Teacher Professional Development Workshops 2025

ASPA Ed is running three exciting Professional Development Workshops with all new content in 2025 delivered in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

Are you an experienced performing arts educator looking to refresh your content in 2025? Or maybe you love the idea of inspiring your students with new performing arts offerings, but lack the resources? Join us and learn from our experienced staff who will share simple and effective techniques that will allow you deliver engaging and sustainable performing arts programs in your school.

In addition to digital resources that extend on activities learned during the session, you will also leave the session with practical strategies that can be directly applied in schools.

Start or Revive Your School Choir

Want to inspire your students to sing with glee? Our experienced staff will share simple and effective tricks of the trade to enable you to reinvigorate or launch a vibrant school choir that students will want to join. Each participant will receive a booklet with warm ups, activities, music and digital resources.

Dates and details

• Adelaide: Friday March 7
• Brisbane: Friday February 28
• Melbourne: Friday February 28
• Perth: Friday March 7
• Sydney: Friday March 7

Presenter (Adelaide): Emma van Kekem has tutored with the Australian Girls Choir for 18 years and led the South Australian chapter of the choir before moving to the national role of Production Manager. She has toured both Nationally and Internationally with the AGC, delivered choral workshops and conducted at concerts and public engagements. Emma enjoys immersing herself in the Adelaide arts scene, adjudicating choir competitions and performing as part of the Adelaide Fringe. She’s passionate about building confidence in young performers and seeing the joy music brings to children of all ages and abilities. Emma can also be heard on SAFM and Triple M as the breakfast newsreader.

Presenter (Brisbane): Georgia Martin is a passionate music educator that has been tutoring with the Australian Girls Choir since 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from The Conservatorium of Music at Griffith University, as well as a Masters of Education completed through the Queensland University of Technology. Since graduating, Georgia has had extensive experience teaching music in high schools across Brisbane, running choral programs and delivering music education programs across regional and remote Australia. She is currently the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Australian Girls Choir and Senior Tutor with the Brisbane chapter of the choir.

Presenter (Melbourne): Mark Puddy has worked in music education for many years and is in-demand as a writer and arranger of choral works. He is regularly commissioned to write works for schools and community choirs around Australia.

Mark is the resident arranger and composer for the Australian Girls Choir and this organisation regularly performs his works for children ranging from 5 to 18 years of age. He has published many choral pieces and his works are performed regularly in Australia and overseas, often appearing in eisteddfods and other choral competitions as set pieces or as recommended works. Mark conducts, tutors and accompanies with the Australian Girls Choir and has been a regular conducting tutor at ACCET (Australian Choral Conductors’ Education and Training), teaching conducting to choral directors from around Australia.

Presenter (Melbourne): Sally Gawley is the Head of ASPA Education and is an energetic and talented performer and educator with a background in jazz and improvisation. She has tutored with the Australian Girls Choir for over 20 years, conducting international and national touring choirs and has led choral workshops around Australia and overseas. Receiving a Diploma of Performance (Jazz) from Elder Conservatorium in South Australia, Sally has worked extensively as a jazz and soul singer and performed with the internationally awarded a cappella ensemble Akasa. Sally delivers a range of workshops for ASPA Education and has conducted thousands of children in metropolitan and regional Victoria over the past 15 years.

Presenter (Perth): Sarah Guillot has a diverse background that spans choral direction, acting, theatrical directing, classroom teaching and Shakespearean coaching. With a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Performance and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) from Edith Cowan University, Sarah has worked with the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) and in schools for more than 10 years. She has trained soloists for major events, focusing on enhancing vocal technique and stagecraft. Currently, Sarah runs her successful business ‘Shakespeare with Sarah’ and is a Senior Tutor with the AGC, where she is dedicated to cultivating vocal precision, stage presence, and confidence in young performers.

Presenter (Sydney): Laura Knowling is the Associate Artistic Director of the Australian Girls Choir. Over her 17 years with the organisation, she has conducted International and National Touring Choirs and led choral workshops across Australia and overseas. She has delivered a range of workshops with ASPA Education and has run performing arts programs with girls in remote communities through Girls from Oz since 2010. Laura holds a Bachelor of Performance (Jazz) from the Elder Conservatorium in South Australia and has worked extensively as a singer across many genres. She has been a front-line member of the vocal group ‘Gospo’ since 2009, performing in the Adelaide Fringe Festival and other professional events. Laura is passionate about music education and how it can develop young people not only as performers but as human beings and believes that genuine, enthusiastic and aspirational teaching can make a difference.

Performing Arts Content Booster

Are you looking to boost or refresh your performing arts content? Let us re-stock your teacher tool-kit at this practical, hands on day where we will equip you with a wide range of resources that will engage students of all ages and abilities. Each participant will receive a booklet with warm ups, activities, music and digital resources.

