David Reaston is an accomplished guitarist who composes and improvises music in the contemporary classical and jazz idioms. His music has been described as “other-worldly” (Jazz Local 32) and “individual and fresh” (The Music Trust). He holds a PhD in music composition from the University of Sydney, where his research focused on issues of identity and authorship that arise when involving performers in the compositional process. For the past two decades, Dr. Reaston has actively participated in tertiary music education, contributing significantly to curriculum development, and engaging in educational workshops both in Australia and internationally. He is currently a Lecturer at CQUniversity (2017–), where he teaches into the Bachelor of Music program.
Industry quotes:
“madman/prophet” – Sydney Morning Herald, 2008.
“dazzling technician” – Cadence Magazine, USA 2005.
“great technique and a very different sensibility” – Canberra Jazz Blog, 2012.
“Reaston’s buzzing and atonal guitar playing is a signature sound” – Alternative Media Group, 2012.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Conservatorium Rd, Sydney
University of Sydney
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Mackay Ooralea Campus
CQUniversity, Australia
Australian Institute of Music
Sydney campus
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Mackay Ooralea Campus
CQUniversity, Australia
2024
2023
2022
2017
Academic Studies Lecturer - Australian Institute of Music, Sydney NSW
Contemporary Guitar Tutor - Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM), Mackay QLD (2002)
Casual Composition Tutor - Conservatorium High School, Sydney NSW (2005 - 2010)
Guest Composition Teacher - Sydney Distance Education High School, Sydney NSW (2010)
Selected Discography
I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:
At the level of Principal Supervisor
Music - Music composition and improvisation