Alistair Dobson is an improvising saxophonist, who is both a dynamic performer and passionate educator. He is currently employed at University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music where he is Sub Dean, Coordinator of Contemporary Reeds and Brass and lectures in Contemporary Saxophone, Improvisation, Big Band, and Jazz Theory/Aural.
“I became consumed by music at a very young age and despite the hobbies and fads that I moved through, music was the only one that remained constant. It was no surprise to anyone that eventually I went onto formal study at the Conservatorium. Studying at UTAS provided me with such a variety of great experiences and opportunities that when I graduated with my Bachelors degree, I moved immediately into a Masters degree - I was not ready for the journey to end,” Alistair said.
“I have been very fortunate that, through music, I have been able to travel internationally as well as perform domestically with some of the greatest musicians this country has to offer – all from a base here in Hobart. My time as a student prepared me well for this and, in fact, I still perform with some of my fellow UTAS students and I am part of a world-wide network of alumni.
“Although I now have a full time position at UTAS, I still maintain an active freelance performance profile and am also currently performing with the regular groups Let the Cat Out, TANK and Modern Operative.
“Teaching at the Conservatorium has provided me with an opportunity to equip others with the same skills and experiences I was given. I get great satisfaction to have the opportunity to teach at the same institution that I graduated from, because I am confident that the program, staff and University as a whole are all working together to provide students with the highest-level education possible.”