Dates and details

• Adelaide: Friday May 23
• Brisbane: Friday May 9
• Melbourne: Friday May 9
• Perth: Friday May 16
• Sydney: Friday May 16

Presenter (Adelaide): Emma van Kekem has tutored with the Australian Girls Choir for 18 years and led the South Australian chapter of the choir before moving to the national role of Production Manager. She has toured both Nationally and Internationally with the AGC, delivered choral workshops and conducted at concerts and public engagements. Emma enjoys immersing herself in the Adelaide arts scene, adjudicating choir competitions and performing as part of the Adelaide Fringe. She’s passionate about building confidence in young performers and seeing the joy music brings to children of all ages and abilities. Emma can also be heard on SAFM and Triple M as the breakfast newsreader.

Presenter (Brisbane): Kaitlin Evans is a Brisbane performer, creative, and educator. They hold a Bachelor of Acting from Queensland Conservatorium and an Advanced Diploma of Musical Theatre from ADPI. A performing arts educator and choral conductor with the Australian Girls Choir, Kaitlin works both on-stage and behind the scenes in theatre. Recent credits include Musical Director for Young Frankenstein and Vocal Coach for Grease (Millennial Productions), Director for The Aristocats KIDS (ASPA Education), and roles in Spring Awakening and The Laramie Project.

Presenter (Brisbane): Lucy Flook brings a wealth of experience from the education sector, and is currently is a Head of Department. She has previously worked in External Assessment across learning areas at QCAA, and in the Senior Curriculum and Assessment branch across the General and Applied Arts syllabuses. Lucy has experience as a Head of Department, State Dance Panellist, Curriculum to Classroom (C2C) Arts Writer and Expert Writing Team member for the QCAA General Dance Syllabus. She has developed numerous education notes and packages for the QLD Music Festival, QLD Theatre, QPAC Out of The Box Festival and Brisbane Powerhouse’s World Theatre Festival. Lucy is currently the Queensland Choreographer for the Australian Girls Choir.

Presenter (Melbourne): Jessica Huggett has been a Tutor with the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) for 16 years and is currently the Music Education Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts, Bachelor of Music and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Monash University and has taught classroom music, dance and drama in both primary and secondary schools. Jess is passionate about performing arts education and has enjoyed the opportunity to share this with teachers around Australia through touring as the Music Director for AGC national tours, running workshops with school students and teachers with ASPA Education and delivering performing arts programs to girls in remote communities through Girls from Oz.

Presenter (Melbourne): Anna Joyce is a passionate and versatile educator with extensive experience across a range of primary settings and arts disciplines. She has delivered program with the Australian Girls Choir and ASPA Education for 14 years. Previously, she was a performing arts teacher at Melbourne Grammar School where she directed and choreographed a number of school musicals and performances before stepping in to a generalist teaching role at Clifton Hill PS. Anna studied musical theatre at the VCA, dance at Dance Factory and holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Monash University.

Presenter (Perth): Genevieve Ogilvie is a dedicated music educator and vocal coach with a passion for inspiring young voices. As the WA Music & Production Coordinator for the Australian Girls Choir, she guides young performers in developing vocal skills, stage presence, and musicality. With experience as a singing teacher and choral conductor across multiple schools, Genevieve combines her Bachelor of Music and Master’s in Counselling to support students’ growth, both musically and personally. An advocate for girls’ education, she also leads professional development seminars, equipping educators with tools to foster confidence, skill, and a love of music in their students.

Presenter (Perth): Isabella Bales has been a tutor and dance instructor with the Australian Girls Choir since 2018 and has worked in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and has now landed in, Perth. She has experience running dance education programs for adults with disabilities who are passionate about dance, as well as a host of ASPA Education holiday programs where she has taught dance to a range of abilities and ages. Isabella has been a keen instructor with not for profit, Girls from Oz since 2018, delivering performing arts programs in remote location, particularly Kowanyama and Lockhart River in the Cape York Peninsula.

Presenter (Sydney): Dale Pope is the Founder of Raw Energy Education (REDed) and is a passionate choreographer, dancer and educator with over 30 years’ experience creating dance and movement for small and big people! Dale is dedicated to empowering children and turning their ‘lights’ on through REDed’s fun and dynamic dance programs. She is also motivated to growing a beautiful team of REDed Instructors who role model what that ‘light’ looks like to children through their passion for teaching.

As a choreographer, Dale’s credits include working with Bindi Irwin, the Australian Girls Choir, creating a full-length contemporary show for the P&O fleet of cruise ships, and numerous films and television shows. She has toured internationally five times with her work being seen in New York, LA, Paris, London, Rome, Prague and at the Sydney Opera House too.

