Biography
Sharon Davidge, A.Mus.A., B.Mus. studies
Sharon Davidge commenced piano and theory lessons at the age
of six from her grandmother, a locally well-known pianist and
teacher on the Lower Clarence. She started learning the flute
in year 8 at Grafton High School and, later, at St Cecilia's
Academy of Music . Sharon had lessons with and played in masterclasses
conducted by visiting musicians such as Neville Thomas, Nicola
Snekker-Seymour, Pam Green and Val Fawcett and in Brisbane with
Geoffrey Collins and Michael Scott . In year 12, Sharon travelled
to Lismore each week for lessons with Gordon Yemm, at what is
now Southern Cross University, and obtained her A.Mus.A. in that
year. The following year, Sharon commenced a Bachelor of Music
(performance) at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music Sydney,
studying flute with Michael Scott . Sharon taught in Sydney and
Grafton during this period (but not at the same times of year!).
Injury forced her to withdraw from practical subjects, continuing
with academic subjects in her third year.
Sharon came to Armidale in 1990 and, after making a return to
flute playing on a customised instrument and performing locally,
was asked to teach in 1991. She has continued teaching since
then. Sharon became active in college, church and community musical
activities during her studies and became increasingly involved
with community musical events since completing a Bachelor of
Natural Resources (Hons.) from the University of New England
. As an environmentally friendly musician, Sharon is, or has
been, involved with playing in the Armidale Symphony Orchestra,
Armidale Musical Society productions, Armidale Music Foundation
concerts and events, various charity concerts and tutoring sections
of the Armidale Youth Orchestra. She has been a church organist,
chorister and musician, currently singing with St Peter 's Anglican
Cathedral Evensong Choir and playing (flute!) at Wesley Uniting
Church .
Sharon 's interest is in students gaining enjoyment from their
playing, whether preparing for exams and eisteddfodau or not,
and that they do so without risking injury to themselves (although
encouraging correct posture and technique can be a challenge!).
In addition to flute lessons, fife lessons
are available to students wanting to either start early with
a smaller instrument or "test the waters" with a cheaper alternative to
a flute. Lessons on the panpipes are available for those looking
for something a little different or, again, a cheaper "learner" instrument
to the flute. Piccolo lessons are available to flute players
looking for a further challenge.
In the interests of professional development, Sharon is a member
of the NSW Flute Society, the Australian Flute Society and the
New England Music Teachers' Association. Sharon attended the
professional development day at the 1Oth National Flute Convention
at Brisbane , as well as MusicLink workshops in Tamworth with
Elizabeth Koch and Nicola Snekker, the Sydney Summer Flute Festival
with William and Michie Bennett in 2002, the Trevor Wye tour
in 2003 and the Winter Flute Festival with Emmanuel Pahud in
2003.
