Our People

Director, Music in Me

• Bachelor of Music (Education), University of Sydney
• MBA, University of Sydney Business School

Bernie is the Director of Music in Me at the Australian Youth Orchestra. Bernie is an experienced senior arts executive, her previous roles include Executive Director of Gondwana Choirs, CEO of Sydney Youth Orchestras, Director of Operations at Think & Do Tank Foundation and senior Education and Artist Development roles with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, working with the late Richard Gill AO.

Bernie completed a Churchill Fellowship in 2007, the Australia Council Emerging Leaders Program in 2012, and an MBA at University of Sydney, Business School in 2025.

National Education Advisor, Music in Me

• Master of Music (Music Education), University of Sydney
• Bachelor of Music Education, University of Sydney

Louise Barkl is a dynamic and highly experienced arts and education professional, with specific experience and skills in arts and education strategy, partnerships, and teacher and artist professional learning. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education (Sydney Conservatorium of Music) and a Master of Music [Music Education] (University of Sydney).

As well as a successful music teaching career in primary and secondary schools, Louise has held several leadership roles in arts education including as Program Director for Musica Viva In Schools, and Leader of the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit. She has held senior roles within the NSW Department of Education in Curriculum. Her experience includes as a member of board and advisory groups with organisations including the Sydney Eisteddfod, the Australian Music Examinations Board (NSW) and the Tony Foundation.

In her capacity as a consultant, she provides strategic advice to organisations including Music in Me, Musica Viva Australia and Gondwana Choirs. Louise’s continued passion for choral music sees her leading a community-based choir and singing in another.

National Coordinator, Music in Me

• Bachelor of Music (Education), University of Sydney

Misa is the National Coordinator of Music in Me at the Australian Youth Orchestra. Misa graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Music Education, Hons Class 1) from the Sydney Conservatorium. Her honours thesis, titled “The use of music technology in the generalist classroom“, explored developing teacher confidence in teaching music through the use of technology and specialist support.

Misa has experience in education as a classroom primary specialist (Creative Arts), band conductor, peripatetic tutor at schools in Sydney’s Western suburbs and Northern Beaches, and school administrator at multiple schools including Abbotsleigh and Queenwood. Misa also has experience in arts administration through her role as Program Executive, Education at Musica Viva In Schools.

National Education Advisor, Music in Me

• Master of Music (Music Education), University of Sydney
• Bachelor of Music Education, University of Sydney

Louise Barkl is a dynamic and highly experienced arts and education professional, with specific experience and skills in arts and education strategy, partnerships, and teacher and artist professional learning. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education (Sydney Conservatorium of Music) and a Master of Music [Music Education] (University of Sydney).

As well as a successful music teaching career in primary and secondary schools, Louise has held several leadership roles in arts education including as Program Director for Musica Viva In Schools, and Leader of the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit. She has held senior roles within the NSW Department of Education in Curriculum. Her experience includes as a member of board and advisory groups with organisations including the Sydney Eisteddfod, the Australian Music Examinations Board (NSW) and the Tony Foundation.

In her capacity as a consultant, she provides strategic advice to organisations including Music in Me, Musica Viva Australia and Gondwana Choirs. Louise’s continued passion for choral music sees her leading a community-based choir and singing in another.

Advisory Group Member

Andy Mison is an experienced leader with more than 3 decades in the arts and education. He currently serves as the President of the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (ASPA), the national peak body representing the professional interests of Australia’s public secondary principals and their school communities. He is also a Director of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

With an extensive career spanning various educational settings across New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, Andy has served as CEO of a large RTO, principal of a performing arts school, a split-campus high school, a large P-10 ‘super-school’, and a senior secondary college.

In addition to his school leadership positions, Andy has served as the Director of School Improvement in the ACT Education Directorate, where he played a crucial role in the rollout of remote learning and vaccination programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Andy has also contributed to the development of the Australian Curriculum in the arts, consulted on digital education for AITSIS, and in 2009 developed Australia’s first fully online primary school music course to support remote classroom teachers. He is proud to have worked with Richard Gill AO to establish the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program (now Music In Me) in the Northen Territory.

As a secondary music teacher, Andy has taught classroom, instrumental, choral and band music in NSW, the Northern Territory and the ACT. As the principal of the Northern Territory Music School from 2011-2016 he led the NT Combined Schools’ Performing Arts program including the Annual Beat Festival, programs for First Nations students including Garma Festival youth music programs and Music Camps. He also established the long-running VAMPtv program supporting arts education in remote and regional schools across the Northern Territory. A member of APRA for 30 years, Andy is a skilled multi-instrumental performer, composer and arranger, maintaining a parallel career as a touring and recording artist, while also creating and arranging works for student performance.

Driven by his passion for music and arts education, and a commitment to supporting the growth and development of all young Australians, Andy Mison continues to be a highly respected advocate and leader within the education sector.

Advisory Group Member

Angela Falkenberg is President of the Australian Primary Principals Association and a nationally recognised leader in education. She has held principal roles in three primary schools and served in leadership positions across primary, secondary, and system levels. Angela’s career began in Indigenous education and expanded to include cross-sector initiatives, such as leading a primary healthcare project at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Known for her strategic insight, advocacy, and commitment to equity, Angela has contributed to national policy reform, professional learning frameworks, and initiatives that support principal wellbeing, resilience, and leadership development. She actively engages with government, media, universities, and international education bodies to strengthen the role of primary education in Australia and abroad.

A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Angela brings clarity, optimism, and a solutions-focused mindset to every conversation, championing the critical role of primary leaders in shaping thriving school communities and a stronger national future.

Advisory Group Member

Ms Jane Simmons PSM commenced her teaching career as a music teacher in southwestern Sydney. She currently works with educational leaders and schooling systems as a consultant, providing coaching, mentoring and advisor services on leadership development, school and systems improvement. Until recently, she was in the position of Deputy Director-General of the ACT Government, Education Directorate. Underpinned by a career spanning 38 years in public education, with more than 30 years in leadership positions across two education systems, she has significant expertise in leading people through change and building sustained leadership capability in educational systems. Equity in education is at the core of Ms Simmon’s educational leadership philosophy, and she continues to be passionate about the importance of the Arts in education, particularly music education.

Ms Simmons’ is an experienced school and system leader and is a strong advocate for leadership development as a key driver for improving educational outcomes. She has successfully led systemic reforms for school improvement for public schools in NSW and the ACT public school systems and is recognised for her ability to lead educational reform and manage complex and collaborative relationships with government and key stakeholders. Ms Simmons has represented education systems at national and international education forums and regularly presents at educational leadership summits on public education leadership, reform, and transformation.

Prior to commencing in the ACT Education Directorate, Ms Simmons led the NSW Department of Education response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also held numerous executive leadership positions with the NSW Department of Education including the role of Deputy Secretary Learning Improvement, Executive Director of School Services, Executive Director Public Schools NSW Sydney Metropolitan North, Principal Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School, and Executive Producer of the NSW Department of Education’s Schools Spectacular.

Joining the ACT Education Directorate in 2021, she led the ACT Government’s response to COVID for the ACT public education system, and the delivery of education services, strategy, and programs, and operations for ACT public schools.

Ms Simmons holds a Master of Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Music Education qualification. She commenced her career as a secondary school music teacher before progressing to school leadership and senior executive roles within secondary schools across Sydney, NSW before going on to senior executive roles in the public service.

Ms Simmons is a member of the Australian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (ACARA) Board, a Director on the Richard Gill National Music Academy – Richard Gill School and is a Director, NextSense Board. She is a Director, Jane Simmons Pty Ltd, providing consulting services to education systems, and is an Associate for The Brown Collective.

Ms Simmons is also an Adjunct Professor at the Macquarie University and the University of Canberra, and in 2020, was awarded a Public Service Medal for her services to education.

Advisory Group Member

Dr Jason Goopy is an accomplished music educator, scholar, and leader. He lectures and coordinates secondary and instrumental music education at Edith Cowan University for the School of Education and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Jason is a Fulbright Scholar whose research examines how music education positively transforms lives at the intersection of music, education, and psychology using arts-based and mixed-method approaches. He focuses on how music engagement and learning shape and support individual and community identities and wellbeing. Jason has substantial national education leadership experience and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting the profession. He is the current national President of the Australian Society for Music Education, Immediate Past President of Kodály Australia, a member of the National Advocates for Arts Education, and an Advisory Group Member for the Alberts Tony Foundation initiative, Music Education: Right from the Start.

Advisory Group Member

Sally Basser joined the Australian Youth Orchestra Board in 2018 and represents it on the Music in Me Advisory Group. She is an experienced non-executive director and consultant, with a background in public policy, arts and cultural development, and not-for-profit governance. Sally also sits on the boards of the Australian National Academy of Music, Bell Shakespeare, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the Australian Press Council, and Service and Creative Skills Australia. As head of the Commonwealth Office for the Arts (2007–2017), she led major national initiatives, including the development of the 2013 National Cultural Policy – Creative Australia. She now specialises in working with small to medium not-for-profit organisations on governance, strategy, and leadership—helping them strengthen their capabilities and achieve meaningful impact. Sally holds a Bachelor of Social Work (First Class Honours), a Master of Public Administration, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Coordinator, Western Australia

Mandy Herriman is a Level 3 (Lead Teacher) in the education department of Western Australia.

She has been teaching for 22 years and is an experienced primary music specialist with specific skills in band, orchestra, chamber music and choral conducting.

She is also an instrumental teacher, primarily in brass (French horn, trumpet and trombone) but also plays flute, clarinet, piano and guitar.

Mandy is the State Coordinator for Music in Me in WA and is also a Lead Mentor. She is chairperson of ASME WA which co-funds Music in Me for Western Australian public schools.

Mandy is also on the committee of the Massed Choir Festival – an annual two-week choral festival involving 90 primary aged choirs held in the Perth Concert Hall.

Her passion is to advocate for quality music education for all children.

Coordinator, South Australia

Robyn has experience as a Performing Arts (Dance, Drama and Music) teacher for over 20 years.  She has taught Reception to Year 6 Performing Arts classroom lessons, as well as Band, Choir, Drumbeat and Liturgical Dance. 

She has completed Orff Levels 1 and 2 as well the Orff Leadership course (SA).  She is a regular presenter for OSASA.  She has also completed training with Lynn Kleiner, John Feierabend and Doug Goodkin. In 2025 she presented at the National Orff “Pinnacles” Conference in Perth. She works with preservice teachers at Adelaide University and on Saturday mornings she teaches private students. 

She was appointed in April 2026 as the SA Coordinator for the Music in Me Mentoring program.

Coordinator, Victoria

Kate has a Bachelor of Music and Arts as well as post-graduate studies in Arts Management and Business Administration.  She has worked in and around music and music education throughout her entire career, initially as a clarinettist and music teacher, followed by several years working in Operations with a number of professional orchestras.  Since 2020 she has worked as a Music Administrator in several schools in Melbourne and more recently as a systems consultant and trainer for Music Monitor.

Kate is passionate about the importance of providing quality music education to children and the benefits that this provides on so many levels.  She is excited to be bringing her skills to AYO’s Music in Me program, and to be supporting the amazing Victorian mentors this year.

Coordinator, Sydney Catholic Schools

Catherine is a dedicated educational leader and music educator with a robust background in teaching and curriculum development. Holding a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from the same institution, Catherine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as an Education Officer at Sydney Catholic Schools.

With over 30 years in education, Catherine has made significant contributions as a Music Teacher, Head of Creative and Performing Arts and Head of Curriculum across various schools both in Sydney Catholic Schools and Independent schools.

Her expertise encompasses leadership in change management, curriculum and assessment design, study skills and professional development, underpinned by ongoing training in areas such as applied neuroscience and resilient leadership. Catherine is passionate about the arts, with extensive experience in classroom music education, compulsory instrumental programs, extra-curricular arts and creative arts program development. Her interests extend to drama, dance, photography, visual arts, health, languages and travel, reflecting a belief in a well-rounded approach to education in both personal and professional pursuits.

Lead Mentor

Susan Marshall is the Classroom Music Teacher at Unley Primary School in Adelaide. Susan is an active member of the Orff Schulwerk Association of South Australia and has completed the Level 4 Orff Schulwerk Accreditation Course. Susan is a regular presenter at OSASA conferences, has presented at National Conferences and has been involved in running leadership courses, courses for classroom teachers, sessions for University students, Orff Levels courses and as a mentor to other presenters and teachers. In her spare time, Susan enjoys playing the violin in an orchestra and is part of a Taiko drumming group.

Susan has been involved in the Music in Me Program for 7 years, mentoring in both primary schools and kindergartens. She is an enthusiastic, passionate music educator who enjoys sharing her ideas and expertise with others.

Susan loves being involved with the mentoring program, seeing the joy on students’ faces when they are experiencing music, and the satisfaction on the teachers’ faces when they realise that they can indeed teach music.

Lead Mentor

Liz Fahlbusch is the Music and Performing Arts teacher at Kapunda Primary School in regional South Australia, and has been a Primary Music Specialist for most of her teaching career. She has taught SA Primary Schools Festival of Music Choirs for more than twenty years and is the co-conductor of KaDenCe (the Kapunda and Districts Choir).

Liz plays the recorder with the South Australian Society of Recorder Players (SRP SA inc.) and was a handbell ringer with Synergy Handbell Ensemble for ten years.

Liz became interested in Music in Me after hearing Richard Gill speak about the program and his vision for music education in Australia. She felt that it was something she wanted to contribute to. Liz has been a mentor with the program for six years and has thoroughly enjoyed sharing her love of music with other teachers. She firmly believes in the numerous benefits of music, especially for health and well being, and feels privileged to have witnessed first-hand the significant positive outcomes for students, teachers and school communities after music was introduced through Music in Me.

Lead Mentor

Lynne has just begun her third decade teaching classroom music in state primary schools, starting as a classroom teacher and later transitioning into a music position. Navigating and teaching the music curriculum was challenging, and fortunately she found valuable professional learning opportunities, such as connecting with the Victorian Orff Schulwerk Association (VOSA). Lynne actively engaged with the VOSA committee, editing their “Musette” newsletter for six years and a half years.

Lynne has attended four Orff International Summer Schools in three countries. She has also contributed to professional learning activities through participation, presentations, and writings. Additionally, Lynne has occasionally lectured at Deakin University and supported pre-service teachers visiting her school. In her current role, she initiated a Music Teacher’s Network to offer support to isolated colleagues in her region.

Lynne’s initial bewilderment about the music curriculum and how to effectively teach it motivated her to mentor other teachers in a similar position. She mentored other music teachers by sharing her enthusiasm for the pedagogy and ways to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and creativity. Chatting with teachers often led to invitations to visit their classrooms and demonstrate these.

Lynne finds it rewarding to assist teachers in understanding and implementing the curriculum in creative and enjoyable ways. Whether collaborating with classroom or music teachers, helping the partner teacher achieve their goals is incredibly satisfying. Additionally, Lynne values the reciprocal learning that occurs with partner teachers. Observing their methods, discussing lessons, and gaining insights from teaching different student cohorts contribute to her professional growth. Reflecting on how she teaches and why she does things is very powerful and improves practice for her and for her partner teacher.

