INSTRUCTOR PROFILES

CHRISTA POWELL – violin

Highly-respected performance artist, session musician, and music educator, Christa is as comfortable lending her talents to the orchestra pit as she is in character wardrobe, playing on stage with Led Zeppelin or playing solo violin and strolling the stage with Expressions Dance Company. One of Topology’s founders, a steadying influence and strong driving force towards the shared common goal, Christa has helped steer Topology from the start, emerging as Creative and Education Director. When she’s not playing with Topology, she performs a wide range of chamber music (she and Therese are two thirds of the Muses Trio with cellist Louise King), her long-held passion. She also plays orchestral music with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, gigs with bands and teaches violin at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, in her private studio and as a guest at various education institutions. Christa studied at the University of Queensland (BMus Hon 1991) with Elizabeth Morgan, in London (1991 – 1993) with Emanuel Herwitz of the Melos Ensemble and at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with Carmel Kaine, obtaining her Master of Music in 1996. In London, she played with the Olyver Gypsy Ensemble.

ROBERT DAVIDSON – composer, bass

Robert is a prolific composer, bassist, lecturer and founder and artistic director of Topology. Davidson studied composition with Terry Riley in California before completing a composition PhD at the University of Queensland. He previously studied South Indian vocal music in Kerala, India. Davidson’s compositions are regularly performed, recorded and broadcast around the world, in venues including Sydney’s Opera House and London’s Barbican. All of Australia’s professional orchestras and many leading soloists and ensembles have commissioned and performed his works. He has released albums and a DVD with Topology, and has directed and participated in numerous artistic collaborations.

CAMERON PATRICK – composer

Born and raised in Brisbane, Cameron Patrick is a graduate of the University of Queensland where he completed a Bachelor of Music in violin performance with Elizabeth Morgan and did extensive thesis work on the subject of film scoring. After leaving UQ, he played with both the Queensland Symphony and Queensland Theatre Orchestras, as well as being founding leader of the Camerata of St. John’s Chamber Orchestra and the Patrick String Quartet. Keen to explore his passion for film scoring, he moved to the USA in 1988 to further his studies in composing, orchestrating and arranging, and entered the University of Southern California’s Advanced Studies Certificate Program: Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television. He graduated the following year and went on to complete ASCAP’s Film Scoring Workshop in 1991.

Cameron spent 29 years based in Los Angeles, where he was active as both a concert composer (with commissions from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Camerata and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra) and screen composer, violinist, violist, orchestrator and arranger in the Hollywood film, television and recording industries. He was also an instructor for UCLA Extension’s Entertainment Studies Film Scoring program, teaching orchestration from 2015 to 2017. Cameron has been Discipline Lead for Music at the Australian Film, Television & Radio School since 2018.

CHRISTIAN GANTE – piano

Christian plays for 9 choirs in Brisbane! Even though he has the pleasure of accompanying even more choirs as an occasional backup accompanist for extra rehearsals, or when their regular pianist is away for various reasons; he is so very grateful that each choir time happens to be each conductor’s highlight of their week. Indeed a wonderful place to be; everywhere you go, your co-workers together also looking forward to time spent working on music, challenging and inspiring young musicians. Having appeared on Channel 7 and 10 as a youngster for his pianistic achievements, Christian currently works with just as many high schools during a school week assisting their music departments in music tutoring, soloist accompanying, congregation singing and from time to time as an audio-visual technician. Christian has written a number of instrumental and choral works which have been performed by various high schools and in his spare time adores visiting the great outdoors and photographing Australia’s wonderful wildlife.

DELINE BRISCOE – vocalist, songwriter, cultural storyteller 

Deline Briscoe, a talented singer-songwriter from the Yalanji people, has been making waves in the Australian music scene with her powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and collaborations with industry legends. As a proud Indigenous artist, Deline’s music weaves together stories of her culture, community, and personal experiences.

Deline’s musical journey has seen her share the stage and studio with iconic artists such as Archie Roach, Bart Willoughby, and Emma Donovan. These collaborations have not only showcased her versatility but also demonstrated her commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and stories through music.

In addition to her music, Deline is a savvy entrepreneur, running her own business, Gaba Musik, alongside her partner, Airileke Ingram. Gaba Musik serves as a platform for Deline to produce, publish and share music, supporting established and emerging Indigenous artists.

Deline’s music is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and dedication to her craft. With a voice that can soar from soft and soothing to powerful and soul-stirring. 

As a Yalanji woman, Deline’s music is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. She draws inspiration from her people’s stories, language, and traditions, ensuring that her artistry remains authentic and meaningful.

