School Years 9-12

Estimated material cost: Nil

Join acclaimed actress and teaching artist Emily Burton for this dynamic 5-day workshop and learn the skills necessary to approach classical text in a fun and engaging format. Working with Emily you will take one of Shakespeare’s Classics,
investigate it, mash it up, take the words off the page to create and perform an original 20min performance that is sure to be equal parts funny, gripping, and tragic.

About Emily

Emily is an actress, theatre-maker, emerging playwright and teaching artist. Her acting stage credits include: Queensland Theatre: Storm Boy (Melbourne Theatre Company), The Wider Earth (Sydney Festival & Dead Puppets Society), The Seagull, Oedipus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, A Tribute of Sorts (Monster’s Appear). LaBoite Theatre Company: Away, Naked & Screaming, Single Asian Female (Belvior & Melbourne Comedy Festival), A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has also worked with Independent theatre groups: Dead Puppets Society, Imaginary Theatre Company, Grin and Tonic Theatre Troupe, Monster’s Appear, The Hive Collective. Awards include: Matilda Award – Best Actress in a Lead Role, A Tribute of Sorts; Playlab Incubator playwriting program; Short-listed for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2020-2021 for Motive; Arts Council Resilience Fund & Arts Queensland stART Grant to develop her new play, Gravy.

Please note this workshop runs for 6 days: 9-14 January 2022.

This workshop is designed to provide participants with an array of powerful songwriting tools aimed specifically at improving the effectiveness of creative expression. Participants will be taught an efficient and effective process for tailoring songs to better express their ideas and emotions. Sessions will look at detailed strategies for developing song ideas and investigate how all the individual elements i.e. lyrics, harmony, rhythm, melody and form can all be used to effectively support one another.

In addition to the traditional classroom-style lessons each day, participants will spend time crafting and presenting new work as well as having daily opportunities to present both existing and new work for valuable feedback.

About Jen

Jen Mize regularly performs, teaches and is always songwriting. Her most recent album is a collaboration with Mark Sholtez – Twilight on the Trail – “a tribute to the great cowboy crooners and their iconic cowboy songs”. Coming off the back of her stellar album (‘Fear, Pride & a few Stubborn Angels’), which charted in the US on the “Americana Top 100”, prior to COVID, Jen was busy touring and earning the accolades that come with the hard work of being an alternative country troubadour and letting authentic songs stand on their own two feet.

In April 2016, Jen took 26 songs down to the central coast of New South Wales to record the 12-track album ‘Warnings & Wisdom’ with Aria, APRA and Golden Guitar winning producer and songwriter, Shane Nicholson. ‘It was like being in the lair of a musical mad-scientist…’ said Mize. There is a ‘no fear’ attitude on the record. A kind of shout-it-from-a-mountain-top epicness about it… One that, I think, fits both where I am in my life, and the songs themselves’.

Early 2017, Jen Mize released a bittersweet ballad of two broken souls, Mize’s ‘Forget Her’ is a timeless duet with Duncan Toombs. This is the second single off Jen’s second album “Warnings & Wisdom”.

A descendant of the Lumbee Tribe of Native Americans, Mize hails from a family of Georgia cotton farmers. Jen graduated from the Boston Conservatory and has since shared the stage with the likes of Michael Buble, Iris Dement, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, former Supreme Mary Wilson, and Duncan Toombs.

In these sessions we will delve into what it really takes to be a professional drummer, isolating the necessary skills needed to perform today’s music. We will cover many topics including, developing great practice habits, making the band groove, learning songs for performance fast, ergonomics and stress free drumming, listening, versatility and gear selection. Each sectional will begin with group warm-ups and technique sessions so please bring practice pads (on stands if possible), sticks and brushes. In each sectional we will combine other learnings from ensembles and electives, working on any issues that the individuals have. Come along with questions and an open mind – these drum lessons are for all future professionals!

About Reuben

Reuben relates to music and drumming in many ways. When not on tour with US based jazz artists such as Taylor Eigsti and David Friesen, Reuben performs locally with many jazz and pop artists including Roger Manins (NZ), Brett Hirst, Mike Nock, Dave Dobbyn, Don McGlashan and Julia Deans as well as with the Baker Boys, Radio Club and Lark. His versatility sees him regularly performing with symphony orchestras, string quartets and in show bands. Reuben has several self-composed albums and has released award winning jazz albums.

