Lumen Winter 2015 - Flipbook - Page 16
story by Connie Dutton
Inspiring the next generation
of music students
The University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music
is set to bene昀椀t from the appointment of Professor
Graeme Koehne AM (BMus 1977, MMus 1986,
DMus 2002) as its new Director.
O
ne of Australia’s most successful
composers, Graeme says he
became obsessed with classical
music, playing the piano and the idea
of composing his own music in his last
year of high school.
“I attended a typical outer suburban
school without a music program. I
took physics, chemistry and double
mathematics up to year 12 with the
intention of going on to a science degree
– which seemed a very responsible choice
– but in my last year at high school the
music bug took over,” Graeme said.
“I was fortunate to arrive at the Elder
Conservatorium just as the enfant terrible
of Australian music, Richard Meale,
started teaching composition. Richard
had a huge influence on my studies and
my career ambitions and I soon became
single-minded about writing music.”
Graeme has enjoyed great success
both in Australia and overseas, with his
long list of nominations, awards and
achievements a true testament to his
passionate approach to music.
Today’s music graduates
need a portfolio of skills—
in music performance,
teaching, and multimedia
—to name a few. This
will enable them to adapt
and apply their skills to a
wide range of future
career opportunities.
14 Lumen | Winter 2015
“The Elder Conservatorium provided me
with the training and the encouragement
to pursue a musical career,” Graeme said.
“To be immersed in music and
surrounded by staff and students with
the same passion provides the nurturing
environment that aspiring musicians
need to remain motivated. I’ve always
been grateful to the Elder for providing
that environment.”
Graeme’s varied works have been
recognised across a wide range of art
forms. His innovative approach has seen
him compose music for film, television
and advertising as well as for ballet and
theatre companies.
“I’ve never really thought of myself
as an abstract or ‘concert music’
composer. I’m happiest telling stories
through music,” he said.
“I find following a narrative generates
musical ideas, and the collaborative
element of an art form like ballet makes
the process of composing less solitary
and introspective. The demands of the
theatre provide creative challenges that
often take you out of your comfort zone.”
Graeme’s distinguished service to
music saw him made an Officer of the
Order of Australia in the 2014 Queen’s
Birthday Honours list – something he
describes as a tremendous honour.
“It is a privilege to be recognised by
your country for doing something you
really enjoy.”
Now after decades as Head of
Composition, Graeme has big plans for
the future in his new role as Director.
“My immediate concern is to revise
and streamline our curriculum to
keep it relevant to the challenges and
opportunities for music in the 21st
century,” Graeme said.
“We are committed to strengthening our
reputation for elite musical training while,
at the same time, growing our burgeoning
new areas of teaching in popular music
and creative technologies.
“My advice to young musicians is
always the same: come to university with
an open-mind, curiosity and be prepared
for consistent, long-term, hard work.”
Above: Professor Graeme Koehne
Director, Elder Conservatorium of
Music (Photo by Jo-Anna Robinson)
