Paul Kucharski

BA MMus Grad Dip Teaching and Learning

Paul Kucharski was born in Ohio, USA and re-located to Australia in 1994. He holds Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching from USQ, a Master of Music degree and a Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the University of Kentucky. 

Paul was formerly a multi-instrumental teacher with Education Queensland. He is a frequent adjudicator and clinician, and an active member of ABODA. He enjoys performing in, and composing for, a variety of genres, including concert bands, jazz ensembles and chamber ensembles.

Melanie Stewart

BMus (performance), GradDipEd (secondary), AMusA (piano)

Melanie Stewart, based in Brisbane, is a versatile performer, teacher and accompanist. She studied bassoon at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with Matthew Wilkie and Queensland Conservartorium of Music with Peter Musson. During her undergraduate degree, Melanie continued her piano studies with Jenni Flemming. A move back to Brisbane saw her complete the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) at the Queensland University of Technology. For almost a decade Melanie worked at For Winds, undertaking further study at Buffet Crampon in France where she finessed her skills as an instrument technician, specialising in clarinet and bassoon.

Since 2004, she has been pianist with Queensland Wind Orchestra, an inspiring ensemble that champions new works by local, national and international artists. Performances have included works by Catherine Likhuta, David Maslanka, Satoshi Yagisawa and award winners of the Australian Women’s Wind Band Composition Competition.

Melanie’s sensitive and musical approach to accompanying sees her in demand for recitals, exams and auditions. As a keys player in the musical theatre space, she has performed in Lil’ Elvis Jones & the Truckstoppers, Jersey Boys and Georgy Girl at Twelfth Night Theatre as well as productions by A Night at the Musicals at Brisbane Powerhouse and Talbot Theatre. She is a passionate teacher (both classroom and instrumental) with positions held at Redeemer Lutheran College, Stuartholme School, Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School and for the past 12 years, Marist College Ashgrove.

Natalie Sharp

BMUS

Since graduating from Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 1988, Natalie has been a consistent part of Brisbane’s string scene, working with students and players of all ages, teaching, playing and conducting. An interest in effective body use, set-up, and action in upper-string playing (inspired by a dance background) ignited her passion for teaching and underpins her approach to technique. Her thesis on this subject was awarded the Conservatorium’s Gordon Spearritt prize.

For many years, Natalie worked as a freelance violinist and coordinated chamber music for events. She has been part of string departments in schools including Brisbane Girls’ Grammar, St. Peter’s Lutheran College, Mt St Michaels’ College and All Hallows’ School. Her busy private studio demands focused guidance for violin and viola students from beginning to diploma levels. As a string tutor, conductor and adjudicator, Natalie enjoys inspiring and fostering string players both locally and interstate. She directs two Brisbane-based ensembles at Western Suburbs String Orchestras and assists the strings in Education Queensland’s Creative Generation and “MOST” programs. Natalie is a senior AMEB examiner and regularly leads PD/ pedagogy sessions at conferences and schools. She is happy to have served as AUSTA Q's secretary and a long-term committee member. In 2006, she was a recipient of a Ryan Recognition award for arts in her electorate, and in 2012, received an AUSTA State Award.

Natalie is co-author of the popular beginner series, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros. She works with her husband, Keith, at camps, workshops and in publishing ensemble repertoire. These resources are popular in Australia and have been published in the US by Alfreds and FJH.

Paul Kucharski

BA MMus Grad Dip Teaching and Learning

Paul Kucharski was born in Ohio, USA and re-located to Australia in 1994. He holds Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching from USQ, a Master of Music degree and a Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the University of Kentucky. 

Paul was formerly a multi-instrumental teacher with Education Queensland. He is a frequent adjudicator and clinician, and an active member of ABODA. He enjoys performing in, and composing for, a variety of genres, including concert bands, jazz ensembles and chamber ensembles.