Embark on a journey of vocal self-discovery! Kath Williams is a passionate teacher of contemporary voice and in this workshop, you will be introduced to a toolbox of game changing techniques. These will help you build on what’s natural, what’s working, identify where you need development and create pathways for building a voice powered by balance and healthy function.

We will work with an holistic and practical approach to singing with freedom, which will include vocal health and hygiene, alignment, breathing, building strength with register balancing and resonance, articulation and coordination of all these aspects. We’ll explore stagecraft, discuss performance anxiety and strategies, harmony and backing vocals, improvisation and some circle singing mic technique, all with a practical application for joyous performance.

About Kath

Kath holds a Masters of Vocal Pedagogy and Contemporary Performance (Queensland Conservatorium of Music) and has studied widely and continues on-going PD under the world’s leading voice teachers. She is certified in Levels I, II and III in Somatic Voicework ™ The Lovetri Method (USA) and is an international affiliate teacher of ™ CoreSinging under the late Dr Meribeth Dayme. Circle Singing Improvisation with Rhiannon (Canada), Acapella with Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect), Contemporary Gospel with Dr Andrew Legg (TAS) Eric Dozier (Nashville) and Khristian Dentley (Take 6) Soul Ingredients with Dr Triniece Robinson-Martin (USA) and Vocal Process with Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher (UK) Vocal Rehabilitation with Dane Chalfin (UK) Vocal Health Education Training (UK) Kath has 30 years’ experience in the music industry, as a community music facilitator and professional gig singer, multi-instrumentalist, choir director, and vocal health specialist teacher and teaches exclusively in private studio the Sunshine Coast.

Modern Horn Playing Solutions is a comprehensive approach to understanding and performing modern music, from the perspective of a brass/woodwind player. We’ll take an in-depth look into the role that horn players provide in pop, jazz, hip-hop, rock, blues and other genres. Chord progressions, vocabulary, solo shaping and facility will be studied along with a curriculum which covers transcription, transposition, ear training and general knowledge. This McGregor workshop is very popular and has yielded great results from school age students, university students, adults and professionals.

About Matt

Matt Luff is a professional woodwind performer, educator, composer and producer. He is grateful to have collaborated with such musical outfits as The Kite String Tangle, Jordan Rakei, City Calm Down, Ash Grunwald, QSO, AAO and Sampology, to list a few. Matt has toured internationally, nationally and performed hundreds of gigs locally, across a wide variety of musical genres, in both artistic and corporate disciplines.

The contemporary pianist needs to be across a broad and ever-expanding range of skill sets. In this workshop you will look at the role of the pianist in various contemporary genres, including jazz, blues, country, pop, RnB and reggae. You will cover a range of essential skills including developing aural skills, transcription of songs and analysis of arrangements; accompaniment; improvisation; rhythm section and different styles. With a strong focus on performance, you will look at the ways technology is being incorporated innovatively into the world of piano. Walk away with a set of new tools and techniques as well as a renewed enthusiasm for playing the piano.

About Nathan

Nathan viscerally recalls his first time playing fingers on a piano 35 years ago, immediately beginning to improvise and compose. A prolific performer, recording artist and educator, Nathan has lectured at TAFE QLD, QUT, USQ and the JMC Academy, Brisbane. He maintains a busy schedule having recently recorded with Caitlyn Shadbolt (2016 CMC New OZ Artist of the Year) on her 2017 album ‘Songs On My Sleeve’ (ABC Music), Christie Lamb’s (2015 New Oz Artist of the Year) 2017 Album ‘Loaded’ (ABC Music) and the Karin Page CMA Toyota Starmaker Award 2016.

Nathan is a freelance portfolio musician based in Brisbane with over 26 years of professional composition, teaching and performing expertise to share.

As the name suggests – everything but the kitchen sink! Simon will be delivering an intensive and comprehensive look at contemporary guitar, how to approach learning it and furthering one’s study regardless of genre.

