Lately it feels like music has been coming from every direction. I’ve been performing a lot, particularly in solo settings, which has always been my natural habitat. There’s something special about standing alone with an instrument and letting the music unfold in real time. At the same time, my work has expanded well beyond the solo space. I’ve been conducting a choir at Teatro Theatre in Leichhardt, NSW, and leading four bands, which has turned this season into a real whirlwind of activity. It’s been incredibly rewarding stepping further into a leadership role, guiding ensembles, shaping the sound of a group, and watching musicians grow together.

Next week I begin the guitar chair for Come From Away: The Musical, and the rehearsals so far have been nothing short of inspiring. Getting into a room with like-minded musicians, all working toward a shared goal, is one of the great joys of being a professional player. Practicing alone has always been my modus operandi, and while those hours in the woodshed are essential, they can be a solitary pursuit. It’s when you step into an ensemble—surrounded by other dedicated professionals—that the music truly comes alive. These moments remind me why I started playing in the first place: connection, collaboration, and the constant opportunity to grow.