Examiner 1239

BMus, MMus (MusEd), AMusA, LMusA

Ross Hamilton is a graduate of Sydney University, where he studied piano with Margaret Hair and music education with Peter Dunbar-Hall. His research interests included piano music by Australian composers and music education for gifted and talented students.

Mr Hamilton has performed with many leading instrumental and vocal soloists and ensembles, including the Carlson Chorale, the Hills Chamber Ensemble and the Coruscations contemporary music ensemble. He has also performed in radio broadcasts and music club recitals, including at the Federated Music Clubs, the Aulos Society and the Australian Musicians Academy. Mr Hamilton has participated in premier performances of works by Kirsty Beilharz, Miriam Hyde, Miloslav Penicka, Paul Stanhope and Stephen Yates. For more than 10 years, he was an official accompanist for the Sydney Eisteddfod.

In addition to his private studio, Mr Hamilton has taught at Barker College, Knox Grammar School, Newington College, the Sydney Conservatorium and the Australian Institute of Music. His teaching philosophy draws together various strands of current piano pedagogy, with the aim of developing a relaxed technique, sound intellectual understanding, and personal self-expression. He has extensively analysed many of the pieces in the AMEB syllabus in order to promote greater understanding of the background and essential musical elements of the works.

Mr Hamilton has been an adjudicator for Ryde Eisteddfod and the NSW Music Teachers’ Association. He was a church pianist for many years and has also performed as a soloist and accompanist at nursing home concerts.