After years of putting her students in the spotlight, Victorian music teacher Heidi Gass has found herself on centre stage after being nominated for an ARIA award.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the running for the music teacher category, the award highlights the importance music has in the education system and the dedication teachers show to their students and wider community.
"To be honest, I'm in a bit of shock," Ms Gass, of Emmanuel College Warrnambool, said.
"It's all a bit surreal. At the moment I'm just waiting to hear if I've made it to the final round so it's all a bit bizarre, but it's a pretty amazing feeling even though I'm not very good at being the centre of attention. I like to promote my students more than myself so it's a little bit confronting in some ways but I guess also quite reaffirming to know I'm helping people and fostering a love of music. If somebody out there thinks I'm doing something good then it's good to know I'm creating careers and lives students want."
Emmanuel College's head of performing arts Ian Leonard, who helped in the nomination process, said he had "never come across a teacher quite like Heidi".
"She's an exceptional performer, exceptional musician and exceptional teacher," he said. "She was nominated by a private student who had to write an entry about how Heidi impacted their life and once that nomination came through the ARIA board asked for more references from people including myself and a couple of parents.
He said Ms Gass had a positive impact on students both musically and personally.
"The impact she has on the kids is not just on a musical front - she's a really caring person as well, bringing out the best in students and gets them through some really hard times.
"I know personally a couple of her students probably wouldn't be here today if she hadn't been their teacher.
"Her students certainly value what she does greatly and it's an incredible thing for Warrnambool."