Susan Hovenden

Violin, Viola, Beginner Cello, Adult String Ensemble, School Music Programs

BMusEd

Susan Hovenden has lived in Dubbo since 1987 and has been associated with the Macquarie Conservatorium for most of that time.

Susan studied violin, piano and musicianship during her school years in Grafton, NSW. She was a member and leader of the Grafton Youth Orchestra, and participated in chamber ensembles, eisteddfodau and performedin the orchestra for high school musical productions.

Susan gained her Bachelor of Music Education at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, assisted by a scholarship from the NSW Department of Education. She also gained accreditation as a studio teacher of violin from the NSW State Conservatorium.

Susan’s teaching career began at Griffith High School. In Griffith, she also taught violin and performed with recorder ensemble Les Quarante Doigts and The Griffith Consort, playing Baroque music. She was a committee member of the Griffith Music Club, organising concerts by visiting artists, and the Griffith Community-Based Music School.

Susan was appointed to the music department of Dubbo South High School in 1987. She also taught violin for the Orana School of Music, which become Macquarie Conservatorium. She led the Dubbo City Orchestra, conducted the Dubbo City Junior Orchestra, and performed with the Macquarie String Quartet and in orchestras for productions by Wesley Players and the Dubbo Theatre Society.

In 1990, Susan was appointed to the position of director of the Orana School of Music, which she held until 1995 when she resigned due to family commitments. Following a break from teaching while her family was young, Susan resumed string teaching at Macquarie Conservatorium in 2005..