Biography
I hold a Bachelor of Music (hons) and Diploma of Education from Monash University. My earliest memories of piano lessons were with my mother Kim Healy. I completed my AMusA and Bachelor of Music at under Robert Chamberlian. I completed advanced AMEB and VCE music exams under Aliki Katsikis and I have studied with Mikhail Solovei and Elyane Laussade.
Teaching philosophy
I believe we learn best when surrounded by a breadth of musical sounds and experiences. I approach piano teaching through learning to read music and developing technique. I specialise in teaching classical piano and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience of improvisation. I have a deep appreciation for the Kodaly teaching method and bring this into my lessons. When appropriate, I can arrange exams through the AMEB and ANZCA.
Others projects include:
Community Arts
I have many years of experience working in community music projects. I have taught and conducted choirs and I am currently the Artistic Director of Squawkestra, a community orchestra for adult beginners. I perform keyboard and vocals in bands and sessional music.. I accompany choirs and instrumentalists in rehearsals, concerts and exams. Since 2006 I have organised many events as a project manager at The Boite. These include The Boite Schools Chorus, The Melbourne Millennium Chorus, The Boite Singers' Festival. The Boite is a world music organisation based in Fitzroy. I have worked closely with artists from a variety of musical backgrounds in concerts, workshops, festivals and events. I enjoy creating access to music and witnessing people of all ages progress through their unique musical journey.
Radio
I am passionate about radio and have been a guest presenter on Music Sans Frontieres on 3CR, 855 AM which goes to air every Tuesdays 12:00 - 2:00pm.
Briarwolfe
Original music performed and played by Katrina Wilson O'Brien on keys and vocals, David O'Brien on guitar and vocals with Colette Mortreux on Clarinet.
The Spud Hussies
Fun, quirky original music written and performed by Cerise Howard (bass), Katrina Wilson O'Brien (keys and vocals), David O'Brien (guitar and vocals), Nicola Bell (drums and percussion).
Puppets
In 2011 I stumbled into the magical world of puppets when I began working with Megan Cameron an incredibly talented, Melbourne based puppeteer. With three piece band The Spud Hussies we created a live sound track to Megan's re-creation of Wilhelm Busch's cautionary tale, Max and Moritz - a juvenielle history in 7 tricks.. Performances of Max and Moritz are regularly repeated at unpredictable locations. Look out for a show coming to you!
I have also provided live soundtracks during Puppetry Slams presented by Black Hole Theatre.
Theatre
I wrote and performed in two theatre shows, The Czech Violin (2008) and Andulka (2009), which are largely autobiographical tales about my obsession with Czech culture and music..
Awards
Australia Council for The Arts - Study Grants (2009 and 2010)
Bill Burrell Scholarship (2008)
I hold a Bachelor of Music (hons) and Diploma of Education from Monash University. My earliest memories of piano lessons were with my mother Kim Healy. I completed my AMusA and Bachelor of Music at under Robert Chamberlian. I completed advanced AMEB and VCE music exams under Aliki Katsikis and I have studied with Mikhail Solovei and Elyane Laussade.
Teaching philosophy
I believe we learn best when surrounded by a breadth of musical sounds and experiences. I approach piano teaching through learning to read music and developing technique. I specialise in teaching classical piano and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience of improvisation. I have a deep appreciation for the Kodaly teaching method and bring this into my lessons. When appropriate, I can arrange exams through the AMEB and ANZCA.
Others projects include:
Community Arts
I have many years of experience working in community music projects. I have taught and conducted choirs and I am currently the Artistic Director of Squawkestra, a community orchestra for adult beginners. I perform keyboard and vocals in bands and sessional music.. I accompany choirs and instrumentalists in rehearsals, concerts and exams. Since 2006 I have organised many events as a project manager at The Boite. These include The Boite Schools Chorus, The Melbourne Millennium Chorus, The Boite Singers' Festival. The Boite is a world music organisation based in Fitzroy. I have worked closely with artists from a variety of musical backgrounds in concerts, workshops, festivals and events. I enjoy creating access to music and witnessing people of all ages progress through their unique musical journey.
Radio
I am passionate about radio and have been a guest presenter on Music Sans Frontieres on 3CR, 855 AM which goes to air every Tuesdays 12:00 - 2:00pm.
Briarwolfe
Original music performed and played by Katrina Wilson O'Brien on keys and vocals, David O'Brien on guitar and vocals with Colette Mortreux on Clarinet.
The Spud Hussies
Fun, quirky original music written and performed by Cerise Howard (bass), Katrina Wilson O'Brien (keys and vocals), David O'Brien (guitar and vocals), Nicola Bell (drums and percussion).
Puppets
In 2011 I stumbled into the magical world of puppets when I began working with Megan Cameron an incredibly talented, Melbourne based puppeteer. With three piece band The Spud Hussies we created a live sound track to Megan's re-creation of Wilhelm Busch's cautionary tale, Max and Moritz - a juvenielle history in 7 tricks.. Performances of Max and Moritz are regularly repeated at unpredictable locations. Look out for a show coming to you!
I have also provided live soundtracks during Puppetry Slams presented by Black Hole Theatre.
Theatre
I wrote and performed in two theatre shows, The Czech Violin (2008) and Andulka (2009), which are largely autobiographical tales about my obsession with Czech culture and music..
Awards
Australia Council for The Arts - Study Grants (2009 and 2010)
Bill Burrell Scholarship (2008)
