Sacha Gibbs-McPhee

Sacha Gibbs-McPhee was born in Queensland, where he learned piano from his mother and took up the clarinet in primary school. Inspired to begin a music career, he studied with the QSO clarinettists at UQ, before traveling to London, where he completed his training at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of the LSO and Philharmonia players.

As a freelance musician, Sacha performs orchestral music, as well as pit work in opera, ballet, and music theatre productions. In addition, he is the artistic director of Noosa Chamber Music, bringing elite musicians from all over Australia to perform alongside him in his coastal home town. When he is not performing, Sacha teaches students of all ages and backgrounds. He believes that there is no bad reason to learn an instrument, and that with dedication and patience, almost any student can gain competence and confidence on an orchestral instrument.

While it is a good in itself, he believes that learning an instrument is also a rare gateway for modern students, through which they may attain a more thorough and comprehensive education in the liberal arts and humanities. He especially encourages students to take up the clarinet or saxophone, which are fun and easily portable instruments that can play music of all styles. Many students can master the first five to seven notes in only one lesson, and can immediately go on to play tunes that they recognise and enjoy.