Dr Michael Hugh Dixon

Born in New Zealand in 1961, I learnt piano with my grandmother, french horn and composition with my father. From 2020 I have been adding a many resources for french horn learning to my web page and YouTube channel (The Brass Whisperer) In 2018 I started a blog exploring brass instruments, harmonics and just intonation, (https://www.thebrasswhisperer.com). In 2019 I started the service The Note Whisperer (thenotewhisperer.com.au) to provide new works for students especially those needing HSC repertoire. From 2017 I've been co-curating SydneyMicroFest, a celebration of microtonal music. I've composed for a variety of ensembles along with songs and percussion works. A large number of my compositions include intervals from the harmonic series, extended just intonation. My music is published by Wirripang Pty Ltd (www.australiancomposers.com.au). I've held full-time playing positions with a number of Australian orchestras including Principal Horn, Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra. I'm now a regular with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (playing historical horns), Opera Australia Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and have performed with most orchestras in Australia. Chamber music credits include my ensemble LOCANA, Omega Ensemble and Notos Woodwind Quintet. Recitals include EUROMicroFest2017 in Freiburg and Grevillea Ensemble in Sydney. Teaching is an important part of my work such as schools in Sydney including Inaburra School, for which I've written a band program for beginners. My music degrees are Doctor of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong (2011); MPhil in composition, University of Queensland and MMus in Musicology, Griffith University.