The workshop will cover the CAGED system – essential techniques such as strumming and picking as well as genres including Rock, Blues, Metal and Jazz. You will learn how to make the most of practice time, lead sheet reading and a group jam in every session!

About Simon

As an artist and performer, Simon has released 5 solo albums and in July last year, his latest single “Awake Reprise”. Over the last few years, he has performed hundreds of gigs as a freelance guitarist with a very wide range of acts. Simon has been a featured artist at the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Guitar Shows and his music is played regularly on the internationally aired TV program, Guitar Gods and Masterpieces.

Simon has been teaching contemporary guitar for over 30 years and is currently lecturing at JMC Academy South Brisbane, Independent Music Academy Windsor, and has a regular stable of private guitar students from Melbourne to the Gold Coast that he tutors online and face to face.

Everybody needs bass! In this workshop, Andrew will take you through the techniques and the language required to be an excellent bassist, supporting your band and inspiring everybody’s best performances. With a focus on playing songs, Andrew will take you through harmony, rhythm and reading as well as getting a great sound from your instrument and amplifier. Upright and Electric Bass players are welcome.

About Andrew

From the Royal Shakespeare Company to James Morrison, Opera Australia to Belle and Sebastian, Disney to Glen Shorrock, Andrew has a wealth of performing and studio experience. Recent highlights include recording Double Bass for the 2021 feature film, The Drover’s Wife, the musicals “Chess”, “Shrek”, “Chicago” and “The Book of Mormon” and playing for the house band of the 60th and 61st Logies. Andrew has also recorded for artists Luke Kennedy, Mark Sholtez, Salliana Seven Campbell, Blackwood, Yves Klein Blue and Adam Lopez amongst others. Andrew also makes promotional films and produces music under the company name, Golden Lab Creative.

This workshop will cover the nuts and bolts of brass before expanding your individual sound, from a base in jazz theory. You will cover physical techniques including sound production, breathing, embouchure and articulation. As your confidence grows, you will move to explore cultivating an individual approach to phrasing, soloing and improvisation; developing mind and body connection, as well as ear training. You will also reach beyond the notes and uncover the principals of crafting a successful jazz solo and use both your foundation skills and new techniques to illuminate the dark art of jazz soloing. Unlock the secrets of great horn and wind performance.

About Andrew

Andrew McNaughton is multiinstrumentalist, composer, songwriter and teacher who has performed and recorded for more than 30 years in more than 20 countries. His performance experiences range from the World Expo in Hanover, Gorky Park in Moscow and the International Trumpet Guild in New York to the Goethe Institutes of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, and the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo in Sydney. Andrew has also performed for audiences in Norway to Italy including “Porgy and Bess” in Vienna, “A-Trane” in Berlin, “Pod Filarmi” in Poland and the “Unterfahrt” in Munich.

He is currently a sessional staff member at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University where he teaches Jazz Composition, Improvisation and Trumpet.

All Levels | Under 18’s welcome by application

Estimated material cost: $250

There is a life model in this workshop

Everyone wants to be successful, and success in painting means different things to different people. With more than 50 years’ experience in painting and exhibiting, David has helped beginners as well as practiced artists, achieve greater satisfaction and success with their work. David teaches techniques that break down the boring old rules and conventions of painting to achieve wonderful artworks. Art can be pretty pictures on walls – and you’ll do lots of those in this workshop – but art can also help us see things around us in a radically different way.

About David

BORN and raised in Toowoomba, David Hinchliffe finds great pleasure in returning to paint and share tips acquired over more than 50 years of art practice. David describes his style as “contemporary impressionistic”. He exhibits in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, United States, UK and Europe. David has won numerous art awards including the Courier Mail Art Prize, Gemini Art Award, Atlantic City Sculpture Award and has been a finalist in the Queensland Tattersalls Art Prize for the last 13 years.

All Levels**

Estimated material cost: $250

**This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, however, basic knowledge and skills in oils is a pre-requisite.

Learn an easy way to paint the impossible! Inspired by the beach and the ocean, you will explore 3 subjects and produce 3 paintings over 7 days. Marcel will save you hours of experimentation and research with his step-by-step demonstration process for achieving instant results. You will learn to reproduce the transparency effect of water using a multi- layering technique on coloured background. The right choice of medium, opaque and transparent colours and brushes will make the process a breeze!

