Getting to Half Grade: Music First Pedagogy for the Beginner Ensemble Directors

Jarrod Butler’s diverse work as instrumentalist (clarinet, saxophone), conductor, and teacher is unified by his commitment to achieving excellence and celebrating music’s power to unite.

With over a decade’s rich experience in his field, Jarrod is celebrated for his inspirational methods of communicating music’s big ideas to young instrumentalists. He is in demand as a teacher and conductor, regularly tutoring and gust conducting members of the Melbourne Youth Orchestras, and currently serves as Head of Bands, Brass, and Woodwind at Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School.

Fuelled by his passion for providing educational opportunities to students living in regional and remote areas of Australia, Jarrod has directed community music partnership programs for The University of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music and conducts students from all over Australia at the annual Border Music Camp in Albury, NSW.

Jarrod’s broad array of skills, knowledge of musical styles, and trademark warmth of character underpins his work at the helm of ensembles. Maintaining a strong professional association as treasurer of the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association (ABODA Victoria), Jarrod is committed to facilitating ongoing peer learning and professional development opportunities.