New Future For The Old Town Hall

A critical factor in locating the James Morrison Academy of Music in Mount Gambier was finding a suitable building facility.  The facility needed to have “presence” as it will form an integral part of marketing the Academy in Australia and overseas.  The Old Town Hall was identified and through numerous inspections and discussion with Council the Academy sought a lease for the building.

When established the Music Academy will occupy the Town Hall ground and first floors and further space on the Institute first floor.  Further to this leased area the Academy, on an as needs basis, will hire areas in the Main Corner and City Hall.  The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, managed by Country Arts SA, will be a venue for larger performances of up to 500.

The Cave Gardens and civic buildings provide a range of formal and informal venues including area for concerts and being in the centre of the City provides accessibility and focus for music and cultural activities.

The Music Academy’s UniSA accredited degrees will commence in March 2015 with year one intake of an anticipated 50 students.  Student numbers will increase in the second and third years up to a maximum of about 300.

Graeme Lyall currently Directer of the Generation in Jazz Academy at Tenison Wood College will be the Academy’s Director of Studies.  Graeme has an extensive music education experience including lecturing at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts.  In addition to Graeme’s tuition, it is anticipated that by year three, 12 full time teachers will be working at the Academy as well as specialist tuition by James Morrison, and guest lecturers from Australia and overseas.

Already there has been thought given to community activities such as a lunch time concerts, cave gardens jazz sessions and more formal events where by the quality of the Music Academy can be on show.  For the more ambitions in the community perhaps the opportunity to learn an instrument and gain an appreciation of jazz.