MIC Staff

Brett Wood

“I teach because I enjoy unlocking the potential in young people. To witness the growth and development of the students I work with is my greatest reward.”

Brett has over thirty years of experience working with young people. His skill and knowledge has been honed across the education and community youth sectors. This provides him with a unique understanding of the educational and personal needs of young people. He established Music Industry College when he saw the magnetic power that music has to engage disenfranchised young people. Brett is the Managing Director of Music Industry Community Services, the parent body of the College and Starving Kids, and has overseen all projects undertaken by both organisations since their inception. He has a passion for mentoring young people and helping them achieve their potential in their field of choice. He is most proud of the achievements of his students and cannot wait to see what they do next.

Bianca Hines

“I teach because I have a passion and drive that is born out of a desire to inspire. My role extends beyond merely teaching, to liaising and collaborating with students to gain a love for learning and self-improvement.”

Bianca completed a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education in 2013. Prior to this, she studied at the Queensland College of Art where she ventured to Germany to study photography, undertook a double major in Art History and Interdisciplinary Sculpture. She has a passion for contemporary art and travel she takes multiple trips aboard annually to explore the international art scene. Bianca has experience in curating and exhibiting in local and national art spaces, public art projects and undertakes commission projects in her spare time. Starting at MIC in 2016, Bianca enjoys running the Music Industry College Live Venue Team and tapping away at her own art practice in her spare time.

Charles Dugan

“I teach because I want to help young people develop enthusiasm and the skills for learning.”

Charles has spent the better part of his life as a performing and recording musician. He has a BMus(hons1) from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and a DipEd from QUT. He has performed in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and at the Sydney Opera House. As part of the indie pop/rock band, The Boat People, he has released 3 full length albums and several EPs, played with acts such as David Byrne and The Shins and performed live on Triple J, ABC Radio National, MTV and legendary Los Angeles radio station KCRW.

Allison Bennett

“I teach to nurture our next generation, to build community and to keep learning.”

MIC Maths teacher Allison completed a Graduate Diploma of Education in 2016 after 15 years working in accounting and financial planning, specializing in small-businesses, non-profits and community enterprises. This included a 10 year stint living in the US and Canada. Allison also enjoys coordinating extra-curricular dance activities at MIC.

James Beavis

James has a Bachelor of Education and Arts in Journalism and began teaching after meeting some inspiring young people and teachers as a journalist. He also performs as a singer/songwriter in various acts that embrace Americana-influenced music and is a gun-for-hire as a harmonica player. As artist/manager/video clip director James has a DIY approach to the music industry. His journalism experience aids the students in running the Starving Kids blog and in his spare time he writes and drinks gourmet coffee.

Kristin Fergusson

“I teach because it’s completely unpredictable and fun. I love watching students come alive as they start on the path of finding out who they are.”

Kristin combines her two great passions–Music and Maths–at MIC. She has a rich history of playing in local Brisbane bands since 1989 and is currently enjoying gigging in her latest project, the spooky-surf-western band The Double Happiness. Kristin is a multi-instrumentalist with a keen interest in writing soundtrack music. Kristin has been teaching Maths at a variety of levels in Queensland schools since 1991. She is dedicated to building students' confidence in Maths by demonstrating its relevance to both the Music Industry and everyday life.

Sam Grace

“I have a passion for helping young adults discover their abilities through the creative arts.”

Sam started his working life as a sound engineer and producer at Psi-Fi studios after completing a Bachelor in Music Production at QUT. He later became a youth worker in flexible learning centres in Brisbane and Melbourne as the lead music educator while completing a Master in Teaching. During this time he has produced and toured multiple albums and EPs with his two acts The Optimen and Bankrupt Billionaires. He joined MIC at the start of 2019 and feels right at home mentoring and learning from young artists.

Craig Burnett

“I teach because my highschool music and arts teachers helped me find joy making music and performing. As professionals themselves, they exposed me to the arts industry and how a mindset of learning and problem solving is invaluable. I want to pass this on.”

Craig started his performance career in the singing role as the third billy goats gruff in year 1. As an adult, he has studied jazz voice and vocal pedagogy at the Queensland Conservatorium, toured and recorded with jazz act Scat and worked in diverse arts oriented and training roles. Having worked in schools and with young people, for many years he has recently made the move formal teaching and is enjoying the journey at MIC.

Melissa Kirk

“I'm a Student Support Officer because helping is in my nature. Sometimes there is so much going on that concentrating on school work can be hard for students. I'm the person to help students overcome the difficulties and guide them so that they can continue to concentrate on their education at MIC.”

Mel joined MIC in 2017 after 11 years working with children in foster care. She has also previously worked as a Youth Support Coordinator in high schools in Logan. Mel has a Bachelor of Arts (Education Major) and a Bachelor of Social Work.

Ros Wood

Ros has over 30 years administrative experience and co-founded Music Industry Community Services with Brett in 2008. She has spent the last 5 years creating systems and policies for the school and project managed the construction/redevelopment of the new school facility in Berwick Street. Ros has recently completed a Diploma of Business Administration.

Georgia Barling

Georgia joined us in 2016 as our first MIC graduate staff member (2010). Her role at MIC is Administration Officer, supporting the Business Manager with the ever-growing tasks required for the running of a school. Georgia now works on a part-time basis whilst studying a dual degree in Social Work and Behavioural Science (Psychology). She holds a Cert III in Music Industry and Business Administration and has a strong passion for the music industry. She is a valued addition to our team.

Renee Judkins

Renee started at MIC in 2019 as Finance Officer working with the Administration Officer and Business Manager. Renee holds a Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management and is currently studying a Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Renee holds a particular interest in music and events and looks forward to seeing the talented students in the school succeed.

Nicole Dutton & Cody Wood

Nicole and Cody are in a shared role on Reception. Both Nicole and Cody bring a warm and welcoming presence to MIC and are ready to help you with all your questions and enquiries. Cody has a Bachelor of Design and does freelance on her days away from MIC. Whilst Nicole, a past parent of MIC, brings a wealth of knowledge in teenagers and education administration.