Lotte Latukefu Email and Phone Number

I am Associate Professor and Head of Creative and Performing Arts with a background in music. For the past 30-years my creative practice and academic work have influenced the field of Higher Music Education at both an international and national level. In the last 10 years my research and publications have focused on understanding how conservatoires can better prepare students for “portfolio careers” in music—a reality for many musicians who rely on multiple income streams across diverse roles to sustain their careers. Traditionally, this approach meant equipping students with “Plan B” skills alongside their artistic training. Yet, even knowing they’d need to perform different roles in a challenging industry, most students I spoke to over the years told me they wanted this time to really extend their performance and musical skills.This realisation made me question: why are we teaching students just to cope with the industry's challenges? I’m committed to changing the narrative from endurance to empowerment, helping musicians advocate for fair working conditions, adequate pay, and protections. My goal is to prepare artists not merely to survive but to reshape the music industry for a better, more sustainable future. I have drawn heavily on my prior leadership experience at the University of Wollongong where my outstanding contribution to learning and teaching was recognised with prestigious awards such as the UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for learning and teaching and an ALTC national citation. I have taken part in the successful recruitment of music students from countries such as Nepal, Vietnam and Indonesia. I am passionate about cultural diversity in music education and I have overseen curriculum adaptation and development that is inclusive and welcoming to students from all cultures and backgrounds.