Through her music and business ventures, Deline Briscoe is an inspiring example of Indigenous excellence and innovation. Her collaborations, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices make her a shining star in the Australian music industry. Keep an ear out for Deline’s soulful sounds and an eye on Gaba Musik, as this talented singer-songwriter continues to make her mark.

DR GRANT COLLINS – percussion, drums

Grant Collins is an award-winning drummer, educator, and Doctor of Music, widely respected for his contributions to contemporary drum set performance. A world-renowned performer, Grant has played and toured extensively across the globe, appearing on international stages and festivals while continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the drum set.

Grant has released multiple solo drumming CDs and DVDs and is known for his creative, musical, and highly expressive approach to drumming. He has previously lectured at universities and conservatoriums, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians, and brings decades of professional performance and teaching experience to everything he does.

Alongside his ongoing work as a performer, Grant also runs Grant Drums Academy, an online education platform supporting a worldwide community of drummers. Through structured programs, live sessions, and innovative practice systems, he helps drummers develop strong core skills, musical confidence, and freedom on the drum set, no matter where they are in the world.

ISABELLA GEROMETTA – composer

Isabella Gerometta is an Australian composer and conductor. Her original compositions have been premiered and commissioned by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Perth Symphony Orchestra, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Offspring and the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, and she regularly works with the Düsseldorf Symphoniker (Germany) as an arranger. Isabella was selected to represent Queensland in the ABC Classics and Muses Trio collaboration ‘Fire Dances’ reflecting the Black Summer bushfires of 2020. Isabella also contributes music to the Brisbane film community – her scored films have been shown at several festivals including Hollyshorts (Los Angeles), Flickerfest (Sydney) and the West End Film Festival. Isabella is also a conductor, currently serving as Assistant Conductor with the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra under Associate Professor Peter Luff, and in 2024 was invited to Mexico as Assistant Conductor to Alondra de la Parra and The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas (Mexico) for the premiere tour of the production ‘Gershwin – La Vida en Azul.’

JADE MONTGOMERY – vocalist, songwriter

Jade Montgomery is a performer, songwriter, educator and music industry professional based in Brisbane. With over 15 years of performance experience in both a solo and band setting, Jade’s knowledge and skills as a vocalist and songwriter are highly respected. Jade Graduated from JMC Academy in 2018 with a songwriting degree and was awarded the Elizabeth Cass Achievement award for Academic Excellence and contribution to academy life.

In Jade’s original project Worm Girlz, which she co-manages, she plays rhythm guitar while singing lead vocals. Over 2024 Worm Girlz travelled across Australia to play festivals such as Laneway, BigSound and Party in Paradise and they have supported big acts like Spiderbait, Hope D and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. Worm Girlz has been featured across triple j/unearthed and in media outlets like Rolling Stone AU and Ramona Mag.

Since 2020 Jade has worked as a songwriting and vocal tutor and the Creative Academy Officer for the award-winning arts organisation Topology. Jade has been an integral member of the team and has helped pull together numerous tours across regional and remote QLD. Tour highlights include – Normanby Station Creative Bootcamp and Queensland Stories.

JUNGAJI – songwriter, visual artist, cultural storyteller

Jungaji is a Gugu Yalanji First Nations songman, singer songwriter, visual artist and cultural storyteller whose work bridges soulful contemporary songwriting with deep cultural memory and lived experience.

In 2025 he released his debut album, Betting On Blak, a landmark independent success that debuted at #1 on the AIR 100% Independent Albums Chart and delivered strong national recognition across the Australian music community.  His impact was further confirmed at the Queensland Music Awards, where he won the World Music Award for “Gummy Bamarra (Grandsons Story)”.

Beyond performance and recording, Jungaji is an active cultural educator, using songwriting as a tool for connection, confidence and healing. He has delivered songwriting workshops with SYFS (Southern Youth Family Services), creative programs in Wollongong, and major public initiatives including Brisbane Festival songwriting workshops, as well as sessions with Topology and embedded in corporate, community, schools and neighbourhood centre settings. These workshops create safe spaces for story, identity and expression, empowering participants to turn personal experience into song.

Jungaji continues to build a nationally significant body of work, grounded in truth telling, community impact, healing, resilience and the transformative power of music.

LUCAS MONTGOMERY – guitar

Based in Brisbane, Lucas Montgomery is a versatile guitarist, composer and audio engineer with skills spanning a wide array of contemporary music styles.  From the beginnings of his music education at age 7, Lucas has studied many aspects of guitar performance from acoustic fingerstyle through to rock, fusion and beyond. 

Since obtaining his music performance degree at JMC Academy in 2018, Lucas has performed across Australia with a variety of ensembles, bands and artists including Karen Knowles, Topology, Black Image, Deline Briscoe, Jem Cassar-Daly, Emma Donavan and more.

