It was with great excitement that I began my long journey to Perth, with clarinet, laptop and just a small bag of necessities – I always try to travel light… really does make things a lot simpler!

It’s rare that a long journey goes flawlessly – there’s usually some drama along the way, and in this case the first leg of the flight began with a 3-hour delay meaning I would miss my connection in Doha…. As it was, on arrival in Qatar’s capital, I was whisked through bits of the airport usually out of bounds to travellers and straight onto the next flight which, amazingly was held back for the three of us going on to Australia.

On arriving in Perth one’s world really is turned upside down… geographically (obviously), but also time-wise and summer just became winter. Though a winter’s day in Perth is what we would describe, back in the UK, as the perfect summer offering! I was met by the wonderful Maxine Day, who works for AMEB and was to look after for most if my long trip. Jet lag is always a consideration and the first day was, happily, quiet. So, a lovely walk around the spacious city of Perth was the main event, ending up at its highest point with wonderful views. Even had to buy myself a new sun hat.

*A winter’s day in Kings Park and Botanic Garden – on top of the world (with new hat!)*

The following day I presented quite a long session on ‘Creative Teaching’ to a very enthusiastic audience based at the University of Western Australia. There were always good questions to be answered – a very positive feature consistent at all the events. I met Lisa Bastien here for the first time… daughter of Jane Bastien who wrote the famous beginners piano method – who was talking about the method and introducing some of her new add-ons to this celebrated series.

Onto the University of Adelaide for our next stop, a 4-hour flight and still very warm and sunny. I did a couple of presentations here – on Simultaneous Learning and on practice. The university was set in some very distinguished grounds and the music department in a very imposing building.

*The beautiful surrounds of the University of Adelaide*

Then to Brisbane – another long flight! I was delighted to meet an excellent young flute student, Maria Brereton, here who had played one of my pieces for her Grade 6! Blowing Blue. We did an impromptu performance!

*Maria Brereton performing Blowing Blue*

The next point of call was Cairns – what a fabulous place! And a winters day here is about as best as they get. Beautiful blue skies and very warm sunshine. After my two presentations for the Cairn’s Music Teachers Association we were invited to the home of an AMEB board member Ian Holtham who attended the event. Ian is one of the most distinguished and highly regarded pianists and pedagogues in Australia and was head of piano at the Melbourne Conservatorium. His amazing penthouse flat overlooked the ocean and directly at the Great Barrier Reef. The evening skies were breathtaking.

*Amazing skies and Great Barrier Reef in the distance*

From Cairns we travelled to Melbourne for the first of two visits. I spoke at the Australian National Bands and Orchestra Conference which was of particular interest given my work with NYWO. I heard some terrific young wind bands and gave a couple of talks.

*Talking to wind players and teachers in Melbourne*

I always love my visits to Sydney – and I think this was my fifth. There’s a real distinction about the place and I was treated to a wonderful concert at the Sydney Opera House. Sibelius 5 played splendidly by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

*Sydney Symphony Orchestra performed Sibelius 5*

I gave a talk at the famous King’s School (also been there previously) for the AMEB Piano Teachers Workshop Conference and the next day was invited to Samantha Coates’ house for a very special event. ‘Pinot, Pedagogy and Pizza’. Samantha is a very well-known pianist, teacher and writer and presents these terrific evenings at her amazing kitchen every so-often. The large gathering of very enthusiastic teachers were greeted with a glass of wine (pinot)… I then spoke for an hour on sight reading (pedagogy) and then everyone indulged in some pizza (pizza!). It was an inspired (and inspiring) evening!

Finally, back to Melbourne for the longest stay in one place! 5 days! And the Australian Piano Pedagogy Conference hosted by, and within the enormous campus of Monash University. I gave the keynote for this conference to about 300 very passionate teachers – plus another two sessions. It was great to meet up with my old friend Tim Topham and made the acquaintance of the excellent music education consultant Paul Myatt. I attended quite a few fascinating presentations and felt all is good with music education here in Australia.

I spent a little time at AMEB HQ on my final full day – talked a lot with Bernard Depasquale, the excellent CEO and many other members of his great team. In the evening I was treated to an Australian Indian dinner at the wonderfully named restaurant, ‘Daughter in Law’…

*Bernard Depasquale at the AMEB HQ in Melbourne*

Having a little time in hand, Maxine took me to Melbourne Zoo on the way to the airport on my final day. We went to the Australian section (naturally) and it was exciting to see some koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, some platapi (?) and a croc!.

A crocodile, kangaroo and an Emu. Disappointingly only saw these at the zoo – was hoping to see them out on the streets

So… altogether a great – and indeed epic – trip! Would also like to thank Fiona who also looked after me splendidly and AMEB in general, who brilliantly hosted the whole trip. And Richard Snape of Fine Music who did indeed a very fine job in always having many copies of some appropriate books on hand! And of course the wonderful Faber Music who set the whole thing up!

Much looking forward to the next time.