Presenter (Sydney): Jess Walsham began working with the Australian Girls Choir in Sydney in 2000 while she completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music Performance). Over the next decade she tutored girls of all ages, toured and was the NSW Assistant Manager. After stepping away to focus on raising her family and pursue a career in professional photography, Jess remained active in the arts, working with local school choirs, teaching private singing lessons, and establishing a long-running creative arts program for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. She is passionate about diversity and accessibility in the arts – be it through learning or simply experiencing. Jess has returned to the AGC in 2024 as the NSW Music and Production Coordinator and Senior Tutor. She enjoys supporting and mentoring a large team of tutors in NSW alongside bringing the joy of music and performance to children of all ages and abilities.

Show-Stopping School Concerts

Do you want to put on a show that will blow your school community away, but don’t know where to start? Or do you have all the ideas ready to go but need a helping hand to bring your production to life? Join our expert instructors as they give you simple and effective tools to create a show-stopping (and stress-free!) performance. Each participant will receive a booklet with warm ups, activities, music and digital resources.

• Adelaide: Friday August 8
• Brisbane: Friday August 1
• Melbourne: Friday August 1
• Perth: Friday August 8
• Sydney: Friday August 8

Presenter (Adelaide): Maddison Apacible is a passionate choreographer, performer and teacher having trained in ballet, theatre, jazz and tap. Her professional dance credits include ‘Le Cirque Bijou’ with Norwegian Cruise Lines, and ‘Mickey’s Christmas Big Band’ at Disneyland Paris. Maddison has travelled the country as a dancer for national sporting teams, and supporting Australian theatre names including Rhonda Burchmore, Rachel Beck and Rob Mills. Locally, she has choreographed for Adelaide Strikers, Ding Productions, Pelican Productions and Australian Girls Choir. Now based in SA, Maddison choreographs for The Adelaide Fringe, The Royal Adelaide Show and local schools, most recently Concordia college’s ‘Chicago’ musical. She is passionate about inspiring and nurturing the next generation of performers through her teaching and performing work.

Presenter (Adelaide): Lucy Shelton has tutored with the Australian Girls Choir for 17 years and leads the Adelaide chapter of the choir as the Music and Production Coordinator. She been an Instructor at various ASPA Education Programs since 2019. Lucy holds a Masters of Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts (Music Studies), and currently works in an ELC to Year 12 school. She is passionate about teaching performing arts skills in a fun, interactive way and enjoys building the confidence of young performers. Lucy has trained many AGC Tutors and enjoys working with a team to deliver inspiring, high quality productions.

Presenter (Brisbane): Lucy Flook – See bio above.

Presenter (Brisbane): Georgia Martin – See bio above.

Presenter (Melbourne): Anna Joyce is a passionate and versatile educator with extensive experience across a range of primary settings and arts disciplines. She has delivered program with the Australian Girls Choir and ASPA Education for 14 years. Previously, she was a performing arts teacher at Melbourne Grammar School where she directed and choreographed a number of school musicals and performances before stepping in to a generalist teaching role at Clifton Hill PS. Anna studied musical theatre at the VCA, dance at Dance Factory and holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Monash University.

Presenter (Melbourne): Rebecca Sabatino is engaging educator and performer. Rebecca trained at Federation University, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Theatre; and has worked in children’s entertainment touring both nationally and internationally with Peppa Pig – Live Treasure Hunt. Rebecca is passionate about performing arts education and was previously the Music Associate for Choir for the Victorian State School Spectacular. She has also tutored with the Australian Girls Choir and delivered choral programs with ASPA Education across Victoria for the past 15 years.

Presenter (Perth): Sarah Guillot – See bio above.

Presenter (Sydney): Shelley Moore has over 20 years’ experience as a sought-after choreographer and dance educator, and holds a Bachelor of Dance/Bachelor of Education from UNSW. She is the Founder and Director of DanceMoore Choreography – an online Contemporary Dance business which connects dance teachers in Australia and worldwide to her unique Contemporary choreography via curriculum-aligned resources. Shelley also teaches with Sydney Dance Company, the Australian Girls Choir and Girls from Oz, and heads up the Creative Development and Choreographic Support for Raw Energy Dance Education. Shelley has performed with Chunky Move, appeared in a variety of TV commercials, and is a World Aerobics Championships silver medallist. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, creativity and love for dance with students and teachers – all age groups, abilities and confidence levels!

Presenter (Sydney): Fiona Ulrick has worked with the Australian Girls Choir since 2010 and is currently the People Operations Coordinator as well as a Senior Tutor in NSW. After completing a Bachelor or Music and Bachelor of Education at UNSW she worked for a number of arts administration organisations including Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Education Unit.  Her passion for music education has seen her work in early childhood, primary and secondary school settings teaching classroom music and running band, choral and peripatetic music programs.  She has produced school musicals and toured internationally with school performance ensembles.  As a performer she has worked and toured extensively as an accompanist and repetiteur across a number of genres. Fiona is passionate about the accessibility of music education for all and knows that it all starts with you – a vibrant and inspiring teacher!