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 teach marimba at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) as part of their tertiary classical music program. 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
Tom Odell
Sydney Opera House 4th-5th of January 2025Performed as a member of The Metropolitan Orchestra in association with Tom Odell at the Sydney Opera House for 2 sold out performances.
Mahler's Resurrection Symphony
Sydney Town Hall 22nd of September 2024Performing Timpani 1 with the Voces Caelestium orchestra in their 10th Anniversary Concert Gaza Emergency Appeal. The event raised a great deal of funds towards providing relief to Palestinian children during the conflict.
Legally Blonde The Musical
The Concourse 21st-23rd of March 2024Performed 'Legally Blonde The Musical' with SCEGGS Darlinghurst. I mentored and played alongside the students during rehearsals and performances of the show.
Synthony on the Island
Cockatoo Island 29th October 2022Performed the 2nd instalment of Synthony with The Metropolitan Orchestra. A selection of the most well-known and loved dance charts arranged for electronics, symphony orchestra and solo artists.
Joubert Singers collaborative performance
Hunters Hill 2nd May 2021Associate artist in a concert with Joubert Singers, playing a mixture of chamber music and solo marimba.
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.