Virginia Taylor
About
Flute
AYO: 1980
Virginia Taylor has given recitals in all capital cities of Australia and performed as a soloist with almost all of the Symphony Australia Orchestras, as well as having been guest Principal Flute for many of these orchestras. She is currently Principal Flute of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and Coordinator of the Australian National Academy of Music’s Flute Program. She has won several flute awards and is involved in numerous flute events, institutions and festivals as a lecturer, performer and Artistic Director.
Q&A
Question: You’ve said you believe it’s important to be part of one’s music community.
Answer Yes – a few years ago when I was invited to be Artistic Director for the bi-annual Australian Flute Festival, I really liked the idea of helping to build up a ‘community of flute playing’. I love teaching – it goes hand in hand with performing. When I perform, it reminds me of all the anxieties and joys that aspiring musicians face; in turn, teaching is a good reality check.
Question: Did AYO play an important role in your musical development?
Answer Absolutely. AYO was the first orchestra I ever played in and it made me think that perhaps music was a career I could consider. It was funny – on my first day we were playing <i>The Moldau</i> by Smetana in which the 2nd Flute plays the first six notes. The conductor’s baton came down and I was the only one playing; I was so terrified I nearly swallowed my notes! It made me realise how important it is for teachers to prepare their students for orchestral repertoire; that has always stayed with me. The student networks I built at AYO have also been very much a part of my life. I constantly advise my students to respect and look after their peers; one day their student colleagues will be their professional peers.
Question: Why do you support AYO?
Answer Having taught at university for 25 years, it’s made me realise how many people in this country are disadvantaged by location. I donated to the Scholarships fund to give an opportunity to a talented musician who might be isolated and otherwise miss out on AYO’s wonderful programs. I also see the fun, pleasure and musical education my own students derive from playing in AYO.