When David Francis has taken the reigns of previous arts organisations he has shaken them up and turned them around, and now he is ready to transform the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music in Keiraville.
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The new CEO won't necessarily "flip" the organisation like he has done to others, but the visionary sees plenty of opportunity to bring music to the ears of people far and wide.
"It's providing this amazing stream of music just across the city," Mr Francis told the Mercury.
"The Con has always been responsible for promoting performances in Wollongong - I want to see more performances and live music that's accessible."
People think conservatorium and they think string orchestras and classical ensembles ... but the breadth of what goes here is really impressive.
- David Francis
He's only been in the post for less than a week, but described the foundations of his vision were to champion more music "leaders", more live music and community ensembles, elevate the profile of their teachers and show everyone in the community the power music has to enrich lives.
"People think conservatorium and they think string orchestras and classical ensembles," Mr Francis said. "The breadth of what goes here is really impressive from little preschool music right the way through to community ensembles, and the jazz program is exceptional and regarded across Australia."
Originally from the UK, Mr Francis' outsiders view of the jazz programs were especially remarkable because of the success rate in fostering future professional, working musicians.
He wants to build on this and offer more diversity in what types of music young people want to make - heavy metal perhaps? While promoting more live gigs mean inspiring more people to pick up an instrument.
"That's one of the key reasons why young people continue with an instrument is seeing an adult performing," he said.
Meantime he can't wait to sink his teeth into organising celebrations for next year's 50th anniversary to highlight many of the renowned musicians who once graced the halls of Glennifer Brae.
Richard Tognetti, lead violinist and artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, is one of those.
"I'm really keen to celebrate the alumni as well as all the staff and so on who are here now and bring all the energy, it's a really exciting prospect," the CEO said.
Mr Francis was headhunted for the job after the shock departure of Justin Ankus in February - who tendered his resignation after only four months.
"My career is built on joining organisations at that formative point, so I'm really interested in development of organisations ... and in the past I've launched completely new organisations," Mr Francis said.
His previous transformations include turning a biennial music festival into a year-round arts organisation, bringing a hundred-year-old choir into the modern day, and helping "revitalise" the First Nation's Dhurga language from Yuin country through music and song.
"Music education is a lifelong thing, it doesn't just focus on young people, so I would like to see many more adults from the community coming in."