Teaching Spotlight: Genevieve Wilkins

The Teaching Spotlight is a regular feature that highlights the outstanding contributions of educators at ECU. Each edition of this series focuses on an individual who exemplifies excellence in teaching—whether through innovative practices, student engagement, curriculum development, or mentorship. By sharing their stories, strategies, and insights, The Teaching Spotlight aims to celebrate teaching excellence, inspire peers, and foster a culture of continuous improvement in learning and teaching across the university.

Curious to hear more about her methods and impact? Let’s hand it over to Genevieve to tell us more!

Genevieve, what does learning and teaching mean to you? What role does active learning play in your approach?

As a music lecturer, I am incredibly passionate about hands-on practical teaching and learning activities. Even when teaching academic subjects like Music Theory, I always get students standing and making music with theoretical concepts, so we can fully understand their uses and applications. This includes singing and body percussion activities (eg. clapping and stomping) in one large circle in the class!

How would you describe your teaching practice in three words and why?

Active, engaging, and over- enthusiastic! I am genuinely passionate about the different music subjects I teach including Music Performance, Theory/Aural Skills, Music in Community and Music Business Skills. I am a total nerd and try to convert all students to have the same enthusiasm and intentionality of application as I do.

What advice would you give yourself at the start of your teaching journey?

Be curious and keep looking for new ideas.

What is a classroom moment you are most proud of?

That is a wonderful question and difficult to answer as there have been lots! I am really proud when students take the time to tell me how much they dreaded aural/theory as it was their weakest subject, only to find true confidence and understanding over the year. I am so genuinely proud of them.

What’s a piece of meaningful feedback from a student that has stuck with you?

Thank you for making it exciting to learn.

Do you have a go-to active learning activity in your teaching that encourages engagement with students?

My go-to is always to get the class standing in a circle and doing body percussion and singing patterns. It is heaps of fun and helps us all focus at the beginning of class.

About Genevieve

Genevieve Wilkins is a Lecturer and Outreach Coordinator at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at ECU. Genevieve is an Australian born multi-percussionist, educator and presenter, who has been teaching at WAAPA since 2017 after returning from living and performing in London, UK for 14 years. She is known for her cross-genre ability, as well as vibrant energy and enthusiasm when performing on stage. Genevieve has worked for half of her career in the UK and Europe, performing and/or recording with artists including Nash Ensemble, Joanna MacGregor, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Lionel Richie, Akon, Josh Groban and was a member of ensemblebash– UK’s Premiere Percussion Ensemble. She has also worked extensively in theatre and musical theatre as musical director and percussionist, including Thriller Live, Tap Dogs, Never Forget and various shows and filmed performances at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (2008-2016). She is a passionate and talented educator who creates hands-on practical learning experiences for her students.

Learn more about Genevieve here.