Townsville Branch

Townsville is a major centre for musical activities in the north and the cooler winter months are particularly busy. In July the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition is held which now attracts competitors from overseas. This is closely followed by 10 days of wonderful concerts in the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. The Townsville Eisteddfod is held at the end of Term Three.

At the moment there are 31 professional members and 2 Friends in Townsville and Ingham. There are teachers for piano, keyboard, theory, musicianship, organ, woodwind, guitar, voice and strings.

Professional Development

Members aim to raise the standards of the music teaching profession and promote their own continuing professional development The Branch provides numerous and regular opportunities for teachers to take part in workshops and masterclasses and for their students to gain performance opportunities. Members are encouraged to attend music seminars offered by visiting professionals so enabling them to keep up with the latest information on teaching methods. Some members also travel to state and national level conferences. There are many advantages to membership, not least being the fellowship, mutual support and the chance to ask for advice about specific issues that may come up while teaching. An active Committee organises the programme and is always keen for suggestions from members.

Student Performance Opportunities

Three student concerts are held each year to give the opportunity for performance without the pressure of being a competition. The annual Sight Reading Tournament is sponsored by the AMEB [Australian Music Examinations Board] and many entrants return each year. The focus for this is to promote the skill of sight reading in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. 

Student Enquiries

Two referral officers deal with enquiries from those looking for a music teacher. Members keep them informed if they have vacancies. This year they are Margery  [tel. 4779 0382] and Jeanine [4772 2287].

Upcoming events

7th May                 Committee Meeting at Jeanine's, North Ward
19th May               Sight Reading Tournament, School of Creative Arts, JCU
16th June              Student Concert, School of Creative Arts, JCU
10th November     Student Concert, The Court Theatre

The Committee

President Margaret Fitzgerald
Vice President Christine Pulvirenti
Secretary Margery Jorgensen
Treasurer Jeanine Rush
Committee Tony Fitzgerald, Katy Frewen-Lord, Pam Abraham, Julia Bowden, Robyn Knibb

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