When Nick Woodhead starts at the Queensland Conservatorium next week, he will be following a family tradition.
Nick’s older brother Dominic graduated from the Bachelor of Musical Theatre in 2014, and his older sister Miriam is in her final year of the same degree.
“I always had aspirations to follow them here – my heart was set on the Con,” Nick said.
Nick is studying a Bachelor of Music in jazz drumkit, but dreams of one day following his older siblings into the world of musical theatre.
“Dom has drafted me in to play on a couple of his shows,and it was a great experience,” he said.
“I would eventually like to be a pit drummer for musicals.”
So what is it about musical theatre that has captured the hearts and minds of the Woodhead siblings?
“It’s the storyt
elling, the music, dance – it’s a massive spectacle,” said Dominic.
“It’s a genre that encompasses so many ecclectic styles of music, so every show is a new challenge.”
His younger sister Miriam says she can’t imagine doing anything else.
“At first I was just ‘Dom’s little sister’, but I’ve been able to make a name for myself here,” she said.
“It’s a whole lot of fun – just getting to come in every day and study what I love is a dream come true.”
Since graduating, Dominic has toured across the country with various productions and returned to the Conservatorium as a tutor and accompanist.
He is the musical director for the Con’s production of Little Womenat the Brisbane Powerhouse later this year and sayshis time at the Con has prepared him up for a successful career in the industry.
“It’s a very full on degree, but you are taught to work hard, collaborate and learn from each other’s strengths.
“I’ve been able to show my brother and sister that if you put in the hours, and absorb everything you learn at uni, you can make a living out of your passion.”
As well as singing, the talented multi-instrumentalists play guitar, piano and drums. So what is it like having three musicians at home?
“It’s very loud,” said Miriam with a laugh.