Creative Spotlight | Stef Ashmore
Published on 19 September 2023
Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make
Hi! I’m Stef, a Ryde local. I am owner and director of Stef Ashmore Music providing in person and online private vocal lessons within Meadowbank and the City of Ryde local government area. I have also recently been offered a role as a vocal tutor for Domremy Girls College, a role I am excited and honoured to be a part of.
As well as running a busy vocal studio I am also a board member of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS), this organisation is dedicated to the art of singing and teaching by providing generous resources and support for those involved in the creative arts. When I can I perform jazz sets at various small venues in Sydney, improvising and playing music with others is one of my favourite things to do. I am looking to release my own music sometime soon.
What creative project are you working on at the moment?
As a special performing opportunity for my younger students I have enrolled them in the 2023 Junior Music Festival for the Hills District orchestrated by the Music Teachers Association of NSW, this festival offers a safe and comfortable space for young students to gain performing experience.
For many of my students this will be their first time performing, I’m proud to be able to offer these experiences to encourage their interest and passion in music and the creative arts.
What’s your favourite part of working as an artist / creative?
Being a creative means “wearing many hats" and having to switch them depending on the day, instead of having one career for an extended period of time we usually have “portfolio careers” meaning we do a variety of different things (like teaching, writing, performing, management). I love this part of my job, being able to teach and inspire students one day and write articles and plan creative events the next means I’m able to gain a lot of experience and perspective within the overarching scope of the creative arts. I believe the most important aspect of my career is the support network I’ve made, a lot of areas intersect, and you can always find someone willing to steer you in the right direction.
How does your personal history, culture or experience inform your creative work?
Music education was so crucial and important to me growing up, sharing my gift and being a part of choirs and involved in vocal performances gave me some of my first musical and academic achievements. It’s those moments that lead me to pursue music in university, and helped me create my vocal studio eventually steering me to Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS). In the coming year I am looking to either start or be involved in a choir, in many ways I feel as though it’s coming full circle, being able to guide new vocalists and have a positive impact in their lives is something tremendously meaningful to me.
Where can we find out more about your work?
Website: stefashmoremusic.com
Youtube: youtube.com/@stefaniashmoremusic
Website: anats.org.au