Carmel Slater

Carmel is a highly regarded professional musician who has had a lifelong association with the Gippsland area. She has taught piano at many schools in Melbourne and Gippsland, as well as running her own private music teaching studio in Leongatha. She is experienced in teaching all ages (from three years old), and all levels and styles, up to VCE and AMEB diploma exams.

Many of Carmel’s students have pursued careers in the performing arts both in Australia and overseas, in areas such as performing, composing, teaching, accompanying, adjudicating and music theatre. Her students have won numerous scholarships and awards in various competitions and eisteddfods, including the Australian National Piano Award and the Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival.

Carmel has had an extensive career as a performer (soloist and accompanist), and musical director. She was named Musician of the Year in 1994 by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria, and was honored to be named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2015, in recognition of her involvement with many musical groups, presenting numerous fund-raising concerts, and fostering musical talent in the Gippsland area. She has enjoyed working as an accompanist with many local groups such as Bass Coast Chorale, WTG, Leongatha Lyric Theatre, FAMDA, Warragul Theatre Company, and The Bloke’s Chorus.

Since 2018 Carmel has held the position of Head of Keyboard at Kilvington Grammar School, in Ormond. As part of her role, she taught piano and theory to students from ELC to Year 12, accompanied the Kilvington choirs, VCE soloists, AMEB exam students and all concert and soiree performers. She also led a team of amazing piano teachers, collaborated with a large music team, and has been a valued staff member.

Carmel recently joined the Newhaven College community. She is looking forward to inspiring her students to discover, enjoy, create and excel in their piano studies, as well as working as a team member in the fantastic Music Department.