violin, viola
At the University of Melbourne Frances finished a B.A. in history and art while playing viola in the Australian Youth Orchestra and at National Music camps. She then studied viola with Robert Pikler at the Sydney Conservatorium, followed by Paul O’Brien, Marco van Pagee and Janet Mason at the Victorian College of the Arts. Suzuki and Kodaly method studies and a Diploma of Education developed her interest in music education. In Melbourne Frances played as a freelance viola player with Orchestra Victoria, and in the Trio Istar string trio which presented classical and contemporary popular music arranged by John Nisbet.
On moving to Castlemaine Frances taught violin and viola at Castlemaine Secondary College for six years, and co-founded Castlemaine Chamber Players. She now teaches violin in her Suzuki method studio in Castlemaine, and in her playing she explores jazz improvisation as well as classical viola and violin repertoire.