Five Minutes with Ms Kimberley Steele

Ms Kimberley Steele may be new to Radford’s leadership team, but she’s no stranger to the College’s vibrant music scene. Having conducted Songsters and Camerata in recent years, she now takes on the role of Director of Voice – bringing with her a wealth of experience, creativity and passion for music education.

Welcome to Radford! What attracted you to the College, and where were you working previously?

Thank you, it’s great to be here! I actually started conducting Radford's Songsters choir in 2022 when my child, Archibald, was 9 months old, and later moved on to conduct Radford's Camerata choir – my happy place for the past couple of years. The students and staff in the performing arts department are so kind, supportive and like-minded, so when the opportunity arose to become more involved, I was thrilled.

Before joining Radford, I taught classroom music at Turner Primary School, conducted community choirs and freelanced as a pianist and choral singer. I still do some of these things, but these days I’m spending more time with teenagers and choirs than ever before!

You’re an accomplished pianist. When did you start playing, and what inspired your love of the instrument?

I began playing the piano aged 4, but my first instrument was the violin – later viola – which I started at the age of 2! I played viola until I was 14 and flute until I was 20, but piano and singing have always been my greatest passions.

My teacher, Jane Meggitt, taught both me and my mum, Kathleen, who’s a singer and piano lover herself. I grew up surrounded by music – Mum took me to choir rehearsals as a baby and my dad is a devoted classical listener. At first, I just wanted to play as well as Mum, but once I could, I was hooked. I love the harmonies, the endless repertoire and that there’s always something new to learn.

You graduated from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Hungary. What drew you there and do you speak Hungarian?

I’d always dreamed of studying music overseas; it felt like a rite of passage. My journey to Hungary began after attending a Kodály (a child-centred music education approach) workshop in Canberra, where I was captivated by the teaching approach. That led to more training – including in Queensland – and eventually to auditioning for the Liszt Academy after encouragement from one of its lecturers, Kata Körtvési.

I can speak a little Hungarian, but I wish I could speak more of this beautiful language!

Do you have a favourite musician or piece of music?

Two pieces I never tire of are the second movement of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major and Sting’s Fields of Gold. Hearing Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major for the first time at the ANU was like an epiphany – it felt as if it contained the whole world in sound. Fields of Gold brings back memories of ice-skating as a child; I still love that 80s–90s atmosphere and its rhythmic simplicity.

Some of my favourite musicians include the late pianist Alfred Brendel, the British choir Voces8 and performers I’ve worked with such as Alexander Knight (baritone) and Anneliese McGee-Collett (cellist). And yes, I also adore Celine Dion!

Have any performances or experiences particularly shaped you as a musician or teacher?

Creating choirs has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. At Neville Bonner Primary, I started a choir and took them to the Eisteddfod – we were the only public school choir there, which felt incredibly special. I love helping students experience the magic of singing together and seeing their confidence grow.

While in Hungary, I performed in Zoltán Kodály’s house and met his wife – a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Other highlights include performing Fauré’s Piano Quintets to a full house at the ANU and conducting a charity concert for Lifeline.

As Radford’s new Director of Voice, what are your hopes for your first 12 months?

My goal is to build strong connections with students and staff – once I know the people and the culture, I can see what’s possible. I’d love to involve even more students in singing and make it a bigger part of school life.

I also hope to strengthen the choral program by developing music literacy, collaborating more with instrumental ensembles and taking our singing beyond Radford’s walls.

People might be surprised to know that…

You might find me down the road at CISAC – teaching swimming!