BRAD MERRICK
Background
I am a passionate music educator, researcher, advocate, and leader, constantly exploring emerging trends in learning and teaching practice in music education, digital technology, the arts, curriculum, teaching and learning, and beyond. I am focused on developing purposeful learning experiences that assist teachers and learners in enhancing their understanding of the things that drive us to do what we do in our lives every day including areas related to:-
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motivation, self-belief, self-regulation, and goal setting,
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technology-based learning (including online learning),
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collaboration and problem-solving,
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strategic thinking, design, and application,
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designing and implementing research,
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developing evidence-based practice,
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artistic performance and creativity,
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creative, purposeful leadership,
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innovative curriculum design and implementation.
I have extensive leadership experience and many years of teaching in various secondary and tertiary settings. As an author, presenter, researcher, consultant, performer, and learner, I continue to be in demand as a presenter, facilitator, researcher, and consultant in many educational settings and locations, working with both staff and students to inspire them to achieve their best in all they undertake.
Currently employed as a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, I have spent many years in educational research and teaching, having been involved in leading many teams and colleagues, I continue to refine and share my experience in these areas.
I am fascinated to understand the things that drive humans in all that they do in our lives, with a particular interest in how motivation, the arts, and our sense of self contribute to our well-being. Education is pivotal in our lives and continues to change daily. We have the responsibility to alter practice and pedagogy to accommodate the ever-changing needs of the students in all settings. This is a necessity to ensure that teachers are able to adapt and change their practice in the 21st century.
One of my latest ventures looks to explore approaches to teaching online in a podcast series where we are looking to share creative approaches to teaching. www.musicedtech4u.com and https://www.buzzsprout.com/991291
My expertise in Learning, Leadership, and Music
As a Senior Lecturer in Music and Coordinator of the Master of Music (Performance Teaching) program at Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne, I continue to develop and share my passion in the areas of teaching, research, performance, psychology and curriculum development within the tertiary setting, while also continuing to develop partnerships and collaborations with the educational community locally, nationally and internationally.
Prior to moving into academia, I was involved in music and music education for many years, having taught music in the NSW State, Catholic, and Independent systems. I also held lecturing positions at the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University and the University of New South Wales, combined with additional roles at the University of Queensland.
My professional life, my music, and much of music education work have involved advocacy and professional learning in Australia as well as involvement across various national and international committees and associations. My passion and focus have been ensuring access to quality music education for all students around Australia. This has also included sharing my passion, extensive teaching and research experience, and expertise in leadership at many events in Australia and beyond.
As my passion is situated in motivation and learning, I have been fortunate to continue my work in a research-based role while also being able to teach and perform music, conduct various ensembles and develop a high-level performance with students at both the secondary and tertiary level.
Having a passion for music technology has allowed me to develop an awareness of emerging practice and application of the latest digital technologies in online and school-based learning environments.
As a consultant, I have developed large-scale Professional Learning programs, informed by Research and Innovation for teachers and leaders. As an experienced examiner in music performance, and also as an author, curriculum designer, and consultant, my experience in teaching and learning is extensive and informed by theory and practice.
Having previously been on Federal Government Advisory Groups, and National President of the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME), I am currently a commissioner for the (MISTEC) Music In School Teacher Education World Commission, and a member of the ISME (International Society for Music Education) World Advocacy Committee, working will colleagues around the world, to foster quality engagement in learning through music for everyone.
Drawing on my long-standing involvement in music education, technology, curriculum, and leadership, I have published widely across these areas.