Keynote from Carl
Welcome back to Term 4!
I hope you all had a restful break. This is one of our most vibrant terms, with concerts, showcases and celebrations nearly every week through to December. Please add the ‘What’s on’ dates below to your diaries.
We kick off with our Conservatorium Jazz Sessions on Friday 16 October, followed by the Open Morning & BBQ on Saturday 17 October, 9:00am–1:00pm. It’s a great chance to meet our teachers and connect with other Con families, and I’d love to see you there.
It’s also scholarship season. Competitive Scholarship video auditions close at midnight this Sunday 18 October, and Schools Scholarship Program applications close on Sunday 8 November.
I’m thrilled to welcome our new Bass teacher, Zoe Hauptmann, one of Australia’s most in-demand session musicians. Congratulations also to Joanne McMahon, recently honoured by Kodály Australia for her outstanding contribution to music education and mentoring. You can read more about both of them below.
This week we say farewell to our Accounts & Payroll Officer, Sharon Ferguson, who has left the organisation after many years of service and we wish her the very best of luck.
To all of the donors and community partners, whose generosity makes our programs possible, a big thank you for being such an important part of our community.
I look forward to seeing you at the Con this term.
Carl Schmidt
Acting CEO | Central Coast Conservatorium of Music
What’s On at the Con
16 October | Conservatorium Jazz Sessions
17 October | Term 4 Open Morning & BBQ
more information
18 October | Competitive Scholarship Applications CLOSE
31 October | Bandfest
8 November | Schools Program Scholarships - Applications CLOSE
20 November | Advanced Choral Workshop
28 November | Student Concert Series | Register Now!
5 December | Premier Ensembles Concert
10 December | Guitar Department Concert
12 December | String Ensembles Concert
15 & 16 December | Hunter Valley Gardens Performances
Celebrating Success
Honoured by Kodály Australia
In the Spotlight
Celebrating the students, teachers, volunteers and supporters who bring music to life every day
Welcome Zoe Hauptmann!!!
We are absolutely delighted to welcome Zoe to our team.
Coming from a family of professional musicians, Zoe has a deep love for the history and tradition of Jazz having listened to the genre since birth. After picking up the electric bass at the age of 16 then upright bass at 21 she hasn’t looked back.
Zoe holds a bachelor of music with first class honours in Jazz performance from the ANU. She has extensive teaching experience having taught at the Wollongong conservatorium of music and the Sydney conservatorium of music. She is a founding member and long time tutor of the young women in jazz workshops and did school shows for Musica Viva for six years both nationally and internationally.
Zoe is one of Australia’s most in demand session musician’s and has recorded and performed with many of the country’s most iconic artists including Paul Kelly, Neil Finn, Ian Moss, Kate Cebrano, Missy Higgins, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Katie Noonan, Tim Rogers, Peter Garrett, Josh Pyke, Phil Jamieson and Tim Minchin.
“Zoe has been in my band for 12 years now. She is an absolute killer bass player and I really love playing with her, as does the rest of the band. She makes it seem effortless but the groove always just feels so good. Being able to play double bass as well as electric is a serious bonus, as is her strong singing voice for backing vocals. She’s bloody invaluable and I can’t imagine touring without her!” – Missy Higgins
Zoe has extensive performance experience as musician and tours at the highest level in Australia. She has recorded on over 80 albums, performed at every major Australian festival and at a multitude of venues in both capital cities and regionally. In 2017, 2018 and 2023 Zoe was a finalist in the National Live Music Awards having been nominated for “Australia’s best bassist”.
Zoe is currently the recording and touring bassist for Missy Higgins, Ian Moss (Cold Chisel) and Peter Garrett(Midnight Oil).
If you or anyone you know would like to have the opportunity to learn with Zoe, please get in touch with our team today!
Student Extension Opportunities
Work with us
Applications OPEN: Piano Teacher
The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music is growing, and we are seeking exceptional educators to help us shape the next generation of musicians through our Piano program. Please feel free to spread the word to anyone who may be interested!
Thank you
The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music gratefully acknowledges the support of our generous donors and partners.
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