Nicky Castle is a dynamic and accomplished arts administrator, events and programs specialist, and performing arts educator with over a decade of experience leading complex artistic operations and community-driven programs across the Central Coast and beyond.

As Events, Orchestral & Programs Manager at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, Nicky has coordinated a wide range of events, workshops, and concert series, working collaboratively with musicians and organisations across Australia. Her work spans orchestral management, artistic liaison, multi-venue coordination, and strategic program development – all delivered with precision, warmth, and a deep commitment to artistic excellence.

Nicky’s career blends administrative expertise with creative vision. With a background in performance, directing, choreography, and children’s music education, she brings unique insight into the artistic process and the human experience behind every production. She has worked extensively with young performers and families both in Australia and the USA, championing community access to the performing arts and designing programs that educate, empower, and inspire.

With a calm presence in fast-paced environments, Nicky is known for her leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving abilities – as well as her dedication to fostering inclusive, purpose-driven arts experiences. She has also led certified wellness and movement training programs across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, and continues to draw from a holistic lens in all she does.

Outside of work, Sharon enjoys travelling and has recently been rediscovering her passion for photography. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, and relaxing on the weekends.

Sharon values the strong sense of community at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music and the friendships she has built over the years. She finds it a rewarding place to work and appreciates the supportive and collaborative environment among the team.

Sharon currently works in the Accounts Payable, Receivable, and Payroll department, overseeing the Conservatorium’s financial operations. Her journey at the Conservatorium began when a friend recommended her for a role as CMP Administrator. Since then, she has progressed through a range of administrative positions, including roles in the Admin Team and Accounts Receivable, before moving into her current role. These experiences have provided Sharon with a broad understanding of the Conservatorium and its operations.

Perth-born Kathleen moved to the Central Coast 11 years ago with her husband Paul, a professional musician and drummer. “We decided to make the move to the East Coast because there were more performing opportunities here,” said Kathleen, who is also now mum to two boys aged 14 and 16.

“It is thanks to Paul I have developed a greater understanding of music appreciation and the skills and talents required of professional musicians. So when I saw the role advertised here at the Conservatorium of Music my interest was piqued.

Kathleen previously worked in an administrative role at a Central Coast aged care facility. “I am looking forward to meeting more families and students and learning more about the Conservatorium,” said Kathleen

You can find Kathleen in the front office of the Con at 45 Mann Street from Monday to Thursday, where she will also be available on the phone to answer your questions.

Meet Central Coast Conservatorium’s Scottish-born flute tutor Derek Galloway, who has played professionally for many years and was the founder of the award-winning Zonda Flutes trio based in Glasgow.

The son of a professional opera singer, who performed with Scottish Opera, Derek’s first introduction to music was playing piano, recorder and then tuba in the school band in Kilmarnock. “I was made to play the tuba and I hated carrying it around – it didn’t even have a case!” he says

“Our conductor was the brass advisor for the area and we practiced every school morning at 8am and recess and lunchtime then two or three after-school rehearsals a week.

The practice paid off and the band was crowned Butlins Youth Brass Band Champions of Great Britain three years in a row and played at Royal Albert Hall. “It was there that I got the music bug.

Despite his brass band success, Derek’s dream was to play the flute. So at 14, he made the switch, and has been playing ever since.  Derek went on to study flute with Sheena Cochrane art Napier University in Edinburgh and with Sheena Gordon (Scottish Chamber Orchestra).

“The only teaching job I could get out of Uni was two days a week on the Isle of Arran – only accessible by boat. If the boat got stuck you would be stuck there for days!” Instead, Derek performed in the evenings with orchestras – including Glasgow Wind Band (one Europe’s premier symphonic wind orchestras) – while also pursuing a career in catering and teaching privately

Since moving to Australia in 2008, Derek quickly established himself as a popular music educator and flute teacher, guest conductor and ensemble coach.

In 2021 Derek launched Flute Connections, an organisation that provides professional flute workshops and events in NSW. Derek also owns and runs Syrinx Music – a specialist flute and woodwind print music shop in Lane Cove

Derek is an Associate of Trinity College of Music London and has a Diploma in Music from the Open University, he is also a body-minded practitioner. He is the NSW representative of the British Flute Society and is a committee member of The Flute Society of NSW
Derek teaches flute in the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music’s Schools Program and also takes one-to-one lessons at the Conservatorium campus in Gosford.

“I love it when they ‘get it’. When the student ‘gets’ that note for the first time,” said Derek. “My lessons are shaped for each individual personality and musical tastes and they are always going to be fun.

When not teaching flute, Derek likes musical theatre, eating good food, cooking and gardening.