One of the perceived gaps in local services when the Centre started was music education at every level and an early objective was to encourage the establishment of tertiary music education in the city.
Classes, courses, and workshops in a wide variety of musical styles, levels, instruments, and experiences have been an important part of the work of the Centre. Training for the very young, and musical experiences for the disadvantaged were an early focus.
For tutors and leaders, the Centre drew on existing local talent, exploited the opportunities when musicians were visiting the region for other purposes, and in some cases was able to offer financial support to encourage musicians to come to the region.
With time, the establishment of music as a subject at James Cook University and the increase in regional population brought more musicians north and musical training in Townsville and Thuringowa became more readily available.
An organisation such as the Music Centre might have faded away at this point, its work successfully accomplished. Our Centre though, had moved on finding new areas of need. Once you have many people learning about music, the next requirements are performance and listening opportunities.
The Centre ran a very significant concert program for many years and this continues to be a focus of its work. It has always seen its objectives as including the production of an audience and market for music and the support of emerging musicians.
