John Officer
About me
I began learning the violin at nine and, after graduating from the Conservatorium of Music, Melbourne University, pursued a full-time career as a professional violinist with the Australian Opera and the Australian Ballet. Seeking to further my skills, I moved to Lucerne, Switzerland, in 1983 for two years of postgraduate studies with Professor Rudolf Baumgartner and Maestro Gunars Larsens of the Festival Strings of Lucerne.
Returning to Australia in 1985, I taught at St Anne’s and Gippsland Grammar before joining Scotch College Melbourne in 1990, where I co-founded a successful Suzuki violin and cello programme. I was actively involved in Scotch’s music programme, conducting string orchestras, coaching chamber ensembles, and tutoring the first violins in the Symphony Orchestra.
A Suzuki teacher and parent since 1993, I completed all levels of Suzuki Teaching Accreditation, earning my Advanced Teaching Certificate with Lois Shepheard in 2011. After retiring from Scotch in 2017, I continue to teach privately from my home studio in Northcote.
APPROACH TO TEACHING
I believe in …
- Providing a nurturing, safe, secure, child centred learning environment.
- Catering for individual development and assisting students to realise their potential as musicians.
- Building self-esteem, providing encouragement, support and success for all students.
- Teaching that is structured, sequential, interesting and relevant to the student’s needs.
- Fostering a love of learning music as an enjoyable process and part of lifelong enrichment.
- Developing aesthetic and creative sensibilities, challenging students to think, problem solve and equipping them with the ability to become independent learners. I believe that music can play a vital role in this.
- Communication with, and parental involvement in their child’s learning. This is essential if the child is to achieve success as a musician
- Providing positive role modelling for children.
