Naida Blackley OAM

Naida moved to Canberra in 1978 and joined her first ensemble, the Canberra Youth Wind Ensemble, which was then part of the Canberra Youth Orchestra Society. A talented flautist and piccolo player, she also began conducting lessons and led the band as part of her university studies. She completed a Bachelor of Secondary Music Education in 1984.

Over the next 39 years, Naida taught in ACT public schools, serving in the classroom, as an executive teacher, and ultimately as Principal of the ACT Instrumental Music Program for 17 years. In 2013, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her outstanding service to music and education.

Passionate about ensuring that all children and young people have the opportunity to develop their musical abilities—particularly in ensembles of all kinds—Naida is a strong advocate for the value of group music-making. One of her favourite sayings captures her philosophy perfectly: “Music is the best team sport you can do sitting down.”