Kim Thomsen
Kim’s illustrious career as a professional musician and educator spans over three decades, marked by pioneering achievements, distinguished performances, and dedicated service to the musical community. At the age of 17, Kim embarked on her musical journey by joining the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Band, becoming one of the first women ever accepted into this prestigious ensemble. During her six years with the RAN Band, Kim had the honour of performing for members of the Royal Family, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Albert, Prince Charles, and the late Princess Diana.
Kim’s performing career has seen her share the stage with renowned artists such as Silvie Paladino, Frank Woodley, Wilbur Wilde, Denise Drysdale, Frankie J Holden, Kate Ceberano, James Morrison, Rhonda Burchmore, The Seekers, Miriam Gormley, Rob Guest, and the original Glenn Miller Band. Her versatility and exceptional musicianship have made her a sought-after performer and conductor in a variety of musical settings.
For the past 30 years, Kim has served as the Music Director of the Cardinia Civic Concert Band, a role she regards as one of her most significant musical achievements. Under her leadership, the band has flourished, embarking on two international tours to represent the Cardinia Shire in Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Italy. These tours included historic performances at venues such as Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna, the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg, Lingner Schloss in Dresden, Nuremberg Volksfest, and Richard Wagner Jagdschloss in Pirna, where the band received standing ovations.
Kim has been the musical director for over 60 music theatre productions, professionally, in communities and schools and her contributions extend beyond performance to music education. For over 20 years, she has been actively involved with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), where she has played a key role in contributing to curricula, presenting at seminars, and serving in the past as a specialist music assessor and Chief Assessor for all music performance subjects. Her expertise is widely recognised, making her a highly sought-after clinician, presenter, conductor, and speaker.
Kim’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Master of Music Studies with a major in conducting, a Master of Education Research, a Bachelor of Music Industry (Performing Arts), a Diploma of Education, and Certificates IV in Music Performance and Instrumental Music. In addition to her educational pursuits, Kim regularly performs with the bands “Bucket List” and STOABIN at jazz festivals, functions, and clubs.