AUSTA National President

Andrew Patrick  BMusEdAndrew Patrick

Andrew Patrick, a professional cellist, works as both teacher and freelance performer in Western Australia. Born and raised in Perth,  he initially learnt piano and violin at Christ Church Grammar School. At eleven he took up the cello with Gregory Baron, then Catherine Hewgill, and during this time he was a member  of the WA Youth Orchestra and attended numerous orchestral and/or chamber music camps.

On leaving school he continued his musical studies at the WA Conservatorium of Music (then under the direction of Richard Gill) studying cello with Michael Goldschlager. Later he transferred to the University of Western Australia to further develop his experience and knowledge of music and music education, studying cello with Cecilia Kirk, graduating in 1992.

Following a year of backpacking around Europe, Andrew moved to Geraldton (WA) to take up classroom music teaching at the high school. Intending to only stay for 6 months, he found the job very enjoyable and ended up extending his stay to three and half years. During this time he discovered a love of ensemble training and conducting, however, not with strings but with a choir, concert band and a jazz band.

After moving back to Perth in 1998, he slowly migrated from the classroom to cello teaching and string ensemble conducting. He has been teaching cello for the School of Instrumental Music (WA government’s highly successful school instrumental music programme) but is now focusing more on his private teaching studio and freelance work.

Andrew has been either secretary or president of AUSTA WA prior to the position he holds now. He looks back on all of his music and life experiences and recognizes the valuable volunteered contributions made by many teachers and sees being involved with AUSTA as one very positive way to make a similar contribution back into our vitally important music community. As National President, he hopes to help continue and develop the great work that AUSTA does for string players, teachers and makers in Australia.

If you would like to contact Andrew Patrick please send an email by clicking here