Northern Rivers Conservatorium

15/10/2025

Don’t miss your chance to catch the Northern Rivers Youth Jazz Orchestra live at the this Saturday 18 October at 1pm.

Come experience the energy of a full big band and see the next generation of talented young jazz musicians lighting up the stage. It’s always a crowd favourite vibrant, dynamic, and full of swing.

See you at the Show.

15/10/2025

We are deeply, deeply saddened by the overnight fire in the Masonic Temple building on Molesworth Street. This iconic building has served our community as the home of theatre for multiple generations and holds dear memories for so many. It has played a significant part in the development of arts programs across all disciplines, being the home of Theatre Theatre for many years as well as the performing arts department at SCU, Nomads Theatre, North Coast Theatre Co, and many NRCAE productions.

Our thoughts are with Angela Mitchell and all who have been affected.

Two men are being questioned by police after fire destroyed a historical building in Lismore, only recently restored after the devastating 2022 floods.

13/10/2025

Teacher Feature 🎶

Mat Lydon is a guitarist and violinist with eight years’ experience in instrumental tuition within community and school music programs. He graduated with a Bachelor of Contemporary Music (majoring in Education and Production) from Southern Cross University in 2013.

In 2023, Mat launched the Northern Rivers Youth String Band in partnership with Neil McCann – a two-day traditional bluegrass and old-time ensemble-based workshop for students aged 9–16, featuring guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, and cello. He also facilitated the Junior Strings Ensemble with the support of Michael McCabe, designed for primary school-aged students from beginner to third grade levels.

Just last week, Mat and Neil completed another Spring Strings Youth Band Workshop, which was loved by all who attended.

Alongside his teaching, Mat performs violin with the western swing band Way Out West, the manouche jazz ensemble Lema, and his originals project Floating Wok – a guitar and drums duo often joined by brass collaborators.

Mat’s teaching focuses on developing music reading and listening skills (“playing by ear”), ensemble experience, improvisation, and solid technique – helping students find joy and confidence in playing from the very beginning.

Mat currently has availability for new students.

10/10/2025

If you’ve walked past the Northern Rivers Conservatorium in downtown Lismore lately, you might have wondered what’s going on.

Our beautiful heritage home is undergoing major underpinning works, thanks to Create NSW funding. These works are strengthening her foundations and securing her future as a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of our city.
Affectionately known as the grand old dame, the Conservatorium has stood for more than a century as a landmark of education, creativity, and community. She has hosted generations of students, audiences, and musicians and like anyone who’s carried so much history, she’s showing her age. But instead of slowing down, she’s being renewed. The underpinning is quite literally giving her new pins, ensuring she’ll stand tall and strong for decades to come.

Floods, shifting soils, and the passage of time had begun to affect the stability of the building. Underpinning addresses these issues at the foundations, giving the structure the strength it needs to stand the test of time and climate. It’s a significant investment in safeguarding the Con as a place of learning and performance.

This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the future of music and community in the Northern Rivers. The Con is a gathering place for music lovers, a classroom for students of every age, and a stage where world-class artists share the spotlight with local talent. At the heart of it all is our guiding phrase: for the love of music.

Inside, the music hasn’t stopped. Each week, preschoolers discover their first songs, bands rehearse, adult learners take up new instruments, and ensembles prepare for concerts. The Con continues to echo with jazz, classical, contemporary, and experimental sounds proof that even while the old dame is being braced and bolstered, her spirit remains strong.
So next time you pass by and wonder what’s going on, remember: the old dame is getting her new pins for the love of music and the music goes on.

09/10/2025

A huge congratulations to the Lismore City Library having its official opening today!

It was such a pleasure to attend and celebrate this milestone with our wonderful neighbours. From all of us at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, heartfelt congratulations to the library team.

We’ve watched your journey with admiration your strength, care, and resilience which have brought this beautiful space back to life for the whole community to enjoy.

Libraries hold such an important place in our hearts and in our city as a place of learning, imagination, and belonging.

We’re so proud to be part of Lismore’s vibrant Cultural Precinct alongside the Lismore Richmond Tweed Regional Library and Lismore Regional Gallery , right here in the heart of our city and we can’t wait for NORPA to join in soon!

03/10/2025

Early Childhood Music Educator Workshop: Filling Cups at the Con 🎶

On Tuesday the Northern Rivers Conservatorium was delighted to host an Early Childhood Music professional development workshop led by Emma Hart and Ngyire Starkey.

Educators from Bangalow Community Childrens Centre, Lismore Parish Centre Preschool, St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre and Clunes Preschool joined us for a three hour “cup filler” filled with songs, rhythm, and playful music activities that support children’s learning, emotional wellbeing and social development.

One of the sweetest moments was the group singing lullabies to the teddies a reminder of how simple music making can nurture connection, comfort and joy. Swoon!

The energy was infectious and by the end of the day participants were already asking for future “cup refillers.”

Stay tuned for more opportunities coming up as the Con continues to support educators and celebrate the joy of music in early childhood.

02/10/2025

Teacher Feature 🎹Christina Gobet-Freeman - Piano

Christina is a dedicated and enthusiastic music educator who brings passion and warmth to her teaching. She works with students of all ages from the young to the young at heart inspiring them to grow through music.

With a diverse teaching background, Christina has taught both music and French in primary and secondary schools across Australia and internationally. Since moving to the Northern Rivers 23 years ago, she has shared her expertise through piano, singing, guitar, and ukulele lessons, as well as leading youth bands and classroom music programs. At the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Christina focuses solely on teaching piano, where she continues to motivate and nurture her students’ love of music.