Shelli Hulcombe

Shelli Hulcombe is a Senior Lecturer in Voice at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. Shelli completed undergraduate performance studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, furthering her studies in the UK at the Royal Northern College of Music. Other qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Music (Sydney University) and a Master of Music Studies majoring in Vocal Pedagogy (Griffith University). Shelli has performed across a range of genres with leading Australian arts companies, as well as international engagements in the UK, Europe and South East Asia. She was also an inaugural member of The 7 Sopranos. Shelli is a passionate advocate of community engagement and music education. She regularly adjudicates at eisteddfods around Queensland and was for many years an examiner for AMEB across all vocal syllabi. Shelli also performed in the Musica Viva in Schools music education program from 2012-2021 with the group Ensemble Entourage. Shelli is a past National President of the Australian Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS). She has delivered presentations for ICVT, ANATS, AVA and MTAQ and is regularly invited to give public masterclasses across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland.

Shelli’s research interests include the use of cross-genre vocal training to improve performance outcomes for all singers and she is currently completing a PhD in this area. She recently presented her research findings at the International Congress of Voice Teachers in Toronto, Canada.

Many of Shelli’s former students are currently singing and studying across Australia and overseas. She also has former students working in related fields such as music therapy, stage directing, speech pathology and music education. She is dedicated to helping her students discover their individual strengths and encouraging them to find their unique place within the arts industry.

Maggie Chen

(MMus, MMusStud, MDip, BMus (Hons), AdvPerf)

Maggie Chen is a highly respected flute and piano performer, adjudicator, and educator. As International Ambassador of the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, Maggie has performed and taught internationally, sharing her expertise as a guest artist at leading institutions including Yongfu School with Music for Gifted, Dahcherng School of Music for Talents, the University of Newcastle, the University of Queensland, and the University of Tasmania.

Maggie is a current examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) and a former President of the Queensland Flute Guild. She is a sought-after adjudicator for major music competitions and scholarship programs. Her numerous awards and accolades include the Most Outstanding Performance Award, Basil Jones Sonata Prize, Margaret Nickson Prize, Australian Postgraduate Awards, and the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence, among many others.

An experienced educator, Maggie teaches at John Paul College and maintains a successful private studio. She has worked with distinguished ensembles including the Kaohsiung Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Tainan Symphony Orchestra, and the Queensland Orchestra (traineeship).

Maggie performs extensively as a soloist and orchestral musician throughout Australia, Asia, and Europe, and is an active chamber musician with performances featured on both national and international media.

Alexandra Asmus

GradCertEd, BA, BTeach, ATCL, Cert IV TAE

Alexandra has been dedicated to the creative and personal development of students and young performers throughout her 30 years of speech, drama and communication teaching. During this time, she has served a private speech and drama tutor and, more recently, as a secondary educator within the distance education space. She has developed innovative Drama and English programs for distance education and mentored students through the prestigious Trinity College of London curriculum. She finds great joy and fulfillment in helping students find their unique voice, discover more about themselves, and gain the confidence to perform on stage.

Alexandra’s journey in the arts is underpinned by a Diploma of Speech and Drama Teaching (ATCL) and a diverse educational background in writing, teaching and counselling. Her key achievements include raising five young adults alongside her husband on the Gold Coast and guiding her students to high levels of success, including Barbara Sisely Awards and numerous eisteddfod bursaries and special awards. In addition to the realm of speech and drama, Alexandra brings her vocal expertise to the fast-paced world of sport as a commentator for national and international BMX events. She was excited to commentate at the world titles that took place in Brisbane in July of this year.

She is so excited to have been invited by the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod Committee to adjudicate the Speech and Drama sections this year. She looks forward to providing encouraging and constructive feedback and witnessing the unique wealth of talent the competitors are sure to offer.

Natalie Sharp

BMUS

Since graduating from Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 1988, Natalie has been a consistent part of Brisbane’s string scene, working with students and players of all ages, teaching, playing and conducting. An interest in effective body use, set-up, and action in upper-string playing (inspired by a dance background) ignited her passion for teaching and underpins her approach to technique. Her thesis on this subject was awarded the Conservatorium’s Gordon Spearritt prize.

