AICM students are in for a treat next month when renowned bassist, composer and music producer, Leon Gaer gives a masterclass on record production at AICM. Born in 1954 and raised in Los Angeles, Leon moved to Sydney in 1987. He has been a full time professional musician since 1973 and as a bass player, has played on over 1,500 recording sessions in Los Angeles, New York and Sydney for CDs and television. He has also performed in concert with many artists worldwide. His compositions and productions have been performed and broadcast worldwide on many programs including The Oprah Show…

ART PHILLIPS ON ABC RADIO AICM lecturer Art Phillips appeared on 702AM ABC radio on Sunday 29th January. He was a featured guest on the show ‘Weekends with Simon Marnie’ which airs on Sunday mornings at 10.40am. Art played live music from his Italian CD Chitarre Acustiche d’Italia (Acoustic Guitars of Italy) and spoke with ABC host Simon Marnie about his Italian family heritage, and his passion for Italian music and culture. The program can also be heard on the ABC radio's website following the broadcast date. Visit abc.net.au/sydney/radio, click on Sunday program schedule and 'Weekends with Simon Marnie' where…

ARS NOVA INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION The 1st Ars Nova International Piano Competition will be held in Singapore from 30th July to 4th August 2012. Organised by MW Events Management and supported by Yamaha Music Singapore and MS Works, this competition serves as a platform for young and aspiring talents to compete and achieve opportunities for artiste career development as well as allows for cultural exchange and networking. This inaugural event is unique as it includes a non-competitive category where pianists may participate for exposure and experience to showcase their talents without being subjected to actual competition. Additionally, there is a…

CENTENARY COMPOSER COMPETITION 2012 To celebrate its centenary, the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW is presenting the Centenary Composer Competition 2012 for Students. For a submission fee of $30, applicants have the opportunity to submit their original recorded composition. Applicants eligible to enter must be aged between 15 and 18 years of age as at 1st March 2012 and have been a resident of NSW/ACT for the greater part of his or her life including 4 out of the last 6 years. The winning composition will be presented at the Centenary Luncheon held at Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney on…

Teacher Spotlight on… Art Phillips Gifted and accomplished musician, Two time Emmy award winner and all round nice guy, Art Philips recently sat down to talk to me about his life, teaching and his passion for music. Here are just some of the things I learnt about this fascinating AICM teacher…  How he got started in music Art spent his early years hanging out in the kitchen with his musician father and grandfather listening and playing traditional Italian music together, with two guitars and a mandolin. At age 11, a lifelong friendship was sparked when he wrote a fan letter…

Student Spotlight on… Anthony Rizzo     First year student, Anthony Rizzo is one of AICM’s up and coming stars.  With an unwavering passion andlove of music and performance it is easy to be swept up by his enthusiasm. I recently sat down with Anthony and here is a little of what I discovered about this remarkably talented guy...   How he got started in music Anthony’s love of music started when he was just a small boy. His Grandparents, were a major influence on Anthony, one giving him his first instrument; a ¾ guitar which Anthony lovingly restored and then taught himself…

APGS Announcement   APGS brings performing arts to Broadway, Glebe in 2012 Sound the bells and blow the horns! Finally, an innovative and independent school is coming to Broadway offering secondary students with a passion for music, dance, drama or visual art the chance to study in an arts rich environment whilst focusing on high academic standards. What’s more, the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School (APGS) will be offering 20 full scholarships to celebrate its Broadway launch in 2012. More than “just another school”, the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School, (formerly known as the Australian International Performing Arts High School)…

EXAM WRAP-UP AICM students can breathe a sigh of relief with the semester done and exams well and truly over! Congratulations must be said to all the students for firstly, knuckling down, studying hard and getting through their academic exams; and secondly, for putting in intense practice sessions and huge dedication as always to their practical exams and recital efforts. It definitely couldn’t have been done without the collaboration of AICM's teaching and office staff as usual every semester, for organizing these spectacular concert exams such as Paul Thorne’s Big Band exam held during the last Performance class and Dave…

JESS CIAMPA MASTERCLASS On Wednesday 2nd November well established multi-instrumental percussionist Jess Ciampa conducted a successful masterclass for students in the AICM auditorium. Thank you to Jess for taking the time to teach this highly interactive and educational class, where students learnt about his expansive career and took away expert advice from one of the industry's best. Topics discussed in Jess’s masterclass included: Several interlocking rhythmic warm ups using body percussion Examining rhythmic interaction/syncopation in Latin music – specifically in Cuban Son/Salsa music The role of various instruments in the above style, in terms of rhythmic interaction An introduction to…

AUSTRALIA’S GOT TALENT AUDITIONS Channel 7’s hit television show, Australia’s Got Talent (AGT), recently joined forces with AICM and partner school AIPAH (The Australian International Performing Arts High School) to hold exclusive auditions for its accomplished students! Auditions were held on consecutive days; Tuesday 15th November was booked especially for AICM plus AIPAH year 12 students in the auditorium at Rozelle whilst AIPAH year 7-11 students auditioned on Wednesday 16th November at the high school campus in Harris Park. AICM would like to give heartfelt thanks to the students who participated in this fantastic opportunity, who took the chance to…