About Marcel

Marcel was born and lived in Quebec, the French speaking region of Canada. He studied art at Cegep De Sherbrooke before moving to Australia in 1989. Marcel’s search for the ultimate oil painting technique led him to the Old Masters in the Renaissance period. Marcel has been painting and teaching those methods for the last 40 years, winning prestigious art prizes and public art projects along the way.

All Levels | 16yrs+

Estimated material cost: $150

In this fun and inspiring workshop, Naomi teaches alternative ways to explore perspectives and compositions. Participants will collate a variety of environmental elements to create a painted scene that encourages the viewer’s eye to move around the work rather than focus on one point. The process involves layering and merging several images to form one continuous landscape. Naomi will share techniques to control gouache application using small brush strokes with minimal paint, while encouraging individual painting techniques to enhance skill levels.

About Naomi

Naomi is a celebrated realist landscape painter who uses a variety of paint mediums to express herself, from oil on canvas for larger works to gouache on paper for smaller pieces. Naomi focus’ on light and the way it changes a vista throughout the day. She uses a documentative approach that includes an emotional reaction.

Intermediate to Advanced | 16 years +

Estimated material cost: $200+

Take your work to the next level and explore the world of ceramic colour and drawing without using glazes! With a painterly approach, learn to work in an intuitive, expressive way to achieve layered, sophisticated surfaces, using a mix of underglazes, oxides and glaze stains. Shannon’s workshop begins with creative inspiration, encouraging your ideas to take flight through porcelain, drawing, colour and photography. A tea bowl will serve as the initial inspiration. This small vessel is the conduit to wider ideas ranging from the importance of line, the true weight of volume, how to solve technical design issues in all mediums from textiles to painting, and what to do when you are at a creative dead-end.

About Shannon

Shannon Garson is an Australian ceramic artist, writer and curator with studio practice spanning 20 years. Her work includes commissions for festivals, exhibitions at public and private galleries, and arts advocacy. Shannon works with a range of media using drawing, ceramics, photography and performance to investigate the relationship between human activity and the infinite variety of striations, spots and marks found in nature.

All Levels | 18yrs+

Estimated material cost: $50 – $150* plus fabric

*New

In this workshop you will be guided through the process of restoring and re-upholstering your own furniture piece. This hands-on practice-based class covers knowledge and skills specific to your project. You will learn important upholstery and restoration processes including the use of hand tools, traditional and modern furniture construction, timber restoration and finishes; as well as fabric selection, pattern making, cutting and sewing. This knowledge and practise of skills will result in a beautifully restored furniture piece to take home!

About Helena and Lasse

Helena and Lasse Kinnunen are master furniture makers working in Australia and Finland. Specialising in the use of upholstery, timber and steel, their furniture pieces draw on traditional craftsmanship processes. They combine beautiful materials punctuated with unique handcrafted decorative elements that reflect the colours and textures of the Australian landscape and the timelessness of Finnish design. Alongside their furniture making they also restore furniture and teach furniture making and restoration so that these essential skills are passed to the next generation.

All Levels | 16yrs+

Estimated material cost: $400*

ADVENTURE INTO THE WORLD OF HOT GLASS! Create one-off glass beads – miniature artworks that others will marvel at. Teaching the basics of glass bead-making, Kathryn thoroughly explains all aspects of the process. No experience is necessary other than to be able to work with your hands on a small scale. Good eyesight and the steady use of both hands is essential. Safety, understanding equipment, glass and mandrel preparation all lead to making your own beads. As the workshop progresses, more elaborate techniques will be introduced such as shaping beads, using stringers, and decorative techniques, tips, tricks and troubleshooting.

About Kathryn

Kathryn Wardill is a contemporary jeweller who received her Master of Arts, Fine Art by research from RMIT University. As a jeweller and glass artist she has actively participated in group and solo exhibitions internationally for the last 25 years. Wardill’s dedication to researching jewellery objects which combine metal and glass has resulted in a solo exhibition in the USA as a part of an artist in residency and is represented at Studio Ingot and e.g.etal Melbourne.

