Nicole Thomson
Grad.Cert.Tertiary and Adult Education (GCTAE) Grad.Dip (Vocal Performance) BMus (Voice) BA (Mus)Associate Lecturer - Theatre
School of Education and the Arts
+61 414 716 968 Mobile Phone
Building 22 - G.12
Nicole Thomson is an Associate Lecturer in Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, CQUniversity, Australia. An acknowledged professional in the performing arts working alongside artists across all genres and spheres of influence, Nicole is recognised as a champion of quality music education within an environment of musical and theatrical excellence.
With a professional portfolio in international performance and pedagogy spanning almost three decades, Nicole has combined her vast experience across many educational and industry-based projects, with the past 13 years focussed on teaching music and theatre in the tertiary sector, to inspire and mentor emerging artists and educators in the arts. Her professional educational activities include workshops and masterclasses in Australia and South-East Asia, focussing on voice production, audition techniques, choral singing, corporate bonding through musical expression, and both musician well-being and corporate well-being.
Nicole received a CQUniversity Student Voice Commendation in 2018 for Distance Educator of the Year, and in 2021, was awarded a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Practice in Learning and Teaching (Tier 1). In 2024, Nicole received her Master of Education degree, using practice-led research to investigate collaborative practice in a musical landscape.
As an emerging academic Nicole’s upcoming publications include a co-authored book chapter with Professor Judith Brown AM. Nicole has presented her research at the Commission for the Education of the Professional Musician (CEPROM) conference in Kazakhstan in 2018 and was co-author for a presented paper at the CEPROM conference in Estonia in 2024. She has also presented at the 2019 Australian and New Zealand Association for Research in Music Education (ANZARME) conference in Wellington, New Zealand. Nicole attended the Australian National Association for the Teachers of Singing (ANATS) in 2022 as a co-presenter with mezzo-soprano Jenny Duck-Chong and returns in 2025 to present research around Australian Art Song, which forms the basis of her doctoral application.
Nicole has successfully managed three CQUniversity international cultural exchanges to Malaysia, funded through the Commonwealth Government’s New Colombo Plan. These cultural exchanges involved theatre collaborations between CQUniversity and the Bentley Academy of Music in Kuala Lumpur: The MlKA-D-0 (2018); Chess – The Musical (2020); and Evita – The Musical (2022). In 2024, she facilitated the participation of 12 CQUniversity students in another international performance collaboration with Bentley Music Academy in Kuala Lumpur: West Side Story.
Within the tertiary sector, Nicole also offers a Graduate Mentoring Program for any CQUniversity alumni in the performing arts, to assist them entering the industry. This includes the reading of contracts, professional development as well as repetiteur services and networking opportunities.
Nicole is sought after for her educational and artistic expertise, assisting the management of the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) as a public liaison with visiting professional arts companies looking for community engagement. In this role, she has worked with Opera Australia (Carmen (2021); The Barber of Seville (2023); and La bohème (2025)), Opera Queensland (La bohème (2014); Ruddigore (2018); and Tosca Online (2020)), the cast and crew of The Sunshine Club (2023), and the Little Red Company (Sisters are Doing it for Themselves (2025)). She facilitates and coordinates community members providing a conduit between rehearsals and performance.
In her tenth year as the Musical Director of the Mackay Choral Society, and as an extension of her international networking, Nicole is part of the leadership team for the upcoming international cultural collaboration (Exchange for Peace 2025) between the Mackay Choral Society and the Bentley Music Academy. This includes a world-premiere composition written by four composers based in Singapore and Australia, which will be performed alongside Karl Jenkin’s The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace. These performances, occurring both in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Mackay, Australia in December 2025, will involve a company of 100 performers and will involve travel across both countries as they share a unique performance experience.
Universities Studied At
- Griffith University
- Central Queensland University
Universities Worked At
- Central Queensland University
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Awards
2021
Vice Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Practice in Learning and Teaching (Tier 1)
2018
Student Voice Commendation
Distance Educator of the Year
2008
Frank Lasslett Award
Alan McArthur Memorial Award
Liederfest
Melbourne, VIC AUSTRALIA
2001
Werner Baer Memorial Award
The Sydney Savage Club
Sydney, NSW AUSTRALIA
1995
Concerto and Voice Competition
Queensland Conservatorium Of Music, Griffith University
Mackay, QLD AUSTRALIA
1990
Elizabeth Muir Undergraduate Scholarship
Queensland Conservatorium Of Music, Griffith University
Brisbane, QLD AUSTRALIA
Previous teaching
Presenter and Performer 2015
- Alnwick Music Camp (UK) (July) and Malaysia (October)
Presented by Spectrum – The Culture Exchange Specialists
Assistant Conductor and Educator 2015
- WA Pilbara Tour Gondwana Choirs
Sponsored by Rio Tinto, working with remote WA communities, primarily with indigenous youth
Voice Tutor 2012 – 2015
- Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music
Choral Education Coordinator/Conductor 2013 – 2016
- Gondwana Choirs / Sydney Children's Choir
Director 2014 - 2016
- Kids Choral Academy (Formally 'Gondweenies')
A musical initiative from Gondwana Choirs and Sydney Children's Choir
A programme specifically created for the creative training of young singers
Jellybeans Music (Sydney City East) Pty Ltd 2014 - present
- Managing staff, scheduling, payroll, recruitment of clientele and communications
Music Specialist 2011 - 2015
- Teaching Seminars throughout NSW and QLD instructing Primary and Secondary Teachers in Music Education, in association with Big Scope
Music Specialist
-Musician In The Classroom, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW 2011 - 2015
- Song Safari PD Programme, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW 2006 - 2012
Music Tutor 2009 - 2014
- in association with Jellybeans Music and Jozzbeat
Music Tutor 2008 - 2010
- in association with ACMF (Australian Children's Music Foundation) - Kodály & Orff Percussion
Music Tutor 2013, 2023
- in association with Reddam House
Developed a teaching curriculum for 1-4 years old
Implemented Orff programme for Kindergarten and Year 1
Educational Performances 1996 - 2011
- in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW (averaging three performances daily)
Voice Tutor
- Loreto Kirribilli (Secondary School), NSW 2007 - 2009
- Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC Croydon), NSW 2011 - 2012
Workshops
- Moriah College, NSW 2015
- Burgundian Consort, University Of NSW 2009 and 2013
- The Madrigal Society 2012
- Coro Innominata 2009
Corporate Workshops / Seminars
- The Benevolent Society 2015
Choreographer
- Ravenswood School For Girls (Primary School)
Year 3 & 4 Musical June-August 2006
Professional Experience
Flametree
- Chamber Ensemble committed to the presentation of appealing recitals in intimate settings
- Close to Home, Sydney (2024)
- The Exquisite Hour: Sydney (2020 & 2019)
- A Bouquet of Songs: Sydney (2018 & 2015)
Mackay (2017)
- in association with The Mackay Choral Society Inc.
