MICHAEL H DIXON

Michael Dixon, born in New Zealand in 1961, began music studies on piano with his grandmother and horn with his father, Hugh. In 1977 he moved to Australia and started his professional career in earnest as a horn player with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (1979-81) after working as a casual with the Sydney Symphony. Michael studied for six months in Europe then returned to his native country where he worked as a teacher and played with the Auckland Philharmonia. Following two years with the West Australian Orchestra Michael performed as Principal Horn in the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra from 1987 to 2000 and currently holds the position of Associate Principal Horn in the Queensland Orchestra. He taught at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music from 1988 to 2004 and has examined for AMEB since 1994.

He furthered his music studies spending 3 years learning tabla with Dr. Tarlochan Singh. In 2001 he received the award of Master of Music (in Contemporary Musicology) at the Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. Michael followed this by taking private music studies with John Gilfedder. In 2005 Michael received the award of Master of Philosophy in the field of Music (Composition) from the University of Queensland. He is currently a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong.

Michael composes for his ensemble LOCANA (flute, violin, horn and violoncello) and has written a number of songs along with works for brass ensemble, horn ensemble, percussion duo and ensemble, string quartet, orchestra, concert band and music theatre.

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