Brent, called “Mister. S.”, by his students, is an enthusiastic teacher, musician and sportsman from Australia. While not always a teacher, he is glad he made the decision to dedicate himself to sharing the joy of learning with his students. Brent is a classically trained singer who loves an Italian aria or two, but also enjoys playing instruments, particularly the Piano and Guitar. He brings energy to his classes and is a sensitive educator after 8 years living in different countries. Brent always encourages children to be reflective and respectful learners. He is excited to join the NAE team and contribute to the performing arts program.
Qualifications
- Master of Education (Applied Linguistics) University of Southern Queensland, AUS
- Bachelor of Education (Music – Sec, Pry & EY), University of Queensland, AUS
- Bachelor of Music, University of Queensland, AUS
- Advanced Diploma in Teaching Contemporary Singing, The Voice College, UK
- Diploma in Drama, Oxford Learning College, UK
Biography
In 1999 while studying Business, Brent felt that it was not his true calling, so he decided to change direction; he joined a Rock Band and began music lessons to improve himself. Later he was accepted into the Music and Education programs at the University of Queensland. During these years, Brent taught Voice lessons and worked as an Air-conditioning mechanic, while starring in many Musical and Dramatic productions in solo and ensemble roles.
After gaining his professional degrees, Brent started school teaching in 2011 at St Edwards and Westminster Cathedral Primary schools in London, where he was a music teacher by day and a Singer by night working with many Opera companies. In 2013, he returned to Australia and taught P to 12 music at Brisbane Boys College while learning Mandarin. The same year, Brent moved to Asia where he has taught at the schools YCIS Shanghai, VSA Hong Kong, and AIS Singapore. Also, he has sung with the Shanghai Baroque Soloists, Opera Hong Kong and Cappella Martialis Singapore and continues to teach Voice in his spare time to all ages.
Brent enjoys time with his wife and son and watching his Rugby League team the North Queensland Cowboys, reminding him of his primary school days in the region. He is a keen touch football player and continues to work on various music projects, especially singing!