About this Workshop
This unique workshop for enthusiastic amateur string players level 3 and above will be held in and around the historic Courthouse in the picturesque village of St Albans, NSW. Surrounded by Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs the tiny village of St Albans is nestled beside the Macdonald River. The area is rich in colonial history, with many historic buildings including the Settlers Arms Inn (1836) and Price Morris Cottage, historic cemeteries, little stone churches, and much more.
Now Includes:
Hands on Harp A workshop for would-be and more experienced harpers, with Jan Couchman
Paul Taylor
Conductor and Musical Director
Paul began playing the cello in 1992. He completed his undergraduate degree with honours at the Victorian College for the Arts in 2001. Paul has worked as a freelance cellist for 20 years, playing with many of Australia’s symphony orchestras. Paul has also done many recordings for Sony music, Pixar and popular bands and performers, including John Farnham, Darryl Braithwaite, Gang of Youths and Paul Kelly. Through, Paul has always been teaching, whether at schools, institutions or privately. Paul has instituted and directed string programs at many schools, both primary and secondary, over the years, and is currently the conductor of the competition winning string ensemble at Ravenswood School for Girls. Paul has been directing and conducting chamber music, string orchestras and other ensembles for over 20 years.
Justin White
Luthier (Instrument Maker)
Justin White is a violinist, music teacher, and musical instrument maker (luthier), and holds a first-class honours degree in music from the University of NSW. Justin makes violins, violas, cellos and guitars, based on original specifications. Following in the style of the Cremonese masters, the models are derived from a careful study of original instruments and construction forms. Justin thinks that he enjoys teaching adults because he was a late starter when he took up the violin. That gives him insight into what it is like to learn an instrument as an adult. Although adults encounter more challenges when learning an instrument, he finds teaching adults rewarding because adults are interested in the wider context, the history, the theory, as well as the mechanics.
Jan Couchman
Harpist and Tutor
Jan Couchman was the founding member of the successful Central Coast group, Fellowship of the Strings. She was also the founding member of the award-winning group, Seltic Sirens. Performing and teaching the since 2002, Jan has a life-long passion for music. Jan has lectured in creative and expressive arts at several Sydney tertiary institutions, and also has a background in children’s education. As a both a teacher and performer, Jan counts workshops as one of her most favourite experiences, and truly looks forward to sharing her harping wisdom with one and all!
SMSA (Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts)