This 50-minute panel discussion will ask the question of “Why do we do what we do?” Our panel of leading teachers, directors, researchers, and musicians will reflect on their own experiences of music education both as student and teacher, and how to shape a longed-for future in which all Australian children to have access to quality music education.
Facilitated by Genevieve Lang, professional musician and ABC Classic presenter, and featuring Brett Weymark OAM, Dr Anita Collins, Emily Albert, and Louise Barkl, this session will empower us all to advocate for the arts.
About the Panel
Genevieve Lang, Panel Facilitator
Harpist, Writer, Broadcaster
Genevieve Lang is well known to Australian audiences as a harpist and broadcaster. You might well have seen her on stage with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and she’s enjoyed a long association with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. She’s also a founding member of SHE (Seven Harp Ensemble) and has performed as soloist with several orchestras around the country and overseas.
A few years ago, Genevieve became interested in writing and speaking about music and the world of music administration. Since then, she’s taken on education projects for Musica Viva, given pre-concert talks to audiences in Sydney and Hobart, led tours for Hayllar Music Tours, and worked with Pinchgut Opera, Gondwana Choirs and the Australian Youth Orchestra.
These days you’re more likely to hear her voice than her harp, as a presenter on ABC Classic. And she occasionally pops up on your television screens for special classical music events on ABC TV and ABC iView. For Genevieve, broadcasting and media are the perfect way to share her passion for classical music with the biggest possible audience!
Brett Weymark OAM
Artistic & Music Director, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Brett Weymark is one of Australia’s leading choral conductors, leading the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs since 2003 and conducting various major symphony orchestras across Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. He has also collaborated with Opera Australia, Pinchgut Opera, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Brett studied at Sydney University and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, continuing his conducting education with renowned maestros like Simon Halsey and Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
He was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal in 2001 and the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his contributions to music. Passionate about the transformative power of music, Brett believes it should be accessible to all for the well-being of individuals and communities.
Dr. Anita Collins
Dr Anita Collins is an award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. She is internationally recognized for her unique work in translating the scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists to the everyday parent, teacher and student.
Since 2016, Anita has interviewed over 100 neuroscientists and psychologists globally, advocating for the benefits of music learning in child development.
Anita gained prominence by writing the script for the TEDEd video, “How playing an instrument benefits your brain,” and her TEDx Talk, “What if every child had music education from birth?” She is well-known in Australia as the on-screen expert for the ABC documentary “Don’t Stop the Music.”
Awarded the Barbara Matthews Churchill Fellowship in 2016, Anita studied with top researchers in the US and Canada, followed by a sabbatical in 2017 to continue her studies in the US, Canada, and Germany. In 2019, she received the inaugural Australian Women in Music award for Music Education.
Emily Albert
Executive Director, Alberts
Emily is passionate about leaving the world in better shape for future generations. Whether this is through grant funding to amplify the impact of non-profits, or investing in for-purpose businesses as a force for good. She sees a great opportunity to mobilise capital, resources and everyday actions to create the world we want to live in.
Emily’s career has focused on helping not-for-profit, corporate and government organisations implement, track and improve their social impact and sustainability strategies, both in Australia and the UK. She has spent much of this time measuring the intangible and articulating its value so that it can be understood by multiple stakeholders.
At Alberts, Emily leads their impact initiatives and heads the Music Education: Right from the Start program, aiming to provide quality music education to all Australian primary school children.
Louise Barkl
National Education Advisor, Music in Me
Louise 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.
