A lazy Monday afternoon... it doesn't sound quite right, but let's go with it.

Well, here's 2009. Well into it, in fact. Finally got a little time to myself, due to Labour day (god help us when we get Liberal day!) so I'm finally getting around to patching up the old website, making a few changes and ... well ... you're reading the result.

The Big Move happened a month ago or so. I arrived in Melbourne, and set about finding new staff for JMC Music in Melbourne. And may I say, I have managed, with much help, to find the absolute dream team of lecturers this year. Passionate, hard-working and scholarly musicians every single one of them and I am exceptionally lucky.

The only problem, of course, is finding time for my own projects. This weekend is the first one I've managed to take off since I've been down (except for one where my folks visited). And mostly it's been about recovering. I'm trusting that once the semester is up and running again, I can get back to my arranging and recording. I guess it's a common problem for teachers of music, finding the time to do what you want. The balancing act between being an inspiring teacher and being an inspiring performer is a tough one, and one that's going to need a lot of work.

I actually went bush and went horse-riding, courtesy of an old friend, Helen, who lives in the area with her husband. The last time I was horseriding was in 1987 with this girl in Coonabarrabran, and managed to fall off in quite a spectacular fashion. This time, I again, managed to fall off in quite a spectacular fashion. Fortunately, when you're as clumsy as I am, you get quite used to falling over (as many people will testify) and I didn't hurt myself. Helen also posesses the smallest horse in the world (see photo).

So the light is at the end of the tunnel, and you can expect to start seeing some new musical items being posted here soon.

2009 with a bang!

The other big news in my life at the moment is that I've been appointed Head of the Faculty of Popular Music Performance at the Melbourne campus of JMC Academy. Moving to Melbourne, eh? Big move. I've been a Sydneysider all my life, except for growing up in the far north coast of NSW, and four years of overseas work. Exciting new opportunity though. And the fact that it's the first time I've been in full-time employment since 1994. I mean, I've always worked many, many hours in the week, but this is the first time for a long time I've been working a 9-5! Looking forward to the challenge actually.

Tomorrow is Trumper Day, and everything is in place. It's a little cloudy outside and we're all hoping the weather is good tomorrow. Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Oh...my...god

So much has happened in the past few months its been hard keeping up with the changes. Apologies I’ve let my blog slip. Will keep more up to date.

The CD is now at CD-Baby, and is selling really well. In fact, it sold out on the first day of being there requiring a very quick restock. I’m back at JMC Academy teaching Arranging and Composition. Exhausting, but very, very satisfying. Most of the students are very keen and eager to learn. And I’ve got to admit, I do love teaching. I’m actually quite good at it. I’ve recorded a demo with the Sydney City Showband, a large ensemble I’ve put together. That’ll be up on their website soon. Watch this space for details.

I seem to think that coming home was the best thing I’ve done. Four years of my career in neutral. Ok, I got to see some amazing things. When would I ever get to Antarctica, or India, or the Tierra del Fuego or Sri Lanka or Jordan? I guess you can never let your career go for too long. I was chatting with a guitarist mate of mine yesterday who also really needs to release a cd. Doing This IS my day job was hard, and even now, I’m not entirely happy with it, but I guess there comes a point you need to let go. After all, everyone else seems to enjoy it. And I’m not going to argue with you, the listening public.

Already thinking about the next one though! Watch this space for details! Going to be a very different one.