ABOUT JEMMA BALAŸ

Jemma Balaÿ commenced her music studies at the age of 3, learning piano and Dalcroze. At age 8, she discovered the cello and never looked back. Jemma graduated in 2014 from The University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) Class I, majoring in Cello Performance. She also holds her Associate Diploma of Performance (AMusA) from AMEB in Cello. Jemma completed her Masters (MPhil) in Cello Performance in 2019.

 

Jemma loves teaching and encouraging aspiring musicians of all ages, and has been teaching cello for over 10 years. She teaches private students, as well as teaching cello in major music programs in Brisbane schools. Jemma's students have completed exams at all levels, gained entry to the Queensland Youth Orchestras and selective high school instrumental programs, and competed in statewide Eisteddfodau and Concerto Competitions.

 

Jemma has conducted the South Side Youth Orchestra since its inception in 2017, working with students from beginner to advanced orchestral ability. She has composed pieces for the orchestras to play, and has presented these new works in performance.

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As part of her MPhil, Jemma created a performing edition of Gabrielli's 7 Ricercari for Violoncello Solo, which are some of the first pieces ever composed for the cello in Bologna, Italy, 1689. The performing edition presents historically informed suggestions relevant to the modern player, and options to play in regular tuning or the original Bolognese tuning. These works are included in the lists for music examinations in Australia through AMEB and ANZCA.

 

As a cellist, Jemma currently performs with Orchestra Corda Spiritus, the Sinfonia of St Andrews and other chamber and session ensembles alongside her busy teaching schedule. She also loves playing piano, learning languages, cooking, reading, bushwalks and board games.