Monica Buckland
Monica is a conductor, teacher and coach.
After Newnham, she studied at the Musik-Akademie Basel, and went on to enjoy a freelance conducting career in Europe. She has been Principal of a conservatoire in Switzerland, Director of Music at the TU Dresden, and most recently Music Director of the New Tyneside Orchestra; currently she is Adjunct Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, and Music Director of the Balmain Sinfonia.
She continues to be part of the MA Choreography team at the Palucca University of Dance, Dresden, and to teach at Durham University, UK. Although coaching ensembles and conductors is most effectively done in person, the Covid-19 crisis has made it clear that, even for conducting, a great deal can still be achieved through online sessions.
Monica is happy to talk to any Newnham students wondering what to do with their music-making or foreign language skills. Having lived and worked in Switzerland (both German- and French-speaking parts), Germany, the Czech Republic and Australia, she can also provide advice on some of the advantages and pitfalls of an international life.