Andrew FRENCH-NORTHAM
B.Music (UNE), Grad.Dip. Ed, Cert. IV (VET)
Andrew’s musical journey began when he was captivated by several extraordinary performance experiences. A glorious horn solo performed by Clary Mellor, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s First Horn. Clary later became his teacher and mentor. A Mahavishnu Orchestra and John McLaughlin in full flight opened his ears to improvisation, cross cultural music exploration and the electric guitar.
As a musician, Andrew describes himself as “a multi-disciplinariest with a chameleon’s musical attitude.” He is particularly interested in cross art-form collaborations demanding new and innovative blended artistic disciplines.
Andrew graduated with three music majors: Composition, Performance and Musicology and was awarded the J. Albert and Sons Scholarship.
Over many years, Andrew has developed a fulfilling and rewarding career as a regionally based performer, composer, arts administrator and educator.
From 2000 to 2016 Andrew was responsible for the development, introduction and delivery of music programs and certificate or diploma qualifications of Western TAFE. As an educator and leader, he is especially proud of introducing new programs in Music from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma developing the performance, compositional, technology and business skills of emerging artists. He directed, curated and delivered Performance, Music Technology, Music Business and Composition studies. He excelled in developing emerging talent, particularly with the demanding first album. Graduates are now in diverse positions throughout Australia and the world.
He has been an ardent music technologist with highly developed skills and experience in producing, recording, mixing and mastering diverse music idioms.
Andrew has also served as a director and artistic administrator with the Bellingen Jazz Festival, Armidale Jazz Camps, and the Sydney Youth Orchestra.
Andrew’s educational activities include guitar, brass, music technology, composition and songwriting from schools to universities.