It is with great sadness that we inform our community of the passing of Honorary Life Member Dr Doreen Bridges AM FACE.

Dr Bridges made a significant contribution to Australian music education.

She was known by many in our community, particularly for her work evaluating the Kodály-inspired Developmental Music Program initiated by our founder, Dr Deanna Hoermann. Dr Bridges and Dr Hoermann also produced several resources, including the well-known (and loved) song collection Catch a Song.

Dr Bridges inspired many through her work in tertiary institutions, including at the University of Sydney and the Nursery School Teachers’ College [later known as the Institute of Early Childhood]. She was also the first to be awarded a doctorate in music education by an Australian university.

Her service and commitment to professional associations, including the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME), Dalcroze Australia, the International Society for Music Education (ISME) and Kodály Australia, is an example for us all.

She died at the age of 106 – a remarkable achievement.

We extend our condolences to Doreen’s family and everyone who knew her.

Please join me in remembering Dr Doreen Bridges.

Jason Boron
President
Kodály Australia