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”

Percussion is a comparatively young group of instruments in the classical music field with new designs and techniques being explored constantly. My attitude as a performer is to approach music with an open mind and to help develop new performance practices in order to extend the playing capabilities on the instruments. This is often explored through performing ground-breaking compositions and working with composers on collaborative projects. I'm passionate about promoting Australian percussion compositions and helping young composers deal with the daunting task of writing for percussion.
I give great attention to the visual aspect of my solo performances. I strive to create programs that are both visually entertaining and accessible to the general public. Theatre has always been an inspiration in my life and my exploration into Percussion Theatre has been an incredibly fulfilling journey.

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

Synthony on the Island

Cockatoo Island 29th October 2022
Performed 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.

Fantasia Highlights

Chatswood Concourse 24th October 2022
A selection of everyone's favourite sequences from Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra under the baton of George Ellis.

Jurassic Park live screening

with The Metropolitan Orchestra, 8th May 2021
Performed at a packed Aware Theatre under the screening of Jurassic Park, playing the famous John Williams score live.

Brett Whiteley Recital

Brett Whiteley Gallery 17th June 2018
A 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 2016
Involved private performances of Dies Irae No. 9 for dancing snare drummer, followed by Octet by Steve Reich with Ensemble Offspring.
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