Josie Thomas

Josie holds qualifications in music including BMus Ed (Melb), Cert Teach (Primary), Cert Singing (Primary Teaching).

Josie grew up in a home where music making was ever present and was taught piano initially by her sister. She worked as a Primary Teacher for nine years, both as a classroom teacher and music specialist.

Josie was fortunate to have met the young Stephen McIntyre who accompanied the local parish choir for a while. Rehearsals were held in her family home. This exciting experience led Josie to a greater interest in developing her piano skills and further specializing in music education.

Wishing to further her music skills, Josie enrolled in a BMus Ed (Melb University). She majored in piano, studying with Vera Bradford, a pupil of Percy Grainger.

Josie also studied singing with Viola Morris. Upon completion of her degree, she joined the Melbourne Chorale Chamber Singers under Val Pyers and later Graham Abbott, in which she performed at the opening concert of Hamer Hall in 1982 and numerous concerts since then. Amongst the many notable conductors was Christopher Hogwood.

Over the years, Josie has taught classroom music and other subjects in many different schools covering all social backgrounds. She has held Music Coordination positions, initiated instrumental programs and has taught every level from Preschool to Year 12 in one capacity or another. In 2007, Josie opened her own successful private piano studio where she specializes in teaching beginners and intermediate students.

In 2017, Josie was appointed to the then Victorian Music Teachers’ Association Council, now the VMTA Board, and became the President in March 2018 overseeing many changes to update governance and modernization of systems with the help of a skilled team which includes staff at AES.