In a beautiful cycle, music teacher Abbey Felton (nee Bradstreet – Duncraig Class of 2016), is inspiring a new generation of young musicians after being inspired to pursue music by her St Stephen’s School guitar teacher!
Abbey began teaching classical guitar at the Duncraig Campus this year after graduating in the Class of 2016 and going on to receive a Bachelor of Music with first class honours from the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2020. It sounds like music has always been in Abbey’s blood.
“Officially I play the guitar, primarily classical. ‘Less officially’, I play the piano, mandolin, and ukulele, and I also sing. I grew up in a musical family, singing and playing instruments at church, so I can’t really remember when I started! I have been reliably informed that I wanted to learn the piano when I was three, but I only started lessons when I was about nine. I sort of ‘slipped’ into playing the guitar, after I was offered the chance to learn the guitar at my primary school”, said Abbey. 
Pursuing music as a career wasn’t always a certainty, though. “I was drawn to the idea of studying at WAAPA at the beginning of high school, but I’ve always had a lot of interests that pull me in different directions, so it was something of a daydream. The dream became a concrete possibility when I started learning guitar under Duncan Gardiner. Duncan was the first professional guitarist I had ever met, one who not only performed but also composed. This was a revelation! I mentioned that I wanted to audition for WAAPA in one of our lessons, and I was warmly encouraged to aim towards that goal!”
Since graduating from WAAPA, Abbey’s professional life has been very much focussed on music, from teaching guitar, to composing for contemporary dancers and performing solo and with others which she’s been able to balance with her career in teaching.
“By the time this article ‘hits the press’ I’ll have performed in Sydney with Ensemble Offspring, one of Australia’s leading contemporary classical ensembles. Working with them as their Hatched Associate Artist this year has been an amazing opportunity! I am also thankful for opportunities I’ve had to put on solo concerts, and the growth I’ve seen in myself through these experiences, as well as the wonderful surprise it’s been to be able to compose music for contemporary dance”.
Abbey graciously acknowledged the impact her St Stephen’s School teachers and tutors have had on her, both personally and professionally. “I’ve appreciated the rich musical education I had that set me up well for my degree. I’m also thankful for the critical thinking skills that I received in various classes and programs. It’s so important to be able to critically assess the ideas and arguments that people make so we don’t get blown about by anything that pops up on our ‘feed’, particularly in our current socio-political context”.
Some parting words of wisdom for aspiring musicians and composers from Abbey,
“Listen! Firstly, listen to those who teach you and mentor you because they often have hard-earned advice, wisdom they’ve been able to glean from making many mistakes and failing miserably. Secondly, listen to what music you’re making with a bit of perspective. Listen to the sound itself and let yourself be awed by how cool it is that you’re able to make sounds and make music. It’s a gift, and one that’s easy to undervalue when you’re tempted to compare yourself to others”.