Amanda Grigg (Ms)
Senior Lecturer
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Organisation unit

College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts

Location

Adelaide University
Profile of Amanda Grigg
My working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. My non-working day is Wednesday.

About me

I am a percussionist and educator with a career spanning professional performance, recording, composition, and tertiary teaching. My work is grounded in a commitment to artistic excellence, collaboration, and mentoring emerging musicians. I balance an active performance life with leadership and teaching roles in higher education, supporting students to develop both artistic depth and professional confidence.

I was the recipient of an Australia Council grant, which supported advanced marimba study in New York with internationally renowned soloists William Moersch and Nancy Zeltsman. This period of study was formative in shaping my artistic voice and approach to performance and pedagogy.

I perform regularly with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, with career highlights including international tours to Asia and the United States, the Australian premiere of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, and major works such as Brett Dean’s Hamlet. Alongside my orchestral work, I maintain a broad freelance practice encompassing opera, ballet, cabaret, musical theatre, choral repertoire, and film soundtracks. My chamber music work includes performances such as Ukaria 24 with Lawrence Power and the world premiere of Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan for the Adelaide Festival of Arts. 

 My recording experience includes television projects with Australian Dance Theatre and national radio broadcasts as a marimba soloist. In addition to performing, I am a published composer, with percussion works released through the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). 

 I currently serve as Head of Percussion Studies and Program Director for the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music (Honours).

My academic work is driven by a strong commitment to excellence in both percussion performance and pedagogy, and to fostering learning environments that are rigorous, supportive, and collegial. Drawing on extensive professional experience, my teaching prioritises real‑world learning, close mentorship, and personalised student pathways that reflect individual artistic goals. I work closely with students to support their technical development, creative independence, and professional readiness, preparing them for sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving musical landscape

I teach percussion across all levels from first year to Masters, coordinate percussion activities, coach and rehearse ensembles, and deliver specialist rhythm training for instrumentalists. I also coordinate Honours Music Minor Project (MUSI4001) and Honours Music Major Project (MUSI4002), mentoring students toward creative independence, professional readiness, and sustainable careers.

I serve as a Percussion Advisor for the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) and have contributed original compositions to the AMEB Percussion Series 1 Grade books. Through this role, I support the development of national assessment standards and repertoire for percussion students across Australia. 

 I am also Head of Percussion at the Open Music Academy at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, where I work with emerging musicians and educators and contribute to the broader professional community as a respected leader in the field.
Last updated on 06/02/2026 by Amanda Grigg