The Director

Mrs. Leia Knibb (formerly Tunney), is a graduate of the Queensland University of Technology where she completed a Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in Voice (Musical Theatre) as well as undertaking studies in music theory, choral and instrumental conducting and arranging, pedagogy, various musical styles and aural development; as well as German curriculum.  Born in Brisbane, she began showing a keen interest and talent in music, especially singing, from a very early age.

During her time at both primary and high schools, she was always an active member of many musical ensembles including Junior and Senior Choirs, Madrigal Vocal Ensembles, Concert Bands, Big Bands, Youth Bands (Clarinet), and was regularly presented with cultural and music awards.  She was regularly cast in lead roles in musicals held by her schools. She also enjoyed learning the languages German and Japanese, continuing with Japanese until the end of year 12, and German until the end of university.  Whilst at high school, Leia also worked as an assistant host for ‘Sky’s Themed Birthday Parties’ (also donning the appropriate costumes of fairy, mermaid, princess, cat, teddy bear, etc.).

In 1992, Leia became a member of the Queensland Youth Choir, where she remained an active member until the end of 2003, after 12 years of membership.  Throughout this time, she gained many skills and much experience, working with various professionals including Musical Directors: Carly Nisbett, Rhonda Coady, Sandra Milliken, and Robert Clark; Choreographers and Tutors: Jason and Leisa Barry-Smith, Megan Shorey, Ruth Gabriel, Trevor Green, and John Ritchie.

During her university years, she continued her active involvement in various musical ensembles, including the QUT Choir (under the direction of Andrea Morris-Campbell), Mouth Orchestra (exploratory vocal improvisation- under the direction of Brian Martin), as well as participating in musicals directed by the QUT Student Musical Society.  In 2002, she took part in the recording of ‘Bainwave Production’s’ musical, “Spellbound”. In-between her studies, Leia also worked as a personal carer for the elderly, as well as being a ‘Promoworks’ employee undertaking various roles including vocalist, Christmas Fairy, Easter Bunny, etc.

Following completion of her double degree at the end of 2003, Leia has been teaching mainly primary classroom music in various schools within the state and private education system.  Throughout her teaching, she has gained experience in directing small and large ensembles (both vocal and instrumental), helping to prepare them for music festivals, eisteddfods, competitions, and various school and community performances.  Since mid-2008, she also added “licensed ‘Kindermusik’ educator”, and “licensed ‘Kinder Beat’ educator” to her list of qualifications.  ‘Kindermusik’ (Newborn-7 Yrs.) classes are currently held at various north-side locations.

As Leia’s main passion is singing, she has initiated her own ‘Starshine Singers’ Choir consisting of 3 groups: ‘Junior Jammers’ (Prep-Yr.3), ‘Senior Starlets’ (Yrs.4-7), and ‘Singing Sensations’ (Yrs.8-12). The Yrs.4-7 and Yrs.8-12 groups began in 2009, and in 2010, the Prep-Yr.3 group was added.  In 2010, Leia also directed a choir for Home-Schooled children within the Moreton Bay Region (Pine Rivers’, Redcliffe, and Caboolture districts), with children ranging in ages from 5-15 years.

In 2012, the studio has begun to expand to also include other instrumental music teachers who teach instruments which have not been on offer previously.  An online shop will be available shortly also.  Leia is very excited about these new developments, and can’t wait to see what lies ahead!

Over the years, Leia has had the pleasure of being able to perform at a variety of venues and functions, in small and large ensembles, and including professionally.  Two of her biggest performance highlights include being a member of ‘Michael Crawford’s’ backing ensemble, and being a member of ‘Nana Mouskouri’s’ backing ensemble for their Brisbane performances, as part of their Australian Tours.  Other highlights include: backing singer and performer for the Soccer Gala Opening for the ‘Sydney 2000 Olympic Games’, the opening ceremony for the ‘Goodwill Games’, the opening of the ‘Brisbane International Airport’, the opening of ‘Suncorp Stadium’, ‘Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols’, ‘Police Commissioner’s Carols’ at the Suncorp Piazza, ‘Golden Casket Christmas Celebrations’ at Southbank, 4KQ Christmas Lights entertainment, etc. to name a few. Other well-known artists (both Australian and International) that she has had the pleasure of performing with include Simon Gallaher, Rhonda Burchmore, Christine Anu, David Dixon, Tina Arena, Rick Price, Kamahl, Normie Rowe, Gina Jeffries, Rolf Harris, Venetta Fields, The Seekers, Tom Burlinson, Jon English, Karen Knowles, Donny Ray Evans, Jason & Leisa Barry-Smith, The 10 Tenors, and the South-American born world music ensemble ‘Walisuma de los Andes’.  Her vocal abilities have also been used by ‘Golden Casket’ for television advertisements.

Leia aims to develop a studio that is warmly regarded in the wider community, by providing numerous musical offerings; being commited to constant self-evaluation and improvement of her skills; and by providing her students with numerous opportunities for performance, personal and professional growth.  She enjoys sharing her love of music with others, believing that ‘all children are musical, and can experience from the joy that music can bring’ (don’t forget to check out the ‘Benefits of Music’ found on this site)!!!  She is thoroughly enjoying being able to share this enjoyment with her son, Bailey, who was born in June 2009.

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Qualifications: registered teacher with the QLD College of Teachers (QCT) – since 2004; registered teacher with the Music Teachers’ Association of QLD (MTAQ) – since 2005; ‘Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education’ 4-year double degree from QLD University of Technology (QUT); Licensed ‘Kindermusik’ educator – since 2008; Licensed ‘Kinder Beat’ educator – since 2008; current Suitability Card for Child Related Employment (Blue Card) – since 2003.

NB – From 1 July 2010, registered teachers and police officers no longer need to apply for a blue card for regulated activities outside of their professional duties and instead, apply to the Commission for an ‘exemption card’.

*** “Where music SHINES!”***