Two Minutes with Wil New
What are you studying?
I’m studying a Bachelor of Music (Performance) here at Wesley Institute.
What brought you to Wesley Institute?
I came on the recommendation of a friend who had attended Wesley Institute several years ago.
What are your career aspirations?
I want to do a Graduate Diploma in Education so I can teach in high school, and then do a Master Degree and come back here to teach.
How are you being challenged in your classes and projects?
If you take inspiration from the talented people around you, it's very easy to be challenged every day to do better. You can also learn so much if you acknowledge that there's something of value in every class, every interaction, and every moment spent here.
How have the tutors and lecturers at Wesley Institute supported you in your study?
They’ve been encouraging, supportive and, when needed, demanding. They always want me and the other students to do our best, and they give us the tools and knowledge to do it.
What makes Wesley Institute unique to you? 
It has much more of a “community” feel to it than other universities I’ve attended in the past. Everyone gets on well with everyone, and there’s no segregation between first, second and third year students. Particularly, in the music department, there’s an air of “Hey, you’re a muso, too – let’s jam!” regardless of the year you're in or what you play.
At Wesley Institute, not only do you do a degree, but you also look at the integration of faith and the arts. What does that mean to you and how has that influenced your study?
It’s great to be able to create music and learn in a place where there’s no worry of prejudice or bias against your religion. Although Wesley Institute makes no bones about the fact that it’s a Christian institute and that it teaches (amongst other things) Christian values and subjects (such as theological studies), everyone is encouraged to speak their mind without attacking others, and to think for themselves, even if it means questioning the subject matter being taught (as long as you’re respectful, most of the lecturers are happy to have a debate!).
What is your favourite aspect of life at Wesley Institute?
My favourite aspect would be the content that we’re learning. Even subjects like Music History (which some find to be a little dry at times) still have value and things that we can learn (guitarists – think you’re the first to use the Phrygian mode in a blinding solo? Think again!). The one-on-one lessons for various instruments always leave me buzzing, wanting to play more.
What is the best memory you have at Wesley Institute?
My performance of “Up Is Down” from the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie for our Performance class – I had 16 of my peers on stage with me and they all put in massive amounts of effort (and put up with having to act and wear costumes) for a five minute performance. The shouts of “Encore! Encore!” made it worth all the effort!
What has been your proudest moment as a student?
Being a part of the music students’ recitals in 2008 – I was responsible for managing the performance space, (everything from sound to lights to audio/visual gear), and I was just happy that my work didn’t detract from the amazing performances on stage. It was such a privilege to be a (small) part of such fantastic performances.
Why should other students come to Wesley Institute?
If you want to learn from first class teachers, be inspired by brilliant musicians and explore your faith further in a strongly peer-supportive environment, then you should definitely come to Wesley Institute! You there, stop reading this, start applying to study here!
And Just For fun…
Who inspires you?
My brother Craig (currently walking from France to Spain just because he felt like going for a long stroll); my gorgeous and hardworking wife Jenny; past students of Wesley Institute, Asher Graieg, Nick Lane and Matthew Glowacki.
How do you unwind after a long day of classes? 
Unwind? Haha, good one! Oh, wait, you were serious. Where possible, I’ll spend some down time with my wife Jenny and our gorgeous little bub, Ella. Makes it all worth it at the end of the day.
What was the first CD you bought?
Gosh, now we’re stretching back into the archives...I think it was “Let’s Ride!” by Front End Loader, bought at one of the first all-age gigs I went to. The Mighty Loader was one of Sydney’s hardest workin’ and hardest rockin’ bands at the time, and I had adolescent fantasies of being asked to join the band for a tour one day.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
My dad’s dad, who passed away when my dad was in his early teens. He was, by all accounts, a wonderful father and husband, and I’m sure I could learn a lot from him. I'd also love to meet Harry Gregson-Williams (Narnia) and Howard Shore (LOTR), two amazing film score composers, and learn the tricks of the trade from them."
What is your favourite movie?
I only get to pick one?!?! Hmmm...well, one of my favorite films would have to be The Adventures of Robin Hood (starring Errol Flynn, made in 1938). I’ve seen it that many times I can quote nearly the whole thing, and hum most of the soundtrack too.
Most hated chore on the household chore list?
Probably changing nappies – I mean, seriously, how much can one little bubba poop?!?!