Lucas’s brings his 20 years of experience as a guitarist in the studio as an audio engineer, working out of the Rocklea studio Brocks Place, Lucas has worked with artists like Worm Girlz, Bad Mums, Mellow and Topology and has had his work featured on Triple J and Rolling Stone AU.

Lucas works as a freelance educator in guitar studies and composition at the Independent Music Academy and Topology. Lucas is always looking to broaden his musical horizons with as much experience and knowledge as he can get, and share that with as many people as possible.

NADIA MILFORD – dancer, choreographer

Nadia Milford is a dancer, choreographer and teacher inspired by a vision to create a more compassionate world. She has worked with contemporary dance and physical theatre companies and choreographers across Australia, Europe, South Korea, India and China, performing and creating work for national and international audiences. Her choreographic practice spans immersive dance theatre, installation and film, with a focus on embodied storytelling and audience connection.

Nadia has presented workshops as an independent teaching artist in schools, academies and universities across Australia and India, supporting participants to build confidence, creativity and self-expression through movement. Nadia has been working with Topology for the past six years as a facilitator and collaborator across a range of creative and community-focused projects.

She holds a Bachelor of Dance Performance (Distinction) from QUT and 300-hour yoga teacher training. Nadia’s practice is grounded in connection to the physical self, aiming to engage people in experiences that encourage deep self-awareness. Drawing on a diverse blend of styles and influences, she uses dance as a movement for empowerment, togetherness and meaningful conversation.

NICOLE MURPHY – composer

Nicole Murphy is a composer of music for the concert hall, theatre, and dance. Her music has been described as “exquisite and sensitive” (Sydney Morning Herald), “strong and compelling” (Loudmouth) and “full of exhilarating tension” (Arts Knoxville). She has been commissioned by eminent arts organisations including the Australian Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance (London), the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Experiments in Opera/Symphony Space (New York), Orchestra Victoria, and Wild Rumpus (San Francisco).

Nicole is the recipient of various awards, including the Theodore Front Orchestral Prize (2023), the inaugural UNSW Layton Composer Fellowship (2018), Ensemble Offspring’s Noisy Women Commission (2019), and the MAFB International Commissioning Prize (2015). In 2020 she was recognised as one of AMP’s ‘Tomorrow Makers’. Her 2016 piano trio, Spinning Top, is included on the ABC Classic album ‘Women of Note: A Century of Australian Composers’. Nicole holds a PhD from the University of Queensland and is a Lecturer in Composition at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

REBECCA KARLEN – vocalist, violinist 

Rebecca Karlen graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance (Hons) degree from the University of Queensland in 2002, with a Dean’s recommendation. Following the completion of her studies, she returned to her hometown Stockholm, Sweden, where she worked as a free-lance musician and strings teacher. Since returning to Brisbane, Australia, in 2006, Rebecca has been an active freelance musician across a wide range of musical styles. In addition to regularly performing with the Queensland Pops Orchestra she performs in several different ensembles ranging from classical string quartets, Brazilian ensembles, jazz groups and collaborations with singer songwriters. This includes performances at QPAC, the Brisbane Jazz Festival, Woodford Festival, Le Festival, the Brolga Theatre, Suncorp Stadium, the Tanks Art Centre and the Cairns Entertainment Centre. 

Rebecca enjoys performing a wide range of music styles in different musical contexts, as both a violinist and a singer. She is particularly active with her own band Estampa, touring in 2021, and releasing a second album with this band in 2021.  

Her wide-ranging work as a freelance violinist also includes working with the QLD Pops Orchestra, Mirusia, the Australian Session Orchestra, and for several different performers agencies, such as Bentley’s Agency, Angelstrings and the Queensland Performers Agency.

TAITU’UGA KITCHENER WESCHE – performer, songwriter, cultural leader

TAITU‘ UGA (Birth name – KITCH Wesche) is a Samoan High talking Chief (Village of Sapunaoa Falealili Aiga Manusamoa) is an EDM cultural songwriter, musician, creative, performer, actor, cultural knowledge exchange agent and community educator. Over the past seventeen years, TAITU‘ UGA has performed in the music, arts and entertainment industry, across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Canada as a live beatbox, performer or MC. Strong in Samoan language, TAITU‘ UGA weaves cultural stories, neuroscience, and mythological storytelling utilising a fresh fusion of electronic dance music (EDM) hip hop, beatbox loop machine and traditional instruments. Taitu’uga is also the winner, Best Song, World Music – QMA’s 2024 & Ted X Talks Brisbane Presenter.