If Music Be The Food Of Love (2017)
Sydney Chamber Opera
- Role: Dream Liza – ‘Dostoevsky’s Notes From Underground’ (2011)
Contemporary Opera (World Premiere) composed by Jack Symonds
- Directed by Netta Yashchin
Shanghai World Expo (2010)
- Performing with Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, Niki Vasilakis,
William Barton, The Song Company, Joseph Tawadros and the Qantas Choir
- Directed by Stuart Maunder
Canberra International Music Festival (2010)
- Peter Sculthorpe’s ‘Eliza Fraser Sings’
- Peter Sculthorpe’s ‘Sun’
(both in collaboration with the composer)
The Song Company (1996 – 2015)
- Soloist within a six-voice ensemble
- Repertoire covering 10th Century to the present day
- Performing between 120 and 150 concerts each year
- Performing throughout Australia, Europe, Asia and the USA
- Featured on CD recordings, and on ABC Classic FM
Malaysian Filharmonik Orchestra
- Works by Berio and Janacek (Kevin Field – Conductor) (2007)
Chinese Virtuosi Orchestra, Hong Kong
- Live Performance and CD Recording ‘Six Hermits’ (2006)
Pinchgut Opera
- Chorus Member ‘Juditha Triumphas’ – Vivaldi (2007)
- Concert showcase of ‘Idomeneo’- Mozart - Government House (2006)
(Performed the role of ‘Ilia’)
- 1st Cretan Woman / Cover (Ilia / Elettra)
Tenebrae II (2006)
Tenebrae I (2005)
- Directed by Kate Champion, in association with
Force Majeure
Trigonale Festival, Austria (2006)
- As a member of The Song Company
SUMS (Sydney University Music Society) (2006)
- Schubert cantata, ‘Mirjams Siebesgesang’
- Lieder by Mozart, Wolf, Liszt and Strauss
Strathfield Symphony Orchestra (2006)
- Soloist Haydn ‘Nelson’ Mass
- Mozart ‘Laudate Dominum’
Aurora Festival (2006)
- ‘What’s that Spell?’ by Michael Daugherty, in association
with the Australian Youth Orchestra (Kevin Field – Conductor)
Eminence Symphony Orchestra (2004 - 2010)
- A Night in Fantasia
- A Night in Fantasia 2004
- World of John Williams
- Destiny: The Dream Time Ensemble
- A Night in Fantasia 2005
- Spirited Away with Youmi
- A Night in Fantasia 2006
- A Night in Fantasia 2007: Symphonic Games Edition
- Destiny - Reunion
- A Night in Fantasia 2007: Anime Edition
- Unearthing Eden ~The sounds of AINARU~
- A Night in Fantasia 2009
The Jubilate Singers
- Soloist Mozart ‘Requiem’ (2006)
- Excerpts from Bach Cantata BWV 51 (2003)
‘Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen‘
- Handel’s “Messiah” (2002)
The Ladies Committee of the Sydney Opera House Appeal Fund
- Guest Artist (2004)
New England Bach Festival (2004)
- Soloist
Aark Ensemble (2004)
- Voice 2 in Reich ‘Music for 18 Musicians’
Venetian Carnival (2003)
- Directed by Rachel McDonald, in association with
Musica Viva
Cantillation (2002 – 2015)
- Soloist and within the ensemble
- Recorded several CD’s on ABC Label
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
- Soloist Bach ‘Magnificat’ (2002)
Sydney Festival
- ‘The Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior’ (1997)
Contemporary Opera by Colin Bright
- Directed by Nigel Kellaway
- Role of Activist
Opera North
- Lauretta – ‘Gianni Schicchi’ – Puccini (1992)
- Matchgirl – ‘The Happy Prince’ – Williamson (1986)
Collaborative Recitals in Association
- Judith Stuart & Friends (2016-present)
- Peter Cousens (Tenor), Judith Brown (Piano), Kevin Field (Percussion) in
January (2018 & 2020) – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Judith Brown (Piano) – ‘A Century of Song – Classical and Contemporary Music’
in (September 2013)
- Jenny Duck-Chong (Mezzo-Soprano) and Josephine Allan (Piano) (2012)
- Rachel Scott (‘Cello) (2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012)
- Jo Burton (Mezzo-Soprano) (1998, 2000 & 2002)
- Simon Lobelson (Baritone) and Luke Byrne (Piano) (2001 & 2003)
- Opening of the Paul Hopkins Theatre, Mackay, Queensland, in association
with Bradford Creese and Melanie Duncan (1995)
Solo Recitals (1995 – 2013)
- Self promoted “A Little Light Music” with live recording
November (2005)
- Various repertoire including Handel motets, Song-cycles by
Messiaen and Rodrigo, Lied and Melodie, and Music Theatre
MEDIA:
Film: Eternity Man (2008)
Recordings:
Independent Release:
