Mr Jason Smyth-tomkins

Biography

"Jason Smyth-Tomkins joined the faculty of Education and the Arts at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQUniversity) in July 2010. Prior to this appointment, Jason spent 10 years as a percussion specialist and multi-instrument teacher at Education Queensland in the Central Queensland region. During his appointment at Education Queesnland, Jason developed extensive and successful high school percussion and big band programs, evidenced by numerous regional and state awards and past students who transitioned successfully to tertiary music study. Also a Yamaha Australia Artist since 2011, Jason is a lecturer in the Bachelor of Music (Jazz and Popular) program at the CQCM, specialising in jazz and contemporary drum-set performance. In addition to this, Jason is responsible for the coordination of the Performance & Production Studies (ensemble) courses and the associated public performances as well as the Jazz History courses at CQCM. Since 2012, on behalf of CQCM, Jason has been the Artistic Director of the CQUniversity Schools' Jazz Festival, attracting participants from Bowen to Brisbane for intensive and inspiring musical experiences through jazz education and performances. The CQUSJF has been instrumental in raising the profile of jazz education in the Central Queensland and Mackay / Whitsunday regions, supported by Queensland Music Festival, Creative Capricorn and various high profile guest artists.

Research Interest

Jason is an experienced and versatile drummer / percussionist having performed in jazz ensembles, big bands, corporate commercial bands, orchestras and pit orchestras. Jason has performed with a variety of respected jazz artists including: Don Rader (USA/Sydney), Don Burrows, Rick Holland (USA), Richie Cole (USA), Kevin Hunt, Clive Moorehead, Kristin Berardi, Graham Jesse, Katie Noonan, James Sherlock, Nicky Bomba, The Idea of North, Mike Price, Jacki Cooper, James Morrison, Bob Coassin (USA/Sydney), Jeff Jarvis (USA) and Dan Barnett plus many more. "