Music in
Education and Health
Music in Education - develops the whole person
Music in Health - keeps the person whole
About Gail
Professional Experience
- Gail was born in a rural area on the outskirts of Brisbane. She is a gifted musician who was entranced by the beauty of music at the tender age of 5 when she was enrolled in piano and ballet lessons. By age 16, she played piano and organ professionally for corporate events and wedding receptions.
- Four years later, Gail was living in Europe and began her piano teaching career in Belgium. On return to Australia, Godfrey’s Academy of Music opened on Brisbane’s south-side. This purpose-built Music Academy was recognized as an ‘Outstanding Business Achiever’. Gail embraced the Kodály philosophy in music education which opened doors into early childhood music education and primary school teaching. Later her curiosity in how music affects health led to post-graduate studies in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, after which she trained as a GIM therapist at the University of Melbourne.
- Gail is an experienced and qualified music teacher and music psychotherapist who offers friendly professional service to children, adolescents and adults in individual and group sessions.
Achievements
Gail is the recipient of the 2019 International Katalin Forrai Award for early childhood music education.
This year Gail was one of 10 teachers in Australia who received the 2024 Yamaha Breakout Award for excellence in piano teaching. Her qualifications include Teacher of Music, Bachelor of Human Services, Bachelor of Theology, Master of Education and Registered Guided Imagery & Music Therapist and Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery.
She is passionate about the holistic development of people which is reflected in her areas of study. Her multi-disciplinary approach and conceptual blending of ideas, combines to strengthen and enrich her service to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Music imprints itself deeper than any other human experience...
music brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.
Services
Music sessions available online or in person
Music Education
- Piano and Theory Tuition (beginners to advanced, all ages)
- Children with special needs / gifted children
- Examinations optional
- Early Childhood Music Teaching Courses
Music Psychotherapy
Embracing the Imagination for Health and Wellbeing Music Psychotherapy sessions for children and adults are known to be effective in managing stress, trauma recovery, grief, spiritual growth, physical illness and relationship change.
- Relaxation
- Retreat
- Workshops
Piano & Theory
Enjoyment the key to learning
The element of enjoyment is important in learning. Understanding individual differences in students has given me insights into various learning styles and cognitive development stages among students. This understanding enables me to adapt my teaching approach to accommodate diverse learning needs and preferences, maximizing the learning potential of each student. Various students follow a calling to become professional musicians, teachers and song writers. Others carry the beauty of music close to their hearts and embody piano playing to enrich their lives.
- Piano, Keyboard
- Theory, Musicianship
- Ages: Toddlers to Seniors
- Levels: Beginners to Advanced
- Gifted children
- Children with special needs
- AMEB & St. Cecilia Examinations
- Relaxed performance opportunities
- Learn for fun!
Early Childhood
Discover beat, rhythm, pitch
While children are learning to walk, talk, sing, move, play, create and explore, they are developing social, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual aspects in their young lives. Through rhymes, songs, games, dances, and works of the great composers (art music), they discover the elements of beat, rhythm, pitch, timbre, form and expression.
- Early Childhood Music courses for teachers, parents, students
- Childcare Centre Teacher Training
Music Psychotherapy
The healing power of music
From time to time, some issues can resolve themselves. That doesn’t always happen, and only you know if a situation, a dream or a feeling continues to persist. If a concern doesn’t seem to go away, or you find yourself in the same pattern over and over again, it may be time to warm up to the idea of confronting the issue with the help of a skilled therapist who specializes in music and imagery as their main tools of trade.
The healing power of music has been recognized since ancient times. Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a process that involves listening to music in a deeply relaxed state of consciousness guided by a trained therapist. GIM is an evidence-based therapeutic program.
GIM is an alternative to ‘talking’ therapies where physical, emotional and spiritual concerns can be addressed. It is not always easy to find words to describe our feelings or thoughts; however the beauty of GIM is that words are not always required. GIM sessions can help with things such as slowing down our emotional reactions to situations, can give us clarity in making decisions and help make sense of our feelings. Whether in individual, group, or family sessions, GIM is a confidential experience that assists you to understand your feelings and experiences.
Everyone deserves a helping hand now and then. Through a series of GIM sessions we learn the courage to take small steps to achieve goals and shift in levels of creativity to live a more peaceful, meaningful life. GIM is not only suitable to aid in resolving deeper issues; it is useful for improving quality of life for example work performance, relationships and for relaxation.
4 stages to the GIM process
There are four stages to the GIM process:
- Pre-discussion
- Relaxation
- Music listening
- Post discussion.
Music and artistic skills are not needed for this type of experience to be successful.
Music Psychotherapy Sessions
- Supporting children, adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, loss, grief and their quest for creative and spiritual growth
Music & Imagery Workshops
- for employees – corporate and government organisations, schools, hospitals, private groups
Additional Info
NDIS clients accepted
Further information about Guided Imagery and Music can be found at
Check eligibility at 1800 800 110 or https://ndis.gov.au/
Acknowledgement
I acknowledge the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which I work, create and celebrate. I am inspired and nurtured by their wisdom, spirituality and experience and commit to actively working alongside them for reconciliation and justice. I pay respects to the Elders past and present and recognise the continuing gift of their cultures to the life and spirit of Australia. As we take our next step we remember the first footsteps taken on this sacred land.