Her own musical journey began at just five years old with classical piano training, which gave her a strong foundation for exploring a wide range of genres. Over the years she has immersed herself in blues, jazz, opera, and musical theatre. Her influences span from the elegance of Chopin, to the dynamic rhythms of Chuck Berry, the eclectic styles of Elton John and Keith Jarrett, and the contemporary sounds of Yann Tiersen and Ludovico Einaudi.

Christina’s broad expertise and diverse influences shape her teaching approach, allowing her to connect with students across many musical styles and skill levels. She is a valued member of the Conservatorium’s team of music educators, recognised not only for her skill and experience but also for the dedication and care she brings to every lesson.

30/09/2025

Meet our Alumni!🎓🎵

Introducing Liam Baillie (Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals)

“My teachers were so kind and dedicated to getting the very best out of each one of us, and taught me so much about listening, approaching playing music with kindness and empathy (whether that’s with others or by yourself). It was so valuable to have the opportunity to play a few times a year in the twilight concert. Most importantly the Con taught me how important and enriching it is to have a musical community around you”

Liam can be found playing the fiddle in different bands, including his own – ‘Baillie’s Bazaar for Unwanted Oddities’, as well as producing. Talking about his proudest achievements, Liam mentions the life changing experience of Ethno Histeria in Slovenia, learning so much about how people from really different cultures can come together and form beautiful connections through common practice. “I feel the most proud of my musical journey in more intimate moments, when there’s a distinct feeling of connection between you and other musicians, or a small crowd”

Read more about Liam's journey here: https://nrcac.edu.au/about/alumni/

26/09/2025

Farewell, Welcome and Growth

At our Annual General Meeting on 23 September, the Northern Rivers Conservatorium farewelled long-serving Board member Jenny Dowell, who stepped down after seven years of service, including time as Chair. Jenny’s kindness, wisdom, and fortitude guided us through some of the most challenging years in our history, and she will be deeply missed.

We also welcomed our 2025–26 Board:
Chris Leach (Chair), Donna Kildea (Deputy Chair), Peter Hughes (Treasurer), Matt Sorenson (Secretary), Georgina Bruinsma, Mykaela Baillie, and our newest members Rohan Langford and Suzanne Roberts. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to guide the Con into its next chapter.

The Annual Report has also been released, celebrating a vibrant year with over 1,300 students, 49 performances reaching more than 20,000 people, and 26 school and preschool partnerships.

Always, for the love of music ❤️

Link to copy of NRC Annual Report: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/9274e3a9e7.html

24/09/2025

Pure Afro-Cuban Beats w/ Michele Salaris 🎶

Thursdays from Oct 30 | 5:30pm-7:00pm | 8-week course | Ages 12+
$340 inc. book & instrument hire

Feel the pulse of Afro-Cuban beats from the Caribbean islands with our immersive percussion courses!

Our classes offer a unique opportunity to master the rich sounds of Afro-Cuban drumming, blending the vibrant traditions of Cuba, Spain and Africa with the soulful beats of Latin America .

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, uncover the secrets behind the rhythms that have shaped the music of these cultures.
Learn to play Bongó, Conga, Timbales, and minor percussions while exploring iconic genres like Kiribá & Nengòn, Son, Rumba Guaguancó, Rumba Columbia and Son montuno.
With expert guidance, you'll gain the skills to read and write rhythms, understand authentic techniques, and bring these powerful sounds into your own playing.

What you can expect:
-Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of Afro-Cuban music through interactive video presentations.
- Master essential rhythms and techniques for drums and percussion.
- Explore a variety of genres, from Son to Rumba.
- All instruments and learning materials are provided.

Don’t miss this chance to unlock the rhythms that have influenced generations of musicians. Sign up now and experience the magic of pure Afro-Cuban beats with Michele Salaris.

Enrol Here: https://nrcac.edu.au/enrolment/community-music-enrolment/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primordialvibes_percussion

23/09/2025

Teacher Feature: Justin Bannister🎹
Piano & Soul Good Band

Justin grew up in Frankenmuth Michigan, USA, and first sat at a keyboard, aged 9, to learn piano. Even back then he knew he’d found his passion and calling. And he has followed it-all the way to Australia, where he now lives with his partner, Robyn.

His musical influences include Jerry Lee Lewis, Elton John, Leon Russell, Jordan Rudess, Gov’t Mule, Billy Joe Shaver and Lyle Lovett. Over the last 20-years, Justin has been privileged to play and perform with musicians across the globe on projects ranging in genre from country, folk and rock to experimental, impromptu works.

Read more about Justin here: https://nrcac.edu.au/about/our-staff/

Enrol via our website, spots with Justin are open but going fast! 🎉

18/09/2025

The future of jazz is alive and well in the Northern Rivers.

The Northern Rivers Youth Jazz Orchestra (YJO) has gone from strength to strength in 2025, with 24 members across senior and junior ensembles. Under the direction of Nic Campbell, these talented young musicians (aged 13–24) bring jazz, funk, soul, blues, and fusion to life. And they’ve got an exciting run of gigs coming up.

We are thrilled to see how far YJO has come this year. They are rehearsing hard, building their repertoire, and ready to share their music with audiences across the region. Everyone is excited to see these young musicians take the stage and show just how much talent and passion we have in our community.

Catch YJO live:

Saturday 18 October, 1pm – Lismore Show
Friday 24 October, 5pm – Rural Women’s Gathering
Sunday 2 November, 2pm – Lismore Jazz Club

Don’t miss your chance to see them in action and support the next generation of jazz in our region.