It is with sadness that I share the news Honorary Life Member Dr Doreen Bridges AM FACE has passed away in Adelaide. She was 106 years old.
Dee, as she was affectionately known to many, was a champion for Australian music education and leaves an incredible legacy. She was the first to receive a PhD in music education from an Australian university in 1970, and her work continues to impact the lives of teachers and children even today. She will be remembered by many for her publications, including “Music, Young Children, and You,” which introduces parents and educators to music in the early years. With Dr Deanna Hoermann, she published the widely used collection, “Catch a Song,” and evaluated the Developmental Music Programme, which was the beginning of the Australian Kodály movement in New South Wales.
Doreen’s work spans associations and approaches, including the International Society for Music Education, Dalcroze Australia, and Kodály Australia. She was a Patron of Dalcroze Australia and an Honorary Life Member of Kodály Australia. She taught music at all levels, from kindergarten to postgraduate study, including as a Senior Lecturer at the Nursery School Teacher’s College in Sydney. She was later Chairman of the Board of Governors of the NSW State Conservatorium.
AMSE offers our condolences to Doreen’s family and all those that were touched by her. Please join me in remembering and celebrating Doreen.
With best wishes
Dr Jason Goopy
President
Australian Society for Music Education
president@asme.edu.au