Mentoring brings impactful stories for both teachers and students. One partner teacher, despite singing out of tune, was encouraged by Lynne to continue singing for her students. Through pitch matching exercises, the teacher improved her singing ability and even composed a song for lining up. Another challenging class responded positively to Lynne’s use of the Orff Approach, surprising their partner teacher with full cooperation. It’s remarkable how children lacking confidence and ability in other curriculum areas can participate and excel in music activities.

Coordinator, Western Australia

Mandy Herriman is a Level 3 (Lead Teacher) in the education department of Western Australia.

She has been teaching for 22 years and is an experienced primary music specialist with specific skills in band, orchestra, chamber music and choral conducting.

She is also an instrumental teacher, primarily in brass (French horn, trumpet and trombone) but also plays flute, clarinet, piano and guitar.

Mandy is the State Coordinator for Music in Me in WA and is also a Lead Mentor. She is chairperson of ASME WA which co-funds Music in Me for Western Australian public schools.

Mandy is also on the committee of the Massed Choir Festival – an annual two-week choral festival involving 90 primary aged choirs held in the Perth Concert Hall.

Her passion is to advocate for quality music education for all children.

ABC Let’s Sing, Education Writer
Music in Me Summit presenter

Dr Sue Lane has had much experience as a music specialist and classroom teacher in a variety of school settings on the Central Coast of NSW. She worked for many years with pre-service teachers in Early Childhood and Primary Music and Dance Education programs at the University of Newcastle and the University of Technology, Sydney. Sue is a Lead Mentor with Music in Me, the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program and regularly presents teacher workshops with Musica Viva Australia In Schools and Sydney Symphony Education. Sue completed her PhD in 2019 and is passionate about her research work related to arts education provision in Australian primary schools.  Recently Sue was awarded the James Sturgiss Exceptional Service Award from the Professional Teachers Council NSW, acknowledging her work in music education and her advocacy, leadership and active support to educators, through the Orff Schulwerk Association of NSW.

Coordinator, Sydney Catholic Schools

Catherine is a dedicated educational leader and music educator with a robust background in teaching and curriculum development. Holding a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from the same institution, Catherine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as an Education Officer at Sydney Catholic Schools.

With over 30 years in education, Catherine has made significant contributions as a Music Teacher, Head of Creative and Performing Arts and Head of Curriculum across various schools both in Sydney Catholic Schools and Independent schools.

Her expertise encompasses leadership in change management, curriculum and assessment design, study skills and professional development, underpinned by ongoing training in areas such as applied neuroscience and resilient leadership. Catherine is passionate about the arts, with extensive experience in classroom music education, compulsory instrumental programs, extra-curricular arts and creative arts program development. Her interests extend to drama, dance, photography, visual arts, health, languages and travel, reflecting a belief in a well-rounded approach to education in both personal and professional pursuits.

Lead Mentor

Nancy is a lifelong musician and passionate advocate for the arts, inspiring learners of all ages through her extensive career in music education. Her work spans primary, secondary and tertiary settings, alongside her role as an Education Officer for the Arts HQ Team at Sydney Catholic Schools and as a sessional lecturer at the University of Sydney and other universities.

A sought‑after presenter and creator, Nancy has designed and led countless teacher professional learning experiences and student talent‑development programs. She has authored resources for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Education Program, NSW Department of Education, Sydney Catholic Schools, the University of Sydney and several educational publications, all with a focus on impactful music pedagogy.

Nancy’s leadership extends across major state and national-wide initiatives including her involvement in the Music Education Advisory Group, the Department of Education Music Taskforce and the Creative Arts Cross-Sector Group, helping shape future curriculum directions.

With a deep passion for vocal music, she has led numerous choirs—from school to community—and directed large‑scale choral performances in prominent venues across Sydney and beyond.  Her vocal coaching and performance work also continue privately.

Nancy believes that music and the arts are essential to the human experience. She continually seeks new ways to connect, innovate and inspire others to discover their own creative voice.

