Annika Tregonning
Head teacher & director - Sassafras & Online
Annika is a passionate vocalist and nurturing teacher with over thirty years in the performing arts. Her career spans roles as a singer, dancer, actor and adjudicator, highlighting her diverse talents. Annika's artistic journey began at the VCA and flourished through private training with inspiring mentors like Monique Brynnel, Jon Weaving, and Suzanne Johnston. As a CoreSinging specialist, Annika had the privilege of training privately with the esteemed teacher and author, Dr. Meribeth Dayme.
Annika is committed to lifelong learning, frequently attending professional development workshops to stay abreast of the latest in vocal pedagogy. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Psychotherapy to deepen her understanding of performance psychology and personal well-being, adding another dimension to her holistic teaching approach.
With a rich knowledge of various musical and vocal techniques, Annika excels at bringing out the best in her students. She creates a joyful, supportive environment where students can explore and develop their voices. Her dedication to safe and effective vocal practices, combined with a warm and caring approach, ensures that every student feels valued and encouraged. Her inclusive approach embraces diversity, working with students from the LGBTIA+ and BIPOC communities and participants in the NDIS program. Annika's teaching repertoire covers contemporary (pop, rock, soul, etc.), musical theatre, classical, and opera genres.
Annika’s students have achieved remarkable success, starring in beloved productions like 'The School of Rock', 'Passage of Time', 'Turandot', 'Tosca', 'Into the Woods', and 'My Fair Lady'. They have performed at esteemed events such as the Melbourne Music Festival, Fringe Festival, The Lost Lands Festival, White Night Festival, MSO Chorus, and Opera Australia Children's Chorus. Her students have released original music on iTunes and Spotify, produced professional music videos, and toured both nationally and internationally. Many have gained entry to prestigious institutions like Melbourne and Monash University, and The Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles and New York, won gold medals at The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, and earned full music scholarships. Additionally, her students have been involved with projects in collaboration with APRA AMCOS.
Recently, Annika co-wrote and performed on the short film score 'A Fairytale Life' with Brad Buenen for Audacious Dreaming, which premiered at the Davis Feminist Film Festival in Los Angeles. She also performed in Judi Conelli's 'Concert for the Animals'. Annika’s current creative endeavours include crafting original songs and developing a series of concerts, reflecting her boundless love for her art and her students.