WADE, David (1942-2012)
David Wade, sessional music and piano teacher at the College, taught at both the Senior and Preparatory School campuses from 1996 to 2012. David commenced teaching piano at College in July 1996, specialising in the tuition of young students at the Preparatory School, however, over several years of Saturday-morning group music activities for pre-school children held in Campbell House, his gifts as a classroom music teacher were also shared with the wider community.
David was an excellent singer, with extensive experience in choral music in the UK and Australia, and he assisted the Music Faculty in directing our ‘Carols By Candlelight’ presentation on more than one occasion, with repertoire choices that were diverse and imaginative. As a piano teacher he displayed professionalism and a thorough knowledge of pedagogy and repertoire. His instrumental music reports were literary gems, conveying with grammatical accuracy and unique style a complete understanding of his students’ practical strengths and weaknesses as well as insights into their character, both musically and personally. An avid story-teller, David shared a wealth of experiences with staff and students on many occasions, and his enthusiasm and wit will be sorely missed. His students, in particular, have been very fortunate to have shared their musical life with David.
He died at Geelong on 30 March 2012.
Sources: Ad Astra July 2012, page 30