My Journey as a Music Director: From Melbourne to New York

My Journey as a Music Director: From Melbourne to New York

Embarking on a career in music direction has been an exciting, transformative, and, at times, unpredictable journey. It’s a journey that has spanned multiple continents, various artistic environments, and a wide range of experiences. From my foundational years studying at the University of Melbourne to working in Singapore, and finally, establishing myself in New York, my path as a music director has been marked by continuous learning, collaboration, and passion for music theatre.

Beginnings in Melbourne: Laying the Foundation

My journey began in Melbourne, where I pursued a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne. The program provided me with the technical skills and musical knowledge necessary to understand both classical and contemporary music, with a particular focus on musical theatre. I was immersed in the theory and practice of music composition, arrangement, and performance. But it was the vibrant, collaborative atmosphere of Melbourne's theatre scene that truly fueled my ambition.

Throughout my time at university, I began to realise that music direction wasn’t just about technical mastery; it was about storytelling, bringing a director’s vision to life through sound, and guiding performers to deliver powerful emotional experiences. I gained invaluable experience by participating in student productions, working as a music director for small theatre companies, and experimenting with different musical styles. The relationships I forged with fellow musicians, directors, and performers during these formative years shaped my understanding of the profound role a music director plays in the creative process.

Melbourne’s thriving arts scene, with its diverse array of independent theatre companies and large-scale productions, offered an enriching environment where I could hone my craft. I found a particular joy in the collaborative nature of music direction, where each production was a new puzzle, demanding creative solutions and innovative approaches. During my time in Melbourne I was lucky enough to music direct many cabarets and musicals across the country - highlights including Spamalot, A Chorus Line, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along and multiple award winning cabaret pieces by artists such as Virginia Gay and Sheridan Harbridge. The joy of seeing a show come to life, with the music seamlessly supporting the storytelling, became my ultimate goal as a music director.

Singapore: Expanding Horizons at LASALLE College of the Arts

After graduating from the University of Melbourne, I sought to expand my horizons beyond Australia, and this led me to Singapore. In 2013, I was given the incredible opportunity to work as a faculty member at LASALLE College of the Arts, where I taught for the prestigious Music Theatre program. Singapore, with its dynamic multicultural environment, was an inspiring place to further my career.

At LASALLE, I had the privilege of working with talented students from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives to the study and performance of musical theatre. I found myself both a teacher and a mentor, guiding students through the nuances of musical performance, conducting rehearsals, teaching repertoire, accompanying classes, teaching music theory, and helping to shape my students understanding of how music can elevate a narrative. The experience deepened my appreciation for the technical and emotional precision required of music directors, as I worked to balance the demands of academic instruction with the excitement of preparing students for real-world professional engagements.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I continued to work as a music director for various productions. Singapore's music theatre scene, while still growing compared to global hubs like New York or London, offered an exciting range of opportunities. The city’s commitment to the arts, coupled with its focus on international collaboration, allowed me to work with talented artists from different backgrounds and disciplines. I was involved in the music direction of both golden age and contemporary musicals, adapting to a variety of musical genres and performance styles.

While in Singapore, I learned how to adapt to different cultural contexts and navigate the complexities of musical theatre in an international setting. The experience of working with artists from diverse backgrounds greatly influenced my own approach to music direction. I became increasingly aware of how music could transcend boundaries and connect people across cultures, something that became even more important in my later work.

New York: Realizing a Dream in the Heart of Music Theatre

The next step in my journey was a move to New York City, an ultimate destination for anyone aspiring to work professionally in the world of music theatre. The city, known for its rich theatre history and unparalleled opportunities, was where I truly began to see my dreams take shape. Arriving in New York, I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented theatre professionals in the world.

In New York, I embraced the challenges of working on larger, more complex productions, collaborating with renowned directors, choreographers, and performers. I worked on Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, where my role as a music director and conductor expanded beyond simply overseeing musical rehearsals. I was deeply involved in the creative process, from arranging music and conducting orchestras to shaping musical numbers that supported the characters' emotional arcs and advanced the story.

The fast-paced environment of New York taught me to be adaptable, resourceful, and quick-thinking. In such a competitive and demanding city, there was no room for complacency. As a music director, I had to maintain a constant balance between artistic integrity and the practical realities of putting on a show. This included managing rehearsals efficiently, communicating clearly with other members of the creative team, and understanding the unique needs of each cast and production. The breadth of musical styles I was exposed to in New York, from big-budget Broadway productions to intimate Off-Broadway shows, further deepened my musical versatility.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in New York was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of performers, musicians, and creatives. Music theatre in the city is a melting pot of influences, and the experiences of working with individuals from different backgrounds, skill sets, and artistic approaches only enriched my own perspective on music direction. Whether conducting or playing for a new musical, or arranging a complex orchestration for a high-profile production, the collaborative energy in New York was unmatched.

Reflection and Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my journey, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the music director I am today. From my roots in Melbourne, where I learned the fundamentals, to my time in Singapore, where I gained invaluable teaching and performing experience, to my current work in New York, where I am immersed in the fast-paced world of professional music theatre, I have been continually inspired by the power of music to tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people.

In many ways, each chapter of my journey has built upon the last. The diverse settings in which I have worked have expanded my understanding of music direction, while my growing experience has refined my skills. Today, as I continue my work in New York, I am more committed than ever to creating exceptional, collaborative musical experiences that resonate with audiences and artists alike. Each new project is an opportunity to further explore the intersection of music and theatre and to contribute to the ever-evolving world of music theatre.