Grammar Gazette - Issue 2, 2023

Life in H A RMONY TWO REMARKABLE WOMEN SHAPING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY T he world of music is passionate, challenging, and full of opportunity—if you know where

to look. Girls Grammar prides itself on offering a comprehensive Music program that allows students to explore their individual passions, and also emphasises the importance of making connections. Two young Grammar Women, Cara Tran (2010) and Ash McGregor (2016), have made careers out of connections. As a musician and piano teacher, Cara spends most of her time at the piano, either teaching at BGGS or performing with indie chamber ensemble, Nonsemble. And for music journalist and triple j presenter, Ash, her passion for sharing music with the world has seen her interviewing some of the country’s brightest up-and coming artists.

Working at triple j was Ash’s dream

job while growing up.

‘I was a huge music lover and radio fan, and would listen to this station (triple j) almost every day on my way to BGGS’. So, upon graduation, Ash embarked on an internship at Gold Coast radio station, SeaFM. She commenced a Bachelor of Entertainment Industries (minoring in Music) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and dipped her toes into more radio work for 4ZZZ and NOVA, before completing a semester in the UK where she interned for Nickelodeon, MTV, and Global Radio. ‘Eventually, the hours paid off and work became word of mouth, snowballing from job to job. One day, I received an email from the boss of triple j asking to meet with me and to apply for an upcoming role at the station.’

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After landing a gig as a Breakfast Producer at triple j, it wasn’t long until Ash found herself the host of Home & Hosed, the show that discovers new Australian music. ‘Ultimately, I landed my job by putting myself out there, being proactive, trying many different avenues, networking, and saying “yes” to every experience that came my way.’ Of her studies at BGGS, Ash said her formal musical education—taking both Music and Music Extension, along with being part of five School bands—truly set her apart. ‘I feel grateful to have had a music theory education; it has not only helped me to connect with artists in interviews, but in describing music on air. From instrumentation to the processes of creating a song, I have an insight that not many radio hosts are fortunate enough to have learned.’ ‘In a professional setting, I know my schooling taught me to cope with high-pressure environments like live radio broadcasting, to juggle multiple tasks well, and to not be afraid to speak up.’ Ash’s formal education anchors her skills as a music journalist, which she built upon by putting in long hours on the tools and making important connections. ‘I interview artists most days at triple j; we unpack their careers, their creative processes, and their stories. Across all of these chats, a theme emerges—success lies in who you know, not what you know. If you make a name for yourself amongst peers, you will find your community whose work you champion, and likewise, they will champion you.’

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GAZETTE • ISSUE 2, 2023 ISSUE 2, 2023

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL