
- Adapt teaching methods to suit virtual learning environments, ensuring continuity of music education during remote learning periods.
Piano Accompanist
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2013 - Current
- Provide accompaniment for all choirs [auditioned and non-auditioned groups Y5-12] at weekly college assemblies, college masses, regular concerts, QYMA and QCMF competitions.
- Provide accompaniment for students in Year 11 & 12 General Music and Music Extension.
- Receive positive feedback from conductors and musicians alike for consistent professionalism and high-quality performances.
- Highly experienced and skilled piano accompanist for AMEB examinations up to AMus [all disciplines]
- Foster a supportive environment for performers by offering constructive feedback and encouragement, promoting confidence in their abilities.
- Elevate worship services through sensitive, well-executed piano accompaniment for hymns and other liturgical music.
Piano and Bassoon Teacher
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2013 - Current
- Introduce new repertoire selections regularly, challenging students to expand their technical abilities while broadening their musical horizons.
- Use a range of learning platforms to cater to a diverse range of skills and learning needs. Online sites and apps include Supersonics, Synthesia Tutorials, Youtube, Encore Music Education, Hookpad, Garage Band.
- Employ different modes of teaching to cater for aural and visual learners. Making short video tutorials during lessons is particularly useful with 100% of students finding this method very useful for weekly practice targets.
- Enthusiastically prepare students for recitals, competitions, masterclasses and AMEB examinations [with 95% of students receiving Credit and above]
- Develop strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed about their child''s progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Achieve higher student satisfaction ratings by consistently providing constructive feedback and encouragement during lessons.
- Undertake administration work related to teaching, including accurate student records of lessons given and registers of work, preparation of weekly timetables for students.
- Work collaboratively with faculty members to reflect on current practice and review, develop and share resources to enhance learning and teaching.
Choral Co-ordinator (shared Role)
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2023 - Current
- Improve team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment in both the music and mission departments.
- Enhance operational workflows by maintaining well-organised documentation systems (music) and updating records (choir rolls) accurately as needed.
- Gather and organise music to support all six full college masses, weekly assemblies and prize giving ceremonies.
- Aspire to deliver inspiring musical experiences and advocate for lifelong involvement in choral ensembles.
Instrumental Music Teacher and Conductor
Stuartholme School
01.2007 - 12.2017
- Stuartholme Concert Band Director 2016-2017.
- Responsible for band repertoire selection.
- Supervision of auditions and ensemble selection process.
- Co-directed Stuartholme Piano Collective providing the opportunity for students to develop piano ensemble skills in rehearsals, piano workshops and masterclasses.
- Piano accompanist for all choirs at weekly college assemblies, college masses, regular concerts, Classroom Music Extension assessment, QYMA and QCMF competitions.
Education
Bachelor of Music -
Griffith University
Brisbane, QLDGraduate Diploma - Education
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLDAMusA - Piano
AMEB
Skills
- Professionalism
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Growth Mindset
- Effective Communication
- Student Motivation
- Adaptive Learning
- Classroom Management
- Repertoire Selection
- Music Theory
- Sight reading
Additional Information
- Pianist with Queensland Wind Orchestra since its inception in 2004
- Director of annual Marist College Ashgrove Year 5 Musical 2022 - present
- Keys 3/Conductor in Marist College Ashgrove's production of The Jersey Boys 2024
- Bassoon Tutor for Queensland Youth Orchestra Tutorials 2009 - present
- Conductor of Stuartholme Concert Band 2016-2017
- Attendance at Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference 2024
Referees
Megan Harmston
Head of Curriculum Music, Marist College Ashgrove
harmstonm@marash.qld.edu.au
0419 632 557
Andrew Butt
Program Leader - Co-curricular Arts, Marist College Ashgrove
butta@marash.qld.edu.au
0417 721 359
David Law
Head of Performance Music, Redeemer Lutheran College Rochedale
Conductor Queensland Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble
Conductor and Musical Director Queensland Wind Orchestra
dlaw@redeemer.com.au
0450 459 754
Timeline
Choral Co-ordinator (shared Role)
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2023 - Current
Classroom Music Teacher
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2019 - Current
Piano Accompanist
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2013 - Current
Piano and Bassoon Teacher
Marist College Ashgrove
01.2013 - Current
Instrumental Music Teacher and Conductor
Stuartholme School
01.2007 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Music -
Griffith University
Graduate Diploma - Education
Queensland University of Technology
AMusA - Piano
AMEB
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