ABC Let’s Sing, Education Writer

Pru Borgert is an Australian Music educator with 25 years’ experience and a passion for community music making. Beyond the Music classroom, her activities range from mentoring and resource creation to conducting and PL delivery. She recently published a thesis titled “Mind the Gap: planning, modelling and consultation in online Music professional learning”. Pru’s other passions include Indigenous culture, choral music and crochet.

Lead Mentor

Dr Sue Lane is very excited to be part of Music in Me. She is committed to supporting teachers to bring engaging music education experiences into their classrooms. Sue is particularly focused on the ongoing development of accessible resources for teachers in a variety of educational settings.

Dr Sue Lane has had much experience as a music specialist and classroom teacher in a variety of school settings on the Central Coast of NSW. She worked for many years with pre-service teachers in Early Childhood and Primary Music and Dance Education programs at the University of Newcastle and the University of Technology, Sydney. Sue is a Lead Mentor with Music in Me, the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program and regularly presents teacher workshops with Musica Viva Australia In Schools and Sydney Symphony Education. Sue completed her PhD in 2019 and is passionate about her research work related to arts education provision in Australian primary schools. 

Recently Sue was awarded the James Sturgiss Exceptional Service Award from the Professional Teachers Council NSW, acknowledging her work in music education and her advocacy, leadership and active support to educators, through the Orff Schulwerk Association of NSW.

ABC Let’s Sing, Education Writer

Margie Moore has extensive experience as an Arts, Education and Music educator and administrator.  She has had successful careers as a teacher, Music consultant, Lecturer in Arts Education and managing the highly regarded Sydney Symphony Education Program. Since taking up consulting Margie has worked for the ABC/AYO on their Let’s Sing program, the Australian Vocal Quartet – AVÉ, Australia Council for the Arts, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Gondwana Voices, Moorambilla Voices, Musica Viva, the NSW Department of Education and Training, UTS, Symphony Services International, and The Sydney Opera House. 

Margie is sought after to write curriculum materials for a range of arts and education organisations and has led the connection of the Moorambilla Magic Modules to the NSW Curriculum project. In January 2011, Margie was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to Arts through Music Education.

ABC Let’s Sing, Education Writer

With a Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma of Primary Education, Jemma has worked as a generalist classroom teacher and specialist music teacher for almost 20 years, also working extensively with primary school choirs and instrumental ensembles. Between 2016-2021, Jemma was the Professional Development Manager for Musica Viva Australia, presenting workshops nationally for teachers in classroom music and developing classroom music resources. In 2020-2022, she taught music, dance and drama at the University of Technology Sydney to Primary Education pre-service teachers.

Jemma has written several music education classroom resources for organisations including Opera Australia, Musica Viva Australia and Australian Youth Orchestra’s Music in Me program. In 2018 Jemma completed a three-year teacher training in the TaKeTiNa rhythm meditation method with founder Reinhard Flatischler and Master TaKeTiNa teacher Tania Bosak, going on to mentor the next cohort of TaKeTiNa teacher trainees (2019-2022) and continuing her advanced training. Jemma is a passionate advocate of the creative arts to support and enrich learning and as a means for connection, expression and inclusivity within our communities. 

National Music Teacher Mentor Program Resource Book (first edition)
Thank you to the following mentors and teachers from New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australian and South Australia who contributed to the song selection.
Danielle Abbott, Merinda Antill, Julia Brennan, Lynne Burt, David Collins-White, Trudi Cosgrove, Deb Hepworth, Amanda Herriman, Amelia Monaghan, Felicity O’Halloran, Susan Sukkar, Linda Walburn.

Classroom activities Richard Gill AO
Additional activities by Susan Sukkar and Danielle Abbott.
Compiled Richard Gill AO, Bernadette McNamara, NMTMP Program Manager. 
Arrangements and recordings Paul Burjan.

Second edition Louise Barkl, NMTMP Education Advisor.

Third edition Danielle Abbott, Fiona Leen, Susan Marshall, Kiralee Strahle, Louise Barkl, Bernie Heard and Jessica Beriotto.