Introducing Amy Richardson, Director of Music P-12
Staff Story
Our new Director of Music, soprano Amy Richardson, made her stage debut at just three years old. At a concert being given by her rock guitarist father, Amy was given the microphone to sing in two-part harmony with him. Before she sang, she announced ‘this is what I’ve always wanted to do’. This formative experience is one of her earliest memories and certainly helped to shape her life’s direction as a music performer, composer and educator.
After growing up in the famously creative environment of Tasmania, Amy trained as a classical soprano at the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Tasmania and later undertook at Master’s of Teaching at the University of NSW where she graduated ‘With Excellence’. Her teaching practice has been used as an exemplar in a Project Zero publication by Harvard Graduate School of Education published in 2020.
A career entirely focused on music performance and education followed, including teaching at schools in Hobart and Sydney, establishing award-winning community music schools for small children, becoming involved in church ministry as well a performing as a soloist. Amy also established her own musical household, marrying bass-baritone Christopher Richardson and bringing up three children who have all chosen to continue studying music beyond the mandatory school curriculum.
‘For my children and for my students I want them to have music for their whole lives. In essence, music makes life better’, Amy says.
‘I think we’re enriching the lives of students everywhere if we can help embed music as one of the fundamental ways of being human.’
Shifting her focus from performing to education was a calling, according to Amy. ‘There’s something really wonderful about helping other people find their voice’, she says.
‘I say this with all the conviction in my heart: St Catherine of Siena said “Be who God meant you to be” and music education is my space – this is where I was meant to be.’
Amy is an uplifting presence out and about on the College campuses, even in Mary Bailey House where she is helping to embed the fundamental joy of music in the lives of our babies and toddlers in our Early Education space. Often dressed all in black, so that she’s ready to conduct an ensemble with minimal notice, look closer and you will see Amy’s trademark bright lipstick (hot pink at the time of writing) and matching finger nails.
Amy’s focus as our Director of Music will be on the choral program from Prep to Year 12 which is widely seen as one of our trademark strengths. Amy says we are also renowned for commissioning new works – a great tradition which positions Santa Sabina as one of the best places in Australia to look for new choral works being performed and commissioned. She hopes to build on the success of recent events such our Sounds from Santa Gala Concert at Sydney Town Hall which she describes as ‘an extraordinary world class experience’ for the fortunate performers.
The College Choir and Chamber Choir are now being directed by Amy who also works with Del Monte and Gioia House choirs and supporting the work of curriculum ensembles across the campuses.
In her downtime Amy’s focus does not waver from the arts. She composes music and paints, which she has done since her ‘very rich childhood’ where she was surrounded by music and art as a way of making sense of life.
As for those in our community who fear not being able to sing in tune, Amy says it’s all a matter of muscular training and muscle control. ‘Building more muscular control of the voice is something we can work with’, she says.
‘I’ve not met a child who I can’t train to sing in tune. Everyone can speak and everyone can sing.’
Victoria Harper
Publications and Marketing Officer