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History of Life Centre Music School
Life Centre Music was originally called the School of Developmental Music. It was founded in 1987 by Lucy Meech, and was the first music school of its kind in Launceston that focused on early childhood music development. It has been operating successfully for over 30 years.
The program is largely based on the Kodály approach, inspired by Zoltán Kodály in Hungary. Over 4000 students have passed through the school, many of whom are now directors of music, teachers and performers.
Prior to opening Life Centre Music, Lucy was an early childhood classroom teacher and music specialist in several primary schools around Launceston. In 1977 Lucy piloted the Kodály approach to the teaching of music at St Leonards Primary School. The success of this approach soon became evident, and education authorities in Launceston and further afield were sent to observe Lucy's music lessons. Lucy attended many National Kodály conferences to further her knowledge, and visited several Sydney schools working on a pilot program under the direction of Deanna Hoermann who first introduced the Kodály philosophy into Australia.
In the early 1990's, Lucy's daughter and fellow music teacher Natalie received a grant from the Musician's Union of Tasmania to study at Trinity College of Music in London. She spent two years overseas, and during that time worked with Cecilia Vajda, a world renowned choral technician and Kodály exponent who studied under Kodály in Hungary.
Natalie brought her new found knowledge back to Tasmania, and started teaching with Lucy at Life Centre Music in 1997. The pair continued to strive to provide a high quality, educationally sound music program designed to enhance each area of a child's development. They also continued to attend many national conferences to enhance their music teaching skills and proficiency, and to find fresh, stimulating ways to present their teaching program.
In 2013 during Children's Week, both Natalie and Lucy were recognised by the Launceston City Council and Playgroup Association of Tasmania for the work they had done with thousands of children over their many years of teaching. Lucy semi-retired at the end of 2014, and Natalie took over as the director/owner of the business. In 2016 Natalie was nominated in the What's on for Junior Awards for the category 'Best Local Baby and Preschooler Activity 0-5 Years, and in 2021 was a finalist in the Launceston Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, for the category 'Excellence in Customer Service'.
It is now really exciting after 37 years to see a large number of second generation families attending Life Centre Music School. It is also wonderful to welcome new children and their families into the school. At Life Centre Music we continue to provide children with a multi sensory approach to music education that leads to both an understanding of and love for music.
Natalie Hillier
B.Ed; LTCL.; AmusA; Hon SCSM
Natalie has been working in Launceston as a music teacher, pianist and accompanist for 30 years. She started teaching at Life Centre Music School in 1997, and in early 2015 took over as the owner/director of the business. Natalie is passionate about the importance of early childhood music education. Throughout the years at Life Centre Music she has observed the enormous developmental benefits that students gain from high quality musical experiences, not only musically but emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. She thoroughly enjoys making a positive difference to the lives of her students, by presenting a program that is fun, engaging, interactive and educational!
During her career Natalie has been a specialist music teacher in Launceston primary schools, and still conducts numerous sessions for schools, playgroups and childcare centres. She also runs professional development sessions for early childhood educators and carers. In addition to her work at Life Centre Music, Natalie works both privately and in the school system tutoring piano and theory of music. She is a fully qualified and registered teacher, and holds a Bachelor of Education, the Trinity College Licentiate Teacher's Diploma of Music, and the Associate Teacher's Diploma with AMEB, Australia.
Over the years Natalie has performed in many concerts and productions as a pianist, vocalist, cellist and accompanist. She regularly works with Encore Theatre Company as a repetiteur and keyboard player, and was vocal director for Encore's 2016 production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.
Natalie has three adult children of her own who all love music. Each of them attended Life Centre Music School in their younger years and they continue to enjoy and play music.
Natalie believes all children have the right to high quality musical experiences. As a result, she provides a music program that will enhance childhood development and instil a lifelong love of music.
