Head of Music Appreciation

Jenny Pickering, BA Dip Ed, AmusA

 Jenny grew up in Newcastle and received her Bachelor of Arts Diploma of Education from Newcastle University and Newcastle Teachers College. She also studied at the Newcastle Conservatorium gaining her AmusA. Bachelor in Organ Performing and completed most of Fledgling Music Teachers Course - Exams in Harmony and Counterpoint, History of Music, Oboe and Performance with the Newcastle Orchestra. She also sang with the Choir of Newcastle Cathedral. Jenny was Musical Director for a number of Musical and Threories of Cabaret acts. She has taught music for twenty years in NSW secondary schools.

In 1990, Jenny made the art of accompanying Ballet her full time occupation and she played for Royal Academy of Dance exams courses and seminars for 15 years.

Jenny has plans to create courses for Ballet Accompanyment, a series of lessons for K-6 Teachers who have no background in creative arts and more CDs with alternative music for ballet teachers. In November 2006 she obtained TAA04 in Training and Assessment.

Jenny has been a favourite piano player for students in their exam preparation for many years. In 2006, Miss Marie asked Jenny to play not just for exams but for all classes, to enable students to learn the nuances of performing to live music. In 2006 & 2007 Jenny was instrumental in the development of the dynamic music program for Certificate III, Certificate IV and the Diploma levels in the National College of Dance. Jenny now lives in Newcastle and considers the Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy and National College of Dance a number one priority.