Our People - Stephen Boyle
Born
and bred in Adelaide, I studied music at the Elder Conservatorium,
majoring on trombone and then worked as a freelance musician for a
number of years. During this time I had the privilege of working with
some of the greatest names in music and entertainment, ranging from
international stars like Shirley Bassey, Sammy Davis Jr, Jerry Lewis and
Liberace to the St Petersburg and Sadlers’ Wells Royal Ballet companies.
I did freelance work with orchestras such as the Adelaide Symphony,
Melbourne Philharmonic and the State Opera Company of SA. I also worked
in musical theatre, playing in the pit for many shows and even did a
stint with the circus.
The life of a freelance musician, while varied and exciting, is also somewhat sporadic, so I took a full-time position with the South Australia Police band. This 35-piece professional band works as the state band of SA and performs across the state, nationally and internationally to communities of all shapes and sizes. A highlight of my time with the band was our invitation to perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1990.
I was eventually promoted to Band Master and it was at this point that my interest in management studies began. I completed a Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts) and an MBA at UniSA and soon after was appointed as la ecturer in arts management at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). My time at this internationally recognised training institution for the performing arts was exciting and gave me a great introduction to the world of academia.
In 2000 I accepted a position here at UniSA as a lecturer in the arts and cultural management program. This program is the oldest and largest postgraduate program of its type in Australia. The program has a great reputation and has produced many fine graduates holding significant positions in the cultural sector in Australia and overseas. As Program Director of this program I hope to continue this fine work and help to produce the future leaders of our arts and cultural institutions.
Stephen Boyle is Director of the Master of Management (Arts and Cultural Management) Program.