Senior Teachers
Letitia Campbell
Letitia learned Suzuki violin from five years old from her mother Lucette Tolhurst. She also learned to play the flute and piano. She has completed a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Education (Primary). She has completed the Orff Schulwerk Level 2 Course and ABODA conducting course. Letitia has gained Cert III and IV Suzuki Talent Education (Violin), and Cert III (Viola). She studied violin and viola with Amanda Gibson (Suzuki Teacher Trainer) and now teaches Primary Classroom music and Violin/Viola at Avondale School.
Edwina Tolhurst
Edwina Tolhurst is an experienced multi instrumentalist. Being brought up in the Suzuki Talent Education Method she was classically trained on both violin and piano from age four. Using the skills and advantages of ear based training she also picked up guitar and vocals and has created a career out of music.
This includes working as a session musician at recording studios, playing on albums of country artists such as Shaza Leigh and Wanita Queen of Honkytonk, performing at many major music festivals such as Airlie Beach Music Festival (on main stage), Tamworth Country Music Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock and Blues Fest and so on. Other accomplishments include appearing in Country Capital News magazine, performing on radio, being flown overseas to compete in a worldwide singing competition where she was placed 5th in the world, and playing with many well known artists such as Grant Walmsley (Screaming Jets), Afromoses Baidoo, Bob Spencer (The Angels) and many others.
Having a passion for music education she commenced training with the Suzuki Association to become a nurturer of the next generation of musicians. Taking up a teaching position at the Gunnedah Conservatorium she ran many different programs such as string and vocal ensembles, improvisation ensembles, string workshops, musicianship classes, as well as one on one instrumental lessons.
During her time at the Conservatorium she also collaborated on projects with both local and travelling musicians such as the Sydney Youth Orchestra and Australian World Orchestra.
Still performing in the music industry, she moved to Newcastle, opening her own teaching studio in Charlestown, obtained a dual diploma of community services and counselling and started developing musical programs for use in schools.
Years down the track she is still playing and filling her life with music. She is heavily involved in performances in the community and abroad being a huge part of such charity events as ‘Rockin 4 the Homeless’ in Brisbane and ‘From One Valley to Another Spread the Love’ concerts for bush fire relief. She enjoys passing on her passion for music by nurturing the abilities of students so that they themselves can achieve their dreams.
Lucette Tolhurst
Lucette Tolhurst has been teaching Suzuki Violin and Viola for over 30 years in Nyngan, Dubbo, Tamworth and Sydney. She has extensive experience in runnings string programs including Junior Strings and Theory lessons. Lucette has periodically run a string quartet that plays professionally for weddings and other special events. She has been a quest tutor at Suzuki Summer Schools in Sydney among others, and has run her own workshops.
Lucette also plays the Piano, and is currently learning the Organ. She has a Diploma in Suzuki Talent Education, AMusA in Violin, Bachelor of Arts(Honours), Diploma of Education, and Master of Arts. Lucette has also done teacher training with Dr Suzuki’s niece, Megumi Suzuki. Many of Lucette’s past students have become music teachers or professional musicians.