For many years, Natalie worked as a freelance violinist and coordinated chamber music for events. She has been part of string departments in schools including Brisbane Girls’ Grammar, St. Peter’s Lutheran College, Mt St Michaels’ College and All Hallows’ School. Her busy private studio demands focused guidance for violin and viola students from beginning to diploma levels. As a string tutor, conductor and adjudicator, Natalie enjoys inspiring and fostering string players both locally and interstate. She directs two Brisbane-based ensembles at Western Suburbs String Orchestras and assists the strings in Education Queensland’s Creative Generation and “MOST” programs. Natalie is a senior AMEB examiner and regularly leads PD/ pedagogy sessions at conferences and schools. She is happy to have served as AUSTA Q's secretary and a long-term committee member. In 2006, she was a recipient of a Ryan Recognition award for arts in her electorate, and in 2012, received an AUSTA State Award.

Natalie is co-author of the popular beginner series, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros. She works with her husband, Keith, at camps, workshops and in publishing ensemble repertoire. These resources are popular in Australia and have been published in the US by Alfreds and FJH.

Helen Worthington

G Mus (UK)

Helen Worthington is a classical guitar educator with more than four decades of experience across the UK and Australia. She has taught since 1978, known for practical, musician-first instruction that builds technique, tone, musicianship and performance confidence.

In England, Helen taught in many schools, combining classroom and studio teaching with performance and ensemble direction. She is equally at home teaching individuals from beginner to advanced and shaping guitar ensembles through thoughtful programming and supportive leadership. Her ensemble work has included directing, conducting and performing. Across settings, her focus is secure technique, attentive listening and musical contribution within the group.

Helen relocated to Australia in 2004 and continued her work on the Sunshine Coast, teaching in schools and through a long-running private studio. She has supported ensemble programs with expertise in rehearsal methods, repertoire and performance preparation. Her teaching is student-centred—encouraging, structured and responsive—balancing high musical standards with steady support.

Helen holds a Graduate Diploma in Music (G.Mus), University of Huddersfield (England).

She is a member of Queensland Music Teachers’ Association, through whom she provides mentoring for other educators.

As a festival adjudicator, Helen brings a broad perspective to performance standards and repertoire, helping students and teachers understand what makes a musical presentation convincing, polished and expressive.

Today, Helen teaches a select number of students in her private studio, prioritising beautiful sound, secure technique and confident performance.

Shelli Hulcombe

Shelli Hulcombe is a Senior Lecturer in Voice at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. Shelli completed undergraduate performance studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, furthering her studies in the UK at the Royal Northern College of Music. Other qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Music (Sydney University) and a Master of Music Studies majoring in Vocal Pedagogy (Griffith University). Shelli has performed across a range of genres with leading Australian arts companies, as well as international engagements in the UK, Europe and South East Asia. She was also an inaugural member of The 7 Sopranos. Shelli is a passionate advocate of community engagement and music education. She regularly adjudicates at eisteddfods around Queensland and was for many years an examiner for AMEB across all vocal syllabi. Shelli also performed in the Musica Viva in Schools music education program from 2012-2021 with the group Ensemble Entourage. Shelli is a past National President of the Australian Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS). She has delivered presentations for ICVT, ANATS, AVA and MTAQ and is regularly invited to give public masterclasses across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland.

Shelli’s research interests include the use of cross-genre vocal training to improve performance outcomes for all singers and she is currently completing a PhD in this area. She recently presented her research findings at the International Congress of Voice Teachers in Toronto, Canada.

Many of Shelli’s former students are currently singing and studying across Australia and overseas. She also has former students working in related fields such as music therapy, stage directing, speech pathology and music education. She is dedicated to helping her students discover their individual strengths and encouraging them to find their unique place within the arts industry.