- For More Than Sixty Years – 10 Songs for Soprano and Piano (2020)
Judith Brown - Piano
The Song Company (1997 – 2015):
- Body and Soul (2000)
- Spanish Battle Music (2001)
- Purcell to Pop (1997)
- Schwanengesang (1997)
- I Fiamminghi in Italia (1998)
- Song of Songs (2002)
- For Emperor & Pope (2015)
- The Twelve Days of Christmas (2009)
- As A Lily (2000)
- The Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior (1997)
- Quito (1997)
Pinchgut Opera:
- Juditha Triumpha (2007)
- Idomeneo (2006)
Cantillation:
- Ye Banks and Braes (2006)
- Silent Night (2004)
- The Voice (Teddy Tahu-Rhodes) (2004)
- Cinema Paradiso (David Hobson) (2004)
- Allegri Miserere (2003)
- Prayer for Peace (2002)
Film Soundtracks:
- South Solitary (2011)
- Happy Feet 2 (2011)
- Legends of the Guardian: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010)
- Farscape – Peacekeeper Wars (2004)
- Salem’s Lot (2004)
- The Rise and Rise of Australian Rugby (2003)
- Lotto Dreamin (2007)
- Teratoma (2003)
Video Game Soundtracks & Albums:
- Eminence Symphony Orchestra: Senjo no Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles Odin Sphere
- The Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk
- Soulcalibur IV Diablo III
- Echoes of War: The Music of Blizzard Entertainment
- Makoto Shinkai Image Album “Promise”
- Halo
- World of Warcraft (Voice of Eluni)
Professional Memberships
Member of ANCA (Australian National Choral Association)
Member of ANATS (Australian National Association Of Teachers Of Singing)
Member of ISME (International Society For Music Education)
Responsibilities
2016 -
Associate Lecturer - Theatre
2012 - 2015
Voice Tutor
Consultancy Work
2016
Director
- Kids Choral Academy (Formally 'Gondweenies')
A musical initiative from Gondwana Choirs and Sydney Children's Choir - a programme specifically for the creative training of young singers
2015
Presenter - Workshops and Masterclasses
- Alnwick Music Camp (UK) (July) and Malaysia (October)
Presented by Spectrum – The Culture Exchange Specialists
Assistant Conductor and Educator
- WA Pilbara Tour Gondwana Choirs (September)
Sponsored by Rio Tinto, working with remote WA communities, primarily with indigenous youth
Director
- Kids Choral Academy (Formally 'Gondweenies')
A musical initiative from Gondwana Choirs and Sydney Children's Choir - a programme specifically for the creative training of young singers
Workshops
- Moriah College, NSW
- Musician In The Classroom, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW
Corporate Workshops / Seminars
- The Benevolent Society
2014
Director
- 'Gondweenies'
A musical initiative from Gondwana Choirs and Sydney Children's Choir - a programme specifically for the creative training of young singers
Seminars
- Teaching Seminars For Primary And Secondary Teachers in Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney and Mackay, in association with Big Scope
2013
Artist In Residence
- Guest at Bentley Music Academy, Kuala Lumpur
- Conducted Workshops and Masterclasses throughout a three-week period
- Guest Artist at the Australian High Commission
- Philanthropic Work at START - a Creative Arts Refuge For Troubled Youth
Workshops
- Musician In The Classroom, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW
- Burgundian Consort, University Of NSW
Seminars
- Teaching Seminars For Primary And Secondary Teachers in Brisbane and Mackay, in association with Big Scope
2012
Workshops
- Musician In The Classroom, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW
- Song Safari PD Programme, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW
- The Madrigal Society
Seminars
- Professional Development Seminars For Primary And Secondary Teachers in Brisbane and Mackay, in association with Big Scope
2011
Seminars
- Professional Development Seminars throughout NSW and QLD instructing Primary and Secondary Teachers in Music Education, in association with Big Scope
Workshops
- Musician In The Classroom, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW
2010 and earlier
- Song Safari PD Programme, in association with Musica Viva In Schools NSW 2006 - 2010
- Burgundian Consort, University Of NSW 2009
- Coro Innominata 2009