All Levels | 16yrs+

Estimated material cost: $250+

Spend seven days revelling in the joy of pastels focusing on florals and portraits with Australia’s globally recognised Eminent Pastellist and create the WOW FACTOR in your work!! Lyn will share her extensive knowledge on how to infuse luminosity, character and impact, providing participants with the technical know-how to create the illusion of reality. The building blocks of line, value, colour, and edge will be covered in depth to give you a rich understanding of these key areas. You will use your own reference material so you can choose your own degree of difficulty or perhaps your favourite subjects.

About Lyn

Pursuing masterly quality and technique is a high priority for Lyn Diefenbach, whose work is imbued with a celebration of her faith and of life.  Her paintings in pastel and oil cover a myriad of subject matter with her bold florals consistently receiving international accolades. Her ability to communicate her ideas has entrenched her as a respected and sought-after tutor nationally and internationally.

Introductory to Intermediate | 16yrs+

Estimated material cost: $400

If you’re looking for a new challenge, add fold-forming to your silversmithing repertoire. Mauri will lead beginners through fundamental techniques for making wearable pieces including broaches, rings and earrings. The experienced silversmith can explore more advanced methods of stone setting such as box clasps for bracelets, prong, dome or tapered settings for cabochon and faceted stones (square, emerald cut, marquise etc.), or fold forming. Alternatively, you could work on a project of your own choosing upon prior approval with the tutor.

About Mauri

Mauri graduated from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with an Associate Diploma of Fine Art in 1972, majoring in sculpture. He completed further studies in gold and silversmithing and advanced silversmithing at the Queensland College of Art, where he later went on to lecture in gold and silversmithing. Award-winning Mauri has exhibited widely.

All Levels | 18yrs+ 

Estimated material cost: $200

Using the popular genre of Still Life, Robyn will guide you through the basic aspects of how to make a meaningful painting no matter what your skill level. You will discover the potential of everything around you to make a painting about! A wealth of possible subject matter from ordinary everyday domestic objects to hoarded treasures will be discussed and explored. The basics of shape, perspective and composition will be a special focus. We will work on design exercises to aid setting-up different still life arrangements, and the importance of tone, colour, light source, and focal point will be emphasised.

About Robyn

Robyn spent lock-down rediscovering everything in her home as potential subject matter! She is a full-time artist based in Brisbane’s Paddington, where she has her own gallery and is well known for her colourful urban landscape paintings. Robyn was made a Fellow of the Royal Qld Art Society in 2019, has won numerous prizes and holds solo exhibitions every two years. She has been Artist in Residence at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and Brisbane’s Ekka, and has taught internationally at Urban Sketching Symposiums.

All Levels

Estimated material cost: $350-500

There is a life model in this class

Would you like a week filled with frivolous fun and creativity in acrylics? Look no further! With Chris, you will explore acrylics using liberal impressionistic techniques including using colour enhancement and mixed media (charcoal, paint & texture). Your tools will include palette knives, brushes and squirt bottles. You will etch into your works with chopsticks, the backs of brushes and texture-marking tools. These are all simple techniques with intent to free up the stuck artist while discovering an array of fresh colours and interesting subjects.

About Chris

Chris is a full-time professional artist with 30 years of practice.  His passion for painting and creating has encompassed owning art galleries and receiving multiple awards within Australia. Chris was finalist in Waterhouse Art History prize, Adelaide, multiple prize winner – Darcy Doyle Art prize, Gold Coast, Champion painting and Best local artist at Immanuel Art Fest, Buderim and recently Champion picture at the Buddina Art Fest, Sunshine Coast.

All Levels | 16yrs+

Estimated material cost: $200

If you’re looking for a class full of solid teaching, fun and inspiration using the magic of watercolour, Sue will deliver in this workshop.  You will study composition, perspective, tone, colour theory and a myriad of watercolour techniques. Many subjects will be covered during the workshop with an emphasis on landscapes and seascapes and a variety of big bold and beautiful skies. Sue will share her skills in creative self-expression through watercolour, giving you joy during the process and in the artwork produced.

About Sue

Initially self-taught, Sue Lederhose has since attended workshops to further her skills. She has exhibited her work state-wide and received a string of awards.  Sue is published in ‘Artist’s Palette’, featured on a ‘Colour in Your Life’ episode, accepted an artist residency in Thailand and is an experienced tutor and judge. Sue sees beauty everywhere and paints in an impressionistic style that makes her soul sing.  She uses watercolour to paint a wide variety of subjects drawn from her local area and travels.

