I started out a little undecided about whether to pursue music or computer science. Music won out initially, and I studied at the Australian Institute of Music and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, before completing postgraduate studies at Macquarie University and the University of Technology Sydney. As it turns out, I have never really had to choose between the two.
I hold a PhD in computational musicology, where my research has focused on applying mathematical models to music analysis. I've always been interested in the connections between music, mathematics, computing, and learning, and much of my professional life has involved exploring these relationships.
I spent a number of years teaching in universities, covering subjects including musicology, harmony, improvisation, music history, ensemble performance and composition. Alongside this, I became increasingly involved in computer science, mathematics and software development. Over the past two decades, I've developed software in languages including C, C++, Java, R, Haskell and Python, working on everything from music analysis and digital humanities research to large-scale data systems and advanced math.
In 2012, I moved out of the university sector into data science and machine learning roles, working primarily in health analytics, artificial intelligence and information technology. This eventually led to my appointment as Chief Data Officer at the Cancer Institute NSW, a position I held from 2018 to 2025. It was a fascinating period, giving me the opportunity to lead large multidisciplinary teams, develop data and analytics capabilities, and contribute to AI and data strategy at both state and national levels.
In 2025, I decided it was time for a change. After many years working in senior tech roles, I wanted to spend more time doing the things that had originally drawn me into music and computing: creating software, exploring ideas, performing music with others, teaching and helping people learn new things.
I've since returned to teaching, undertaking formal teacher education at the University of Newcastle, with a focus on primary and secondary education. I particularly enjoy working with students who are discovering something for the first time, whether that's playing their first notes on a piano, understanding a mathematical concept or exploring how music and technology fit together.
An increasingly important part of my work has been designing and developing educational software and interactive learning resources. I like to combine my skills and experience in software engineering, music, mathematics and teaching to create tools that make learning more engaging, accessible and enjoyable. These include applications for ear training, music notation, harmony, improvisation, rhythm and composition, as well as resources exploring the mathematics of sound and electronic music synthesis.
I'm particularly interested in how technology can support independent learning, encourage curiosity and help students develop a deeper understanding of ideas. Having been part of the Open Source community for a long time, I am also really committed to the idea that high-quality educational resources should be accessible to everyone, which is why I develop many freely available resources through this website.
Music has always remained a big part of my life. As a performing musician, I work across solo and ensemble settings spanning jazz fusion, experimental improvisation and electronic ambient music. When playing live, I like to mix things up, combining acoustic instruments, synthesis, looping and sampling, with improvisation at the centre of it all.
I've also recently released an album, SAJA Project 01, with Aotearoa-based artist Sally Jamila. It's been wonderful making music with my partner in music and in life, and we're looking forward to recording and performing more together.
These days, I'm enjoying bringing together the different strands of my career: music, education, computing and creative technology. I'm still learning new things every day, and I hope to keep developing resources, making music and sharing what I've learned along the way.
Outside of all that, I have two beautiful children and try to get to the water every day. Sometimes I think I should get a dog and do (at least some) yoga.