Ingrid's Story

Previous to launching Umbrella School of Music, Ingrid started and ran another school (Applause Musical Theatre Academy) for participants of all ages and abilities across 5 venues on the North Shore and Northern Beaches of Sydney. She offered some sessions for children and adults with disability, and these were a huge success! Her participants were given amazing opportunities to perform on a stage at least twice a year where they had their own individual moment in the spotlight to shine for family, friends and the wider audience.

Sadly though, after 7 years running the school, Ingrid made the difficult decision to shut it down for a variety of reasons at an extremely challenging time in her life.

She found the following year, 2020, extremely difficult – feeling lost, disappointed and unable to find much work. The Covid Pandemic didn’t help of course! Needless to say, mourning the loss of her school, with little work and numerous lockdowns, Ingrid found herself depressed, feeling isolated and lacking purpose.

Fortunately, she gained some work as a support worker for people with disability and the aged, taking pride in caring for them, and helping them access and participate in community and social activities.

Whilst understandably Ingrid was nervous to start another school, a burning desire and need to have a purpose where she could combine her love of music, her teaching background, psychology knowledge (and lived experience with depression and anxiety) and ability to connect with and help people won in the end.

Believe it or not, a turning point for Ingrid was when she was on a date with a kind, wise, successful business man who spurred her on to pluck up the courage to launch this wonderful school! And of course the idea of this school was what Ingrid needed to rise out of her depression, come back to her true self, and achieve her purpose in life. She’s never been happier and feels so blessed to do what she does!!

Music is the best therapy, remedy and emotional regulator there is but it’s so much more than that…come and join our musical umbrella to discover what music can do for you!

Our Vision

Ingrid has a DREAM…that this world one day will be a much more inclusive, compassionate place where all people are kind to, respectful of and celebrate each other regardless of their differences, abilities and disabilities!

To work towards achieving this dream, Ingrid created this school to engage people of all ages and walks of life in her sessions, activities, workshops and events. The aim is to foster and develop connections between people through the universal language of music!

Through her music, singing and movement programs (currently offered one-on-one or in small groups), all participants can experience the joy and many benefits that partaking in these areas brings.

With music as the medium, many of a participant’s goals related to life and other skills (including cognitive, communication, mood regulation and interpersonal skills) as well as building confidence, can be addressed and developed in a fun and innovative way.

Ingrid believes that everyone can and should have the opportunity to express themselves creatively through music, and that music can improve their lives by helping them develop important skills, qualities and traits!

Musically Inclusive

We offer programs for people of all ages, abilities and disabilities.

Highly Skilled & Qualified

Primary School Education and Psychology degrees with years of experience running a music school.

Safety Ensured

Has current and valid Working with Children and Police checks as well as First Aid and CPR training.

Covid Prepared

Adheres to Covid Safe practices and fully vaccinated with 3 jabs.