Intermediate to Advanced

Estimated material cost: $200

Unlock the beauty of negative watercolour painting in this exciting workshop with Annette. With an emphasis on simplicity, shape and colour you will learn to depict ordinary subjects in extraordinary ways. This method of building your painting with successive layers of transparent watercolour results in a wonderful dimensionality as the subject emerges magically from the background.  Annette will supply photograph and still life references of plants and landscape elements, and there will be an option for you to use subjects of your own choice to inspire further creativity.

About Annette

Annette Raff has an extensive knowledge of art and design fundamentals and is skilled in drawing and watercolour painting. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and an Advanced Certificate in Art and Design.

Annette is a sought-after teacher, having tutored at TAFE, Artist Network, University, Royal Qld Art Society, and conducted regional art workshops. Annette enjoys exploring new ways with drawing, water mediums, printing, digital art and mixed media, and loves to experiment with unconventional surfaces.

All Levels | 18yrs+

Estimated material cost: $250

Whatever your level of experience, this week with Cees will be one of fun, freeing up and letting go of old habits. As well as teaching you valuable, exciting and experimental drawing techniques Cees will take you on a journey to explore the beautiful use of colour, line and depth. Subject matter will include still life, land and water scenes, portraits and bird and animal life. At least two topics will be covered each day, so you will have up to 14 paintings to take home!

About Cees

Cees has always loved making and teaching art. A qualified teacher, he has taught at many institutions and schools, including TAFE. He runs his own Arts Academy in Brisbane and has had several solo and group exhibitions. As well as leading workshops all around Australia and overseas, Cees has been featured in several arts magazines. Due to his national and international experience in art education, expression and assessment, offers participants the best coaching no matter where they are on their creative journey.

Intermediate to Advanced | 18yrs+

Estimated material cost: $250

*New

Looking for a better, faster way to create beautiful artwork?  REK will demonstrate the realistic style of painting he is known for, and let you run free with relaxed styles of contemporary painting using modern techniques to achieve amazing results from beautiful nature-based subjects.  You will translate details from your tablet to canvas and from real life subjects too. Discover life-changing tools including specialist wet palettes to put an end to the drying issues that arise using acrylics and using a projector for precise, immediate foundation work.  You will learn to build layers and use glazing to create depth, plus use different acrylic mediums, and the effective use of colours to achieve realistic and impactful results.

About REK

REK is dedicated to bringing happiness to others through the joy of painting. Exhibiting widely, his work is held in private and corporate collections across Australia and around the globe.  REK’s talent has been recognised at many competitive art prizes across numerous genres, including his latest award, winner of the 2021 Annual Hinchinbrook Birdlife Art competition. 

Intermediate to Advanced | 16yrs+

Estimated material cost: up to $350

*New

In Anita’s exciting new workshop, you will be taking field trips on campus and into the Japanese gardens to explore and learn about plant shapes, textures, dyes and qualities suitable for printmaking. With you, she will invite nature into the studio, where you prepare, cut and press the plants ready to print. Anita will demonstrate how to use your botanicals through the processes of Cyanotypes, Eco-printing and stamping to create a series of exciting prints on fabrics and papers. Using these printmaking techniques, you can unleash and explore your creativity to arrive at newfound outcomes, including a final piece that can be scanned and digitally re-created into a printed piece of fabric. No previous experience is necessary, just bring your beautiful open mind!

About Anita

Anita is a recent graduate of USQ, completing a Bachelor of Creative Visual Arts. Born and raised in the remote highlands of Tanzania, East Africa, her passion for art and all things botanical, was ignited by her fascinating life on a tea and coffee plantation. Taught to draw and create by her father, she has been creating all her life.  Currently engaging as a full-time emerging artist, Anita has developed a keen passion for all printmaking methods that employ botanical materials. 

Anita has exhibited at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and is currently exhibiting work in the Redlands. Her commission work is now being sent interstate and around the world, and her practice is emerging into home decor, wallpapers and fabric designs.