KAYLIE DUNSTAN
Bachelor Degree
I received my Bachelor of music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium in percussion performance, having learnt from Rick Miller and Daryl Pratt. As teaching is also my passion, I taught percussion at a number of schools throughout Sydney during my degree. I performed in various youth and semi-professional orchestras as well as the production of Steinway Spectacular in the Sydney Opera House. In 2006, I received a Buzz grant and spent a semester in Europe. I had lessons with Bernhard Wulff, Christian Dierstein, Isao Nakamura and Michel Cerutti. I also performed in masterclasses with Bogdan Bacanu, Peter Sadlo, Leigh Howard Stevens and Nebojsa Zivkovic.
Europe
In 2009 I moved to Europe and studied percussion performance at the Music School in Detmold for one year. There, I learnt from Peter Prommel, Fumito Nunoya and Nancy Zeltsman. During this time, I performed in weekly concerts, participated in festivals and attended masterclasses such as the Zeltsman Marimba Festival in Amsterdam.
Afterwards, I undertook a Bachelor course in Stuttgart under Professors Klaus Dreher and Marta Klimasara. Performance opportunities consisted of workshopping new works with composers, ‘Talking Drums’ concerts, as well as many local solo and ensemble performances. Studies included percussion pedagogy over one year, discussing teaching techniques and observing lessons. This lead to a teaching position at the music school in Korntal-Münchingen. The position also involved generating a Year One rhythm curriculum and delivering weekly classroom lessons.
Masters Degree
Upon my return to Sydney in 2013, I undertook a Masters in Performance (research) at the Sydney Conservatorium under the tutelage of Claire Edwardes and Daniel Rojas. My research was in Percussion Theatre, focusing on theatrical skills employed by the performer including vocals, acting and gesture (see videos and past performances). In 2014 I was sponsored by the New Music Network to present my solo debut concert entitled ‘Table for Two?’ and in the same year I received the Rotary Club Felix Switzer prize from the University for outstanding performance.



Teaching
“I teach students to teach themselves”
I’m as passionate about teaching as I am about performing. Inspiring students to love playing music and excel at percussion and drum kit is part of my philosophy of ‘adding to the history of percussion’. I approach teaching with a creative mind, constantly finding new ways to enlighten each individual and unique student. I work with many students, empowering them to take control of their own musical journey through teaching them practising techniques, finding music they like to play and giving specific and practical guidance to overcome technical challenges.
I currently teach percussion privately at Abbotsleigh and Sydney Grammar preparatory schools in St Ives and Edgecliff. I am also a NSW AMEB examiner for the percussion syllabus.
Performing
“Adding to the history of percussion”
Ensemble performance is also deeply embedded in my playing experience. As a freelance percussionist, I embrace a wide variety of musical engagements including orchestras, chamber ensembles and popular music groups (see past performances).
Past Performances
World Cup T20 Women's Semifinal performance
Sydney Cricket Ground 5th March 2020Teamed up with D2Drumline, performing classic dance tracks as pre-game entertainment.
Voice Crossings
Balmain Town Hall 24th November 2019Part of a series of pop-up mini concerts performing works by local composer Andree Greenwell and Constantine Koukias. The performance was a preview of an on-going chamber opera collaboration.
Kingdom Hearts Orchestra World of Tres Disney Production
with The Metropolitan Orchestra, 19th October 2019Celebrating the launch of Kingdom Hearts III, performing the live score to a brand new video sequence based on the popular video game.
Brett Whiteley Recital
Brett Whiteley Gallery 17th June 2018A solo marimba recital as part of the Classical Sunday series, featuring beautiful marimba repertoire by both Australian and International composers.
Sizzle with Ensemble Offspring
24th April 2016Involved private performances of Dies Irae No. 9 for dancing snare drummer, followed by Octet by Steve Reich with Ensemble Offspring.