Woodwind

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BMus | MA | Grad. Dip Music Therapy | GCertGIM | ASCM | PhD

Dr Micaela Nathan is a professional orchestral and concert performer, Music Therapist, examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB), composer, and artistic director. After attending the Sydney Conservatorium High School, she gained her BMus (high distinction), MA (music therapy), and PhD at Sydney University, with adjunctive postgraduate research through Melbourne University and the Sydney University of Technology. Her doctorate research addressed the sociological foundations of Performance Dysfunction in career musicians and music students set in the cultural environment of higher music education. This has contributed to her expertise in the areas of performance anxiety and music therapy.

Over her 40-year career as a concert musician, Dr Nathan has worked regularly with the major Australian symphony, opera, and ballet orchestras in NSW, QLD, and Victoria, and held principal positions with many music theatre productions in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Korea.

Dr Nathan has been a music educator for 40 years at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, including lecturer in woodwinds and piano at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Penrith Conservatorium, the University of NSW, and University of Technology Sydney. She is regularly sought for specialist instruction for HSC, undergraduate, and postgraduate music students.

As a registered Music Therapist, Dr Nathan provides music learning programs for children who are neurodivergent, and have cognitive differences and physical disabilities. She has undertaken specialist post graduate training and has 25 years’ experience teaching these unique children.

Dr Nathan has composed five albums of structured music therapy sessions, presented at International Music Therapist Association conferences, and published for the International Journal of Music and Imagery. As an adjunct to performing and teaching, Dr Nathan spent many years facilitating workshops combining music psychology and music therapy for community events, cancer patients, and post-graduate students of music therapy.

www.moonmusic.au

BMus Honours | MMus | Dip. Ed | PhD

Jason Thornton is a professional woodwind player, accomplished composer and educator who brings a wealth of experience and helps students to reach their full potential. He has been at the forefront of the music industry for the last three decades, touring the world with the historical elite.

Jason teaches flute, clarinet and saxophone.

BMus | AMusA

Lucy Tokuoka is a dedicated woodwind player and music educator based in the Lower Blue Mountains and Nepean region. She plays the clarinet, saxophone, and flute.

Her musical journey began at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Kanagawa, Japan, where she immersed herself in a wide range of musical experiences and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet. Continuing her studies in Australia, Lucy achieved her AMusA in Clarinet, further deepening her expertise in performance and pedagogy.

With a strong foundation in both Japanese and Australian music education, Lucy brings a rich and diverse perspective to her teaching. Her approach blends technical precision with creativity, aiming to nurture not only musicianship but also a lifelong love of music.

Lucy has taught students of all ages and backgrounds—from primary and high school students to adult learners—guiding them through the intricacies of instrumental technique and music theory. She is passionate about helping each student discover their unique musical voice, whether that means preparing for exams, exploring improvisation, composing original pieces, or simply playing for fun.

At the heart of Lucy’s teaching philosophy is a belief in the transformative power of music. She strives to create a supportive, inspiring environment where students feel empowered to express themselves authentically and joyfully through music.