Meet The Beats Bus Team

The Beats Bus Team

The Beats Bus is fuelled by a team of qualified educators, actors and musicians. We are committed to delivering music education to young learners in a fun, stimulating and creative learning environment that inspires and empowers them to become life long learners and lovers of music!

Brendan Gilmour LLB, B.Ed ~ (Brendan the Bus Driver)

Brendan began his musical training many kilometres ago when his parents introduced him to music as a young boy. He loved music so much that he started piano lessons when he was six. These lessons continued for many years until completion of Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) senior qualifications in Pianoforte and Music Theory. His musical journey then took him to learn the alto saxophone, drums and many forms of hand percussion - all of which he has now played for over 15 years. At various bus stops along life's journey, Brendan has also completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Education. Throughout this time he has also gained many years experience working with children, locally and internationally, in a variety of fields. The highlight of his international experience was acceptance into a Taiko drumming group in Japan. This was a great honour and a truly unique experience which allowed him to further his drumming expertise. He is very excited to be 'driving the next generation in music education' as he combines his true passions of music and working with children.

Shea Smith ~ (Surfer Shea - one of his many characters)

Shea has been riding the crest of a wave as a qualified actor for the past six years since completing his training at the Actors Workshop. After a surf, he likes to head back to the sand and play some drums to celebrate the occasion. Shea has been learning percussion instruments for over 12 years, having begun his musical tuition playing clarinet. He is a highly accomplished percussionist on both electronic and acoustic drums. His experience ranges from live performance to studio recording across many genres of music. He has formalised this experience by successfully completing percussion exams through the Trinity College of London. Shea has several years experience working with children and has planned and implemented play based programs for local council. When not on the bus, Shea can be found completing the final year of a Bachelor of Creative Industries, incorporating all facets of acting, production, direction and film. Shea’s stoked to be onboard The Beats Bus and can’t wait to hit the road to play some groovy beats with Brendan the Bus Driver and the junior jammers!!

Greta Gilmour BA, B.Ed ~ (voice of Betty the Beats Bus)

Greta has been working with children for over ten years. Music has always been a big part of her life. Her earliest introduction began at the age of five when she commenced violin studies under the Suzuki method. This progressed to Greta finding her instrument of choice - the flute. She successfully undertook AMEB studies in flute and has found it to be a very useful tool in the classroom. Greta has acquired a Bachelor of Arts (Modern Asian Studies) and a Bachelor of Education. These qualifications have led Greta on many amazing journeys that have seen her writing and implementing educational programs in both Australia and Japan. More recently, in her role as an International Liaison Officer for a regional town council in Japan, Greta identified the many benefits that were being realised through the early childhood music programs. Greta's love of music and children alike provided the inspiration for the development of The Beats Bus concept.

All members of The Beats Bus Team are accredited and qualified to work with children and each individual member holds a Blue Card. (A Blue Card is the working with children check - issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian - www.bluecard.qld.gov.au)