Joanna Fairs-Wu

Round table discussion with focus on Regional Teachers

Round table discussion for regional teachers to voice the challenges and successes of teaching in regional areas whether as a private studio teacher ,in schools or as part of a regional music school or conservatorium. Topics : What do AUSTA state chapters do currently to support regional teaching and what other support would be helpful. What are the challenges for regional teachers as opposed to metropolitan teachers. How to create opportunities for connectiveness and collaboration within regions and also with metropolitan teachers . How to best provide PD and mentoring for teachers early on their careers.

About Joanna Fairs-Wu

Joanna Fairs -Wu took up the position of Head of Strings at the New England Conservatorium of Music in Armidale in 2015. With over 40 years experience she teaches violin and viola at all levels and conducts string ensembles in local schools, the Armidale Youth String Orchestra and an adult community ensemble. Prior to her current position she taught at schools in Melbourne and Brisbane including co-ordinating string programs and conducting ensembles. Early on in her career she was a full -time member of the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra for nine years. As a freelancer she has performed with the Queensland Symphony, South Australian Opera Orchestra , Australian and Queensland Pops Orchestra.
Joanna is a regular tutor at the annual Riverina Summer School for Strings directing the Nelson Cooke Orchestra and performs with Sounds of Summer Camerata. Many of her graduating students at the New England Con have been recipients of HSC Encore Nominations and accepted into tertiary institutions to pursue Performance Degrees. She enjoys performing chamber music concerts with her colleagues, as time permits.