Keynote Session

(Information Subject to Change)

Tim Topham
Sunday, March 17
9:15–10:15 a.m.

Tim Topham has been helping to reshape and recharge the often traditional landscape of instrumental music education since 2010.

Tim’s vision of a more creative, modern and integrated approach to music teaching has seen him speak on stages from the USA to UK and Australia, publish numerous articles and record hundreds of podcasts and teaching videos for teachers.

In Tim's 20+ year career he has been a classroom teacher, private studio teacher, head of department and head of campus, teaching and coordinating subjects including outdoor education, mathematics, information technology and, of course, music. He has held teaching posts at schools including Oundle School UK, Guildford Grammar School in Perth and Xavier College in Melbourne.

His contemporary teaching strategies include improvising, chord playing, interpretation of lead sheets, understanding pop music, playing by ear, using technology and engaging with music in a way that resonates with young people and inspires them to continue playing well into adulthood.

Tim is the author of No Book Beginners, a leading text demonstrating the many benefits of delaying reading in beginner piano teaching. Tim holds a bachelor of music, a diploma of education and a master of business administration in educational leadership. He also holds a diploma in piano performance (AMusA). Tim